Monday, October 31, 2016

Amanuensis Monday~Last Will and Testament of Harriet Sellers Deese

 

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 Last Will and Testament of Harriet Sellers Deese.1

Harriett Deese WILL, pg 183Harriett Deese WILL, pg 184Harriett Deese WILL, pg 185

 Transcription:

WILL OF MRS. HARRIET DEESE

North Carolina, ::
Anson County, ::
I, Harriet Deese, of the aforesaid County and State, being of sound mind, but considering the uncertainty or my earthly existence, do make and declare this my last will and testament.
First, My executor hereinafter named, shall give my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my friends and relatives.
Second. I give and devise to my daughter Flora Deese and her heirs in fee simple, the house wherein I am now living, together with that part of my land lying on the North of the Camden road, containing about 14 acres, the same being near the Town of Morven in said County and State; and my said daughter Flora Deese is hereby instructed to pay my funeral expenses.
Third. I give and devise to my son Edward Deese and his heirs in fee simple thirty acres of the land lying on South side of said Camden road and East adjoining the McKinzie Niven land, and my wish and desire is that my said son Edward Deese build him a house, near the house hereinbefore willed to my daughter Flora Deese so that he may look after and see to her welfare, the above thirty acres being a part of my home tract of land, lying near Morven in Morven Township in said County and State.
Fourth. I give and devise to my daughter Hellon Mowery, the remainder of my land, lying on south side of Camden road, containing about 13 acres, for and during the term of her natural life, but in case said Hellon Mowery should marry or leave, the said land to revert to Edward Deese, said land lying and adjoining the aforementioned land in Morven Township in said County and State.
Fifth. I give and bequeath to each of the remainder of my children Five Dollars in cash, Viz: To Dora Eddins Five Dollars Evelyn Boswell Five Dollars, Nezzie Swink Five Dollars, Minnie Eddins Five Dollars, Bradley Deese Five Dollars Lucien Deese Five Dollars, Ann Eliza Price Five Dollars Julian Deese Five Dollars and Cleveland Deese Five Dollars. These sums to be paid to my Executor hereinafter named, by my three children, Edward Deese, Flora Deese and Hellon Mowery, and my said Executor shall pay the said amounts to each of my above mentioned children.
Sixth. I hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend G. A. Martin my lawful executor to all intents and purposes, to execute this my last will and testament, according to the true intent and meaning of the same, and every part and clause thereof, hereby revoking and declaring utterly void, all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made. In witness whereof, I the said Harriett Deese do hereunto set my hand and seal this 17 day of March 1917.
her
Harriet X Deese (Seal)
mark

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Harriet Deese to be her last will and testament in the presence of us who, at her request and in her presence (and in the presence of each other) do subscribe our names as witnesses thereto.
Z. V. Hartsell
Clyde Bowman
Arch McRae.


North Carolina, ::
Anson County. ::
The paper writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Harriet Deese, deceased, is exhibited for probate in open Court by G. A. Martin, he Executor therein named; and it is therefore proven by the oath and examination of Z. V. Hartsell, that Arch McRae one of the subscribing witnesses thereto is dead and that Clyde Bowman, one of the subscribing witnesses thereto is a non-resident of the State; it is further proven by the oath and examination of the said Z. V. Hartsell that the said Harriet Deese, deceased, signed in the presence of witness the said paper writing dated the 17th day of March, 1917, acknowledging the same to be and contain her last Will and Testament; and the said affiant together with Clyde Bowman and Arch McRae attested the execution of said Will in the presence of said testatrix and In the pres­ence of each other, and that at the time of the said execution of the said last Will and Testament, the said Harriet Deese was of sound mind and memory; and it is further proven by the oath and examination of Homer G. Huntley, that he is well acquainted with the hand writing of Clyde Bowman and arch McRae, having often seen then write, and that the names of the said Clyde Bowman and Arch McRae subscribed as witnesses to said last Will and Testament is in the genuine handwriting of the said Clyde Bowman and Arch McRae.
It is also proven by the oath and examination of R. L. Bowman, that he is well acquainted with the handwriting of Clyde Bowman, having often seen him write, and that the name of the said Clyde Bowman subscribed as a witness to said Will is in the genuine handwriting of the said Clyde Bowman, and that the said Clyde Bowman is now a non-resident of the state of North Carolina.
It is there considered and adjudged by the Court that said paper writing and every part and clause thereof is the last Will and Testament of the said Harriet Deese, and the same is ordered to be recorded and filed.
This the 14th day of July, 1925.
S/ W. K. Boggan
Clerk of the Superior Court
Of Anson County


Harriet (Sellers) Deese (14 Feb. 1851-6 July 1925) is a daughter of Phillip A. Sellers and his wife Martha Ann Brooks Sellers. 
 
Harriet and John W. Deese were married on 16 January 1873 in Morven, Anson County, North Carolina. To this union were born 12 children between 1875 and January 1894; 7 daughters and 5 sons.  
 
John W. Deese died in June 1915 and Harriett passed away in July 1925. Harriet and John are buried in the family plot at the Morven Cemetery, Morven, North Carolina.


Harriet Sellers Deese is my 2nd Cousin 3 times removed.

___________________ 
[1] "North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19387-43850-60?cc=1867501 : accessed 15 Aug 2014), Anson > Wills, 1915-1934, Vol. F > image 118 of 337. Will Book "F", pages 183-185.
 

 



























Sunday, October 30, 2016

Chesterfield County SC Estates~Estate Folder #73–William A. Davis, 1888.

 

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 folders:
Folder #73
William Alfred Davis
This estate folder begins at image #263 and ends with image #289. (images 263-289)
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-28896-56?cc=1911928

William Alfred Davis, b. 11 November 1834, a son of Michael Davis and Hulda Rivers. He was a school teacher and farmer and lived in the Zoar Church section of Chesterfield County.

About 1864, William Alfred married Nancy J. Hurst, age 26, daughter of Isaac Hurst and Henrietta Rivers. Over the next 16 to 17 years they would have 10 children; 6 daughters and 4 sons of which two infant daughters and one infant son would not survive. 
Nancy J. Hurst Davis passed away on 8 February 1888 and William Alfred Davis passed away on 29 May 1888. 

Michael Davis, the son of William Alfred was administrator of the estate.

record-image_939L-N399-1Q

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}

To D. M. Barrentine Probate Judge for Chesterfield County.
The undersigned respectively shows to the Court.
1. That William A. Davis late of Chesterfield county died intestate leaving a personal estate worth about five hundred dollars.
2. That said deceased died on the 29th day of May 1888.
3. That Letters of Administration has never been issued to any one and that in order that said estate may be settled according to Law
Your petitioner prays that letters of Administration may be issue to him. Dec. 3rd. 1888.
Witness
D. M. Barrentine                                  Michael X his mark Davis
 
Children and heirs-at-law were:
i. Henrietta Elizabeth Davis, born 7 Sep 1865; married William Kenson Previtte, 1881; died 23 Jul 1945, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina..
ii. Michael M. Davis, born 20 Sep 1867; married Magnolia R. Morris, 1895; died 5 May 1938, Terrell, Kaufman, Texas.
iii. Infant Davis, female, was born in 1868; died on 23 Aug 1868.
iv. Hulda Davis, born 12 Jul 1869; married John Carroll Davis, abt 1888; died 23 Jul 1931, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Isaac Davis, born Oct 1871; married Lillie Ida Teal, abt 1891; died 7 Mar 1954, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Laura Jane Davis, born 28 Dec 1871; James Samuel Rivers, abt 1890; died 11 Apr 1964, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vii. Lessie Ida Davis, born 13 Apr 1873; married James Franklin Teal, 1891; died 27 Feb 1940, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
viii. George W. Davis was born on 23 Apr 1874; died on 7 Jan 1875.
ix. James Alfred Davis Sr., born 1 Jan 1876; married (1) Fannie Rivers, 10 Dec 1893; married (2) Martha Ellen McLaurin, 15 Sep 1912; died 19 Jun 1954, Richland County, South Carolina.
x. Infant Davis, she was born on 16 Jun 1878; died 16 Jun 1878.
 
 
William Alfred Davis is my 2nd Great Grand Uncle.




 
 
__________________________
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 29 August 2011); Memorial page for W. A. Davis; (11 November 1834–29 May 1888); Find a Grave memorial # 48051277, Citing Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks 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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Nancy J. Hurst Davis (20 May 1838–8 February 1888), Memorial # 48051309.
11. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Nancy J. DAVIS.


































Saturday, October 29, 2016

It’s Family Time~Andrew Dry

It's Family Time
Andrew Dry was born on March 26, 1762, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a son of Charles Dry, age 29 and his mother, Christina Muss, age  32.
The family migrated from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania sometime before 26 July 1777 when Andrew's father Charles Dry purchased lad from the estate of John Haygler of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  

Mecklenburg Deeds 7:297-300 26 July 1777 Abstracted by Brent Holcomb-
Paul Barringer & Barbara Herenhart (Ernhart) heretofore Barbara (Hagler) Haygler, Extx of the LWT of John Haygler, late of Meck. Dec’d. to Charles Darr of same…whereas the sd. John Haygler by his LWT of 29 May 1771 will and directed that if his wife Barbara should intermarry again his executors would sell and dispose of his lands. Said Barbara intermarried with Philip Herenhart of Rowan whose wife she still is, for L250 land on Dutch Buffalow Cr 250 A, conveyed to Haygler by Arthur Dobbs.
Witn: Jacob Dun (Derr?
http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/w/a/l/Gary-D-Walter/FILE/0002page.html


He married Mary Barbara Teem in 1785 in Concord, North Carolina. They had 8 children in 38 years. 

Their children were:
i. Christina Dry, born 19 Mar 1786, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Jacob John Misenheimer, 30 Mar 1807; died 26 Aug 1855, Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
ii. Daniel Monroe Dry, born 25 Mar 1790, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Rachel Lipe, 5 Jan 1811, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; died 23 Oct 1854, Concord, Cabarrus, North Carolina.
iii. Charles Andrew Dry, born 1792, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Esther Misenheimer, 15 Dec 1819, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Leah Tucker, abt 1834; died 9 Sep 1858, Union County, North Carolina.
iv. Leah Dry, born 13 Apr 1794, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Michael Fesperman, 20 Feb 1816, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; died 28 Nov 1868.
v. John B. Dry, born 24 Jul 1795, Concord, Cabarrus, North Carolina; married Elizabeth Catherine Barrier, 21 Mar 1820, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; died 20 Apr 1855, Mount Pleasant. Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
vi. Mathias Green Dry, born 8 Dec 1797, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Leah Barrier, 13 Mar 1820; married Christina Quilman, 24 Apr 1828; died 8 May 1874, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
vii. Sophia Dry, born 1 Jun 1801, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married John Melchor, 13 Nov 1819; died 14 Dec 1867, Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
viii. Mary C. Dry, born 1 Sep 1804, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Moses Smith, 6 Nov 1821; died aft 1850.
 

Andrew died on April 9, 1828, in Concord, North Carolina, at the age of 66, and was buried in Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery; Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina. 

Andrew Dry is my 4th Great Grand Uncle.


________________________
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 5 October 2015); Memorial page for Andrew Dry; (26 March 1762–9 April 1828); Find a Grave memorial # 21423466, Citing Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery; Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA.
2. 1800 U S Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Salisbury, Cabarrus, North Carolina, Page: 708(stamped); Line 12, Household of Andrew Dry; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 5 October 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M32, Roll 29.
3. 1810 U S Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Page: 373; Line 33, Household of Andrew Dry; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 5 October 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M252, Roll 39.










Friday, October 28, 2016

Early Quaker Meeting House and Cemetery~Pee Dee Meeting


NC Historical Marker
http://gis.ncdcr.gov/nchhm/
 
It’s amazing how you can grow up in an area but not know a whole lot about the area you live in. Such in the case of my upbringing  in rural Anson County, North Carolina. Since my youth I have gained a real appreciation for the past history of the surrounding area.

Long before The Color Purple House became a a movie icon; I roamed all over the lands nearby as a teenager growing up. I knew that it (the house) was taken over by the Yankee during the Civil War and it is said that soldiers were buried in it’s back yard. Back then, in the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was known as the Numer Hedrick Home. 2

https://www.flickr.com/photos/riverst/5516897996/

Many of the old cemeteries in Anson and surrounding counties that we knew of as children are now lost forever and/or deliberately destroyed. Cemeteries like the old Scottish cemetery near Morven, NC which is almost lost and only a very few individuals could take you directly to the cemetery. The Gathings Family Cemetery near Jones Creek on what was known as Gathings land in the 1950's where only one stone remains today once held many stones in my youth. 

Another cemetery that came to my attention recently is the Old Quaker Cemetery near the Pee Dee River. I had heard of the Quaker cemetery but knew no one who knew exactly where the Old Quaker cemetery was located. I received an E-mail form a genealogical researcher in Charleston, South Carolina a few week ago about this cemetery which led me to research the cemetery and see what I could find about it’s location.  

In the land deeds of Anson County, in Deed Book K, page 367 we find the following: 3
Part of a tract of land granted to William Stone as by Patent appears dated April 20th 1745, and conveyed by him to said Benjamin Moorman as by Deed dated the ___day of___17 Beginning at a Sweet Gum in the South Side of the Sandy Branch and runs No. 17 Et. 30 Poles to a Hickory then So. 73 Et. 12 Poles down the Sandy Branch to the first station containing Two (2) acres of Land be the same more or less Including the Burying Ground and Meeting House of the Society of People called Quakers.

Deed Book K_367

From "The History of Anson County" by Mary L. Medley, pages 211-212 - "The Moormans and Clarks settled with other Quaker families on Hitchcock and Solomon Creeks and at one time had a meeting house and cemetery near Hailey's Ferry on the pee Dee Rivers. Early member of the Auld family were also Quakers. 4

This information was carried in a series of "Everett Sketches" in the Rockingham Post Dispatch in 1927.
Pee Dee River Area, NC
In the 1960’s Trent Strickland of Hamlet, NC took it upon himself to research and document most what is known today about the Old Quaker Cemetery. The results of his research were printed in an article entitled “The Forgotten Quaker Meeting of Richmond County, N.C.” was published by the Journal of the North Carolina Friends Historical Society; Volume XXIII Spring 2001 Number 1.5 6  


https://archive.org/stream/southernfriendse2326nort/southernfriendse2326nort_djvu.txt

He [Strickland]  was also responsible for the erection of a NC Historical Marker K-58 at the intersection of US 1 and Rosalyn Road, Richmond County, NC.7
 
Pee Dee Meeting
“Strickland submitted his research to Guilford College to the North Carolina Friends Historical Society in 2000 and it was published as an article in their Spring 2001 journal. He applied to the state historical archives departments for an historical marker and that was approved and erected in summer 2001 on U.S. 1 at Rosalyn Road near Cordova. The N.C. Friends Society also approved funding for a marker at the cemetery, which was dedicated in November 2001.” 8

The old Quaker Cemetery is on private property and no longer accessible. A local historian told me that only 3 tombstones are visible within the cemetery boundaries.





 
_____________________________
[1] http://gis.ncdcr.gov/nchhm/
[2] https://www.flickr.com/photos/riverst/5516897996/
[3] Anson County North Carolina Deed Book “K” page 367’
[4] Mary L. Medley, History of Anson County, North Carolina: 1750-1976 (Baltimore, Maryland: Clearfield Company, 1976), pages 211-212.
[5] http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/CARDEN/2004-11/1099678401
[6] https://archive.org/stream/southernfriendse2326nort/southernfriendse2326nort_djvu.txt
[7] http://www.ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?MarkerId=K-58
[8] http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/CARDEN/2004-11/1099678401
[9] http://ncgenweb.us/nc/anson/quaker-meetings/
[10] Topographical map courtesy of MT Gathings. 








Thursday, October 27, 2016

Treasure Chest Thursday ~ Richard Johnson Brock Guardianship


Richard Johnson Brock, b. 2 July 1843, the only child of a 2nd marriage of his father William Brock to Katherine Delilah Jordan. Both his parents,William and Katherine, died before Richard’s third birthday. First his father died sometime before 22 June 1844 then his Mother passed away before 22 Dec 1845 as indicated in the petition herein.  

Richard had 7 other half-brothers and sisters; children of his father William and his first wife Charlotte, whom last name is unknown. 

William and Charlotte married before leaving Chesterfield County, South Carolina and 7 of their 9 children were born prior to their migration to Louisiana. Their last two were born in Louisiana and/or Mississippi. 

As indicated in the petition below, two of their nine children (John & Emily) died prior to January 1844.  

147-Richard J. Brock

 Transcription:
To The Honl. Amos R. Johnston Judge &c
The petition of Moses Brock, of Hinds County shows That William Brock, deceased, late of Hinds County left eight [8] children, all of whom are twenty one years age, except Richard J. Johnson, who is a minor under fourteen years of age. That said minor is possessed of a very small personal estate, consisting of live stock, & household furniture, estimated at about one hundred Dollars; and your petitioner is advised that a legal guardian is necessary for the protection of the interests of said minor, ----That your petitioner is the half-brother of said minor and his father & mother are both dead.
Petitioner therefore prays your honor to grant him letters of guardianship over the person & property of said minor. Petitioner offers Frost J. Kelly as his surety on the Guardian Bond.
                                                         And your petitioner &.
                                                                       Moses Brock
Sworn to and subscribed
In open Court
Dec. 22nd 1845
                Jas. W. Stewart, Clk.

 
 
The children of William and Charlotte are:
i. James Brock, born abt 1802, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Piety Leggett, abt 1829, Washington Parish, Louisiana; died bef 20 May 1860, Simpson County, Mississippi.
ii. John Brock, born abt 1804, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Mary ; died bef 1844.
iii. Rev. Valentine William Brock, born abt 1806, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Vashti Brooks, 12 Oct 1835, Claiborne County, Mississippi, USA; married Martha Conger Sims, 16 Mar 1852, Tensas Parish, Louisiana; died aft 1870.
iv. Moses A. Brock, born 8 Sep 1808, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Margaret Six, 15 Feb 1838, Utica, Hinds Co., MS; married Celia Goodwin, 31 Jul 1833, Claiborne County, Mississippi, USA; married Eliza E. Boren, 13 Dec 1861, Hinds County, Mississippi; died bef 1880.
v. Emily Brock was born about 1810 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She died before 1844.
vi. Nancy Ann Brock, born abt 1812, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married John Glasscock, abt 1833, St. Helena Parish, LA; married Isham Brackin Hinson, 30 Nov 1851, Hinds County, Mississippi; died 2 Nov 1899, Livingston Parish, LA.
vii. William R. Brock, born abt 1817, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Martha Ann Worrell, 17 Aug 1837, Hinds County, Mississippi; married Jane Riggin King, 24 Jul 1861, Hinds County, Mississippi; died 10 Oct 1880, Utica, Hinds Co., MS.
viii. Sarah Brock, born abt 1820, Clinton, Mississippi; married Asahel Six, 22 Nov 1838, Hinds County, Mississippi; died 27 Sep 1864, Warren, MS.
ix. Francis M. Brock, born abt 1824, Louisiana; married Lohama Six, 23 Dec 1840, Hinds County, Mississippi; died aft Jan 1890.

The Children of William and Katherine Delilah are:
i. Richard Johnson Brock, born 2 July 1843, Mississippi; married Elizabeth Sarah ‘Lizzie’ Evans, 6 Dec 1868, Franklin Parish, Louisiana; died 19 July 1932.








__________________________________________
Sources:
1. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Estate of Richard Johnson Brock, #925. Family History Library Film #1749974.
2. 1850, Washington Parish, Louisiana, population schedule, Washington Parrish, Louisiana, page 85, Household of William Brock; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives and Records Administration, Roll: M19_43.
3. 1840,  Hinds County, Mississippi, population schedule, Hinds County, Mississippi, page 216, Household of William Brock; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.om : viewed 2009); Family History Library Film: 0014840..
4. 1841, Hinds County, Mississippi, Mississippi state census index, No Township Listed, Hinds County, Mississippi, William Brock Sr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.om : viewed ).
5. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10402, Family History Library Film #1479977, Estate #744, William Brock, Jan 1844.
6. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10392, Family History Library Film #1064400, Estate #321, James P. J. Purvis, Feb 1836.
7. Mississippi, Claibourne County, Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935, , William Brock & Mrs. Delilah Jordan, 1 September 1842; www.ancestry.com, Port Gibson.
 





























Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Ancient Stone Walls of Saksaywaman and Machu Picchu in Peru


The Inca craftsmen's were so careful and  meticulously in the cut and measurement of each rock that they fit together perfectly without mortar.
Saksaywaman:
Peru Inca Ruins

3215900-R1-E017
Machu Picchu: 
1203380-R2-068-32A

1203380-R2-066-31A

____________________________
Photos taken on site March 2000

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

1854 Bid for Mail Contract~William H. H. Purvis


Sometime documents about our ancestors come from some very unusual places. The document below fit that category completely and it was a total accident that the document was found. 

William H. H. Purvis, age 41, a local farmer in Polk County, Texas made a bid on a mail contract  that shows up in a report from the 33rd Congress. His bid of $800.00 was received 15 April 1854 and shows up under a label (after time bid) which probably means it was received after the cutoff date.

Mail Contract - William H. H. Pervis

Sadly, the following year in June 1855, William H. H. Purvis passed away
The State of Texas   Polk County in the County Court July Term 1855, To his honor Wm. F. Gee chief justice Your petitioner Joseph McGee of Newton County of Texas shows that W. H. H. Purvis of said Polk County departed this life intestate on or about the    day of June last past, and that the nearest relative of said descendant have as yet failed and refused to administer on said estate that said Purvis had in pofefion [possession]  at the time of his death real and personal property to a large amount and is believed  to own it, that your petitioner is the owner and holder of large and bono fide claims against said estate and that he is unable to collect the same or have them litigated without and administrator  of said estate, wherefore, he prays your honor to cause the usual notice be given and at the July term 1855 of your honorable court appoint your petitioner  administrator of said estate as in duty bound&c.                  Joseph McGee
Filed July 18, 1855,
W. H. Dukes, Clk.,
Record April 5th, A D 1856 on page 209;
L. G. McNickin, Depty Clk c c P4






_____________________________
[1] US Document 445/789; Executive Documents Printed by Order of The House of Representative during the Second Session of the Thirty-third Congress, 1854-1855 in 14 Volume, Volume 9, page 498, Wm. H. H. Pervis, Washington, A. O. P. Nicholson, Printer. 1855.
[2]  Estate #139, Page 209, FHL Film #1006872; Estate records found on pages 208-238, 344-346, 358-359 and page 388; FHL Film #1006872.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Amanuensis Monday~Stephen Crawford To James Griggs Land Deed


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 ~ Stephen Crawford To James Griggs, 1875.1

Page 396page 397Page 398page 399

Stephen Crawford To James Griggs
This indenture made this the 26th day of February in the year of our Lord 1875 between the heirs of Stephen Crawford viz Permelia Crawford [wife], Hannah Sellers and Husband Adam [Aaron] Sellers, Daniel Crawford & wife Sallie, Michael Crawford, William H. Crawford and Elizabeth Crawford all of the county of Chesterfield and State of South Carolina of the one part and Jas. J. Griggs of the County of Anson & State of North Carolina of the other part witnefseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and six dollars & seventy five cents to the said party of the first part in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath sold and conveyed and doth hereby sell and convey to the said party of the second part all that tract or parcel; of land situate & lying in the County of Anson and State of North Carolina on the waters of Cedar Creek  adjoining the lands of Michael Crawford Henry Mand(?) and others bounded as follows beginning on a maple on the West bank of Cedar Creek and runs North 64 Et 34.80 chs to a pine some pine pts. Then No 27 Wt 8.75 chs to a maple 2 pines pts Then So 64 Wt 34.44 chs to a W. Maple on the east side of cedar Creek one maple ptr then down the various courses pf said creek 9.00 chs to the beginning containing thirty and one half acres more or lefs to have and to hold the same with all appurtenances thereunto belonging to him the said party of the second part and his heirs & assigns forever and the said party of the first part for the consideration aforesaid doth hereby covenant and agree to warrant and forever defend the premises aforesaid to the said party of the second part his heirs executors adms and assigns against the claims and entry of all persons whatsoever and they doth further covenant that they are seized of the premises in fee simple and hath power to make and convey such an Estate by this indenture and hath done the same by these presents to the said Jas. J. Griggs the said party of the  second part.    In witnefs whereof the said party of the first part hath hereunto set their hands and seals the day and date above written.
Signed Sealed & delivered}                                  Stephen Crawford {seal}
In presence of}                                                      Permelia Crawford {seal}
                                                                              Hannah Sellers {seal}
                                                                              Aaron X Sellers {seal}
                                                                              Daniel X Crawford {seal}
                                                                              Sarah A. X Crawford {seal}
                                                                              Michael Crawford {seal}
                                                                              William H. Crawford {seal}

State of North Carolina}
Anson County}  In The Probate Court
Whereas a deed of conveyance of a certain tract of [Land] lying and being in the county and Sate aforesaid made by Stephen Crawford and the heirs of Stephen Crawford to wit Permelia Crawford wife of Stephen Crawford, Aaron Sellers and wife Hannah Sellers, David F. Crawford, Sarah A. Crawford, Michael Crawford and William H. Crawford of the county of Chesterfield and State of South Carolina to Jas. J. Griggs of the County and state first aforesaid has been exhibited to me and it being represented that the grantors therein named are desirous of acknowledging the execution thereof, Now therefore having confirmed in the presence of Thos. J. Hardison  Esquire these are to appoint him commifsioner  to later (?) the acknowledgement of the said grantors and the privy examinations of the Feme Covert parties touching the execution of said deed of conveyance and the said Thos. J. Hardison is hereby commanded at such time as he may think fit to go the said if they cannot conveniently come to him  and examine them touching the execution of said deed and also privily [private] and apart from their husbands examined the said Permelia Crawford Sarah A. Crawford and Hannah Sellers the Feme Covert parties whether they executed the said deed freely and voluntarily and without compulsion of their said husbands or any other persons and having plainly written hereon a certificate of his action in reference thereto and the same  under his seal to Our said Court of Probate In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of said Court at office in Wadesboro the 11th day of March 1875.
                                                                           John C. McLauchlin
                                                                           Judge of Probate
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County} On the 2 day of April 1975 before the undersigned a commifsioner by virtue of the foregoing Commifsion to me directed by the Judge of Probate of Anson County in the state of North Carolina personally came Stephen Crawford and wife Permelia Crawford Aaron Sellers and Hannah Sellers his wife and David F. Crawford and wife Sarah Crawford Michael Crawford & William H. Crawford the grantors described in the annexed deed and acknowledged the due execution Thereof by them as their act and deed whereupon the said Permelia Crawford Hannah Sellers and Sarah Crawford being by me privately examined touching their full consent in executing said deed do declare each for herself that she had executed free from or undue influence of her husband or any any <sic>other person and did still voluntarily assent to the execution thereof witnefs my hand and seal this the 2nd day of April 1875.
                                                                                         Thos. J. Hardison
                                                                                         Commissioner

State of North Carolina}  In the Probate Court

Anson County}  It is adjudged that the examination of the annexed deed had been duly acknowledged  by the grantors therein named and the privy examination of the Feme Covert parties  is in form as required by Law. Let it with this Commission and certificate be registered.
                                                                                    John C. McLauchlin
                                                                                    Judge of Probate
Anson County April 22  1875
This day the foregoing deed was duly registered in my office in Book 19, page 396, 397, 398, 399
                                                                                           John Stacey      
                                                                                           Register of Deeds

While this deed is an excellent genealogical resource in that it names all the heirs  of Stephen Crawford it left me thoroughly confused. 

In the very first sentence of the deed it states “ This indenture made this the 26th day of February in the year of our Lord 1875 between the heirs of Stephen Crawford viz Permelia Crawford [wife], Hannah Sellers and Husband Adam [Aaron] Sellers, Daniel Crawford & wife Sallie, Michael Crawford, William H. Crawford and Elizabeth Crawford all of the county of Chesterfield and State of South Carolina of the one part and Jas. J. Griggs of the County of Anson & State of North Carolina…”

“between the heirs of Stephen Crawford viz Permelia Crawford [wife],” 

The verbiage in this sentence clearly implied that Stephen Crawford is deceased. 
  
Yet later in the same deed we find these comments.

"On the 2 day of April 1975 before the undersigned a commifsioner by virtue of the foregoing Commifsion to me directed by the Judge of Probate of Anson County in the state of North Carolina personally came Stephen Crawford and wife Permelia Crawford"
 
“personally came Stephen Crawford and wife Permelia Crawford”

This is in conflict with the first sentence of this deed. These comments suggests that Stephen Crawford was alive on 2 April 1875 and personally appeared before Thos. J. Hardison, Commissioner.

To add to this confusion his tombstone memorial shows that he died in 1879 yet, his demise IS NOT recorded in the 1880 Mortality census. Since there is no listing in the Mortality census I believe the tombstone date could also be wrong.2    

Do you have a source for Stephen Crawford death date? Would you share that source with me?  



________________________________
[1] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 19: pages 396-399, Stephen Crawford To James Griggs; 26 February 1875, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 6 May 2015); Memorial page for Stephen Crawford; (1801–1879); Find a Grave memorial # 43571448, Citing Dred Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Chesterfield County SC Estates~Estate Folder #95–John Thomas Meehan, 1894.

 

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 folders:
Folder #95
John Thomas Meehan
This estate folder begins at image #240 and ends with image #302. (images 240-302)
John Thomas Meehan was the owner of a Mercantile Store in Chesterfield, South Carolina.  The estate required special handling because of the number of individual items that had to be liquidated. The estate totaling 62 pages can be accessed at this hyperlink:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-38330-11?cc=1911928
When I pull an estate folder for research basically I am looking for 3 distinct items/facts.
  1. What was his/her date of death?
  2. Is there a WILL?
  3. Who are the Heirs-at-Law?
In the case of this estate folder, there was no Will and the heirs at law were not named within the probate folder.
 
Petition for Letters/Date of Death:

John Thomas Meehan - date of Death
















Transcription:
State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield} In Probate Court
ExParte J. E. Meehan
To Hon. H. D. Tiller, Judge of Probate
The petition of the above named petitioner shows that John T. Meehan late of the above State and County died intestate in the said State and County on the 23rd day of Feby 1894 leaving an estate of personal property amounting to about ($4500) four thousand five Hundred dollars and considerably indebted and it is necessary that the said estate be administered an according to law. That petitioner is the wife of the said John T. Meehan and desires letters of Administration on said estate—
Feby 27 1894                                       W. F. Stevenson
                                                              Petitioner Attorney
 
In a petition submitted to the Court by W. F. Stevenson, Administrator of the Estate of John T. Meehan, Mr. Stevenson requested that he be allowed leeway in the sale of the  store inventory because of it’s unique merchandise
 

Great sacrifice






 

“the personal estate consists almost entirely of a large stock of Merchandise which cannot be sold at public auction to advantage and such sale would be at a great sacrifice.”

The Court granted his request.

John Thomas Meehan-Request Granted













Transcription:
State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield} In Probate Court
On hearing the petition of W. F. Stevenson as administrator of J. T. Meehan deceased which is hereto attached?
It is ordered that he have leave to sell the stock of goods of said estate either in bulk or in large lots or in the usual course of mercantile business as in his judgment seems best employing such clerical force as is necessary to handle said goods, as sort and arrange them and dispose of them advantageously.
It is further ordered that the other assets be disposed of at Public sale as usual in estate sales on the 1st day of Apr. 1894 and that he render a true account of said sales to this Court. March 16 1894.
                                                                    A. D. Tiller
                                                                    Judge of Probate

There is an extensive inventory listing of merchandise that Mr. Meehan carried in his Mercantile store. It’s very interesting to browse through this inventory and see the items available for purchase in the late 1880’s to 1900’s. 
 
Start of Inventory (Images 268-300) 
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-38186-15?cc=1911928
 
Estate Closed:
Request to closed the Estate was made by W. F. Stevenson to the Court on 30 march 1895. The court ordered the estate closed. 
 
Fully adminstrated and closed

It is ordered that he [W. F. Stevenson] be discharged from his trust as administrator of the Estate of J. T. Meehan, deceased.
 
John Thomas Meehan was born abt 1851 and died on 23 Feb. 1894, age 43. He married J. Elizabeth Funderburk abt 1877. John and Elizabeth had 7 children; 3 sons and 4 daughters. 

Their daughter, Mary E. Meehan, married my 2nd Cousin 3 times removed William McNair 'Mack' Davis. 









__________________________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-38330-11?cc=1911928 : 21 May 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0088-0152 > image 240 of 1495; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.






















Saturday, October 22, 2016

It’s Family Time~Nancy Deese Short

It's Family Time

Nancy Deese was born about 1843, a daughter of Samuel Deese and Sarah ‘Sallie’ Hill. Nancy, age 7, is listed along with 5 other sibling in the household of her Grandmother in 1850 Anson County. 

In 1870, Nancy Deese is newly married to Sam Short, no children, enumerated in the Gulledge township of Anson County, North Carolina.

1870 Anson County


In the 1900 Census for Anson County, Nancy says she is a widow and that she is the Mother of 10 Children with 1 Living. I know this is wrong because in 1910 she has her daughter Dora Ann and Son-in-law Solomon R. Williams in her household.  Also in the 1910 Census she reports that she is the Mother of 6 children with 1 child still living.

Nancy Short 1900
1900 Census, Anson County, NC


Between the 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910 and 1920 census I have identified 4 children of Samuel and Nancy Deese Short
  • Eller Short, b. 1870
  • Dora Ann Short, b. 1876
  • Willie Short, b. Dec 1879
  • Annie D. Short, b. Jun 1883
Nancy reported that she was a widow in the 1900 census but I have found no record of her husband’s death. Her brother, John Calvin Deese (My Great Grandfather) was the informant on Nancy's death certificate. No date of burial or place of burial were reported. I have not located a tombstone for Nancy Deese Short. Her burial site is unknown and we know from her death certificate that she died on 16 May 1921 in Morven, Anson County, North Carolina.

Nancy Deese Short is my Great Grand Aunt.











_____________________________
1. 1850 Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Sandy Point, Anson County, North Carolina, Page 188A (stamped); Line 8, Dwelling 428, Family 428, Household of Mary DEAS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 27 May 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 619.
2. Ibid.
3. 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Gulledge, Anson, North Carolina, Page: 337A(stamped); Line 30, Dwelling 92, Family 99, Household of James C. NEW; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2015); citing National Archive Microfilm M593, Roll 1122.
4. 1880 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 002, Page 344B (stamped), Line 23, Dwelling 119, Family 132, Household of Sam SHORT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2015); citing National Archive Microfilm T9-0951.
5. 1900 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0008, Page: 4A/152 (stamped); Line 18, Dwelling 49, Family 49, Household of N81ancy Short; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 11.
6. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0011, Page 5A/156 (stamped), Line 13, Dwelling 43, Family 44, Household of Nancy SHORT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
7. 1920 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 13, Page: 14B/194; Line 89, Dwelling 159, Family 159, Household of Sol WILLIAMS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm T625, Roll 1283.
8. Mrs. Nancy Deese Short, death certificate 238 (16 May 1921), NC State Archives., North Carolina Deaths, 1908-67, Raleigh, Wake, North Carolina.
9. 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Gulledge, Anson, North Carolina, Page: 337A(stamped); Line 30, Dwelling 92, Family 99, Household of James C. NEW.
10. 1880 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Morven, Anson, North Carolina, ED 002, Page 344B (stamped), Line 23, Dwelling 119, Family 132, Household of Sam SHORT.
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.
13. 1900 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0008, Page: 4A/152 (stamped); Line 18, Dwelling 49, Family 49, Household of N81ancy Short; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 11.











Friday, October 21, 2016

Original Land Deed Destroyed During Civil War- Replacement Recorded 15 Feb 1867


Photo99507Chesterfield County, South Carolina was among the first, if not the first county, in South Carolina to succeed from the Union. It is said that General Sherman instructed his generals to make an example by destroying the town of Chesterfield, South Carolina. The Court House and it’s contents was burned to the ground. Very few pre-civil war documents exist in this County. 





Destroyed by Sherman


This Deed was recorded Dec 6th 1847 in Book P page 371 which book was destroyed by Genl Sherman’s Army.
Recorded Feb 15th 1867
Orig’l Dlv to Jno. L. P. Boan


Land Deed was first generated in 1847 when Daniel and Jane Gullage sold 100 acres of land to John L. P. Boan for sixty ($60) dollars. 

Replacement Land Deed:
Deed Book 1, page 92

Transcription:
Daniel Gullage to Jno. L. P. Boan __Deed
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District} Know all men by these presents that I Daniel Gullage of the state and District aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of Sixty Dollars to me in hand paid by John L. P.  Boan the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge have granted, bargained sold and released unto the said John L. P. Boan a certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres be the same more or lefs it being part of a survey granted to Jesse Sweat of 630 acres it lying on the East side of the Mountain Prong of Bear Creek and the said 100 acres lies above the mouth of Ginn Branch said branch is the N. E. Line and divides  it from the said D. Gullage line by a line of marked trees commencing at a stake corner represented in said plat and thence a stake line to said creek all that part or parcel of land containing one hundred acres be the same more or lefs together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to have and to hold all and singular the premises before mentioned unto the said John L. P. Boan his heirs against myself my heirs Executors Administrators and afsigns to warrant and forever defends all and singular the premises before mentioned against myself my heirs and afsigns and against all other person or persons lawfully claiming the same or any part there this the fifteenth of November in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Seven.  
Test. Charles Boan}                                          Daniel Gullage {seal}
John Boan}                                                       Jane Gullage {seal|

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District} Charles Boan came before me and made oath that he saw Daniel Gullage and Jane Gullage sign seal and deliver the within deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that John Boan with himself witnefsed the due execution thereof.
Sworn to before me}
6th December 1847}                                            Charles Boan
Jno. C. Evans Clerk} This Deed was recorded Dec 6th 1847 in Book P page 371 which book was destroyed by Genl Sherman’s Army.
Recorded Feb 15th 1867
Orig’l Dlv to Jno. L. P. Boan








__________________
[1] http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=28327
[2] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book #1: page 92, Daniel Gullage to Jno. L. P. Boan __Deed; 6 December 1847, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.