Thursday, August 31, 2017

Treasure Chest Thursday~Land Deed-Michael Davis to Wm. A. Davis, 1867


DB 1, pg 309DB 1, pg 310

Transcription:
DB 1, Pages 309-310
 
Michl Davis to W. A. Davis Deed


The State of South Carolina.
                                 Know all men by these presents that I Michael Davis of the District of Chesterfield, in the State aforesaid in consideration of the sum of Two Hundred and seventy five dollars to me paid by William A. Davis of the said District in the State aforesaid have granted, bargained sold and released, and by these presents, do grant, bargain, sell and release, unto the Said William A. Davis all that piece parcel and tract of land situate lying and being in the District and State aforesaid on the waters of Little Westfield Creek  and Abrams Creek bounded on the North by lands of Kintchen Previtt and land belonging to me the said Michael Davis, on the East by lands belonging to Estate of Samuel Rivers and Jno. B. Rivers, also by a small portion of E. W. Gulledge land, on the South by land belonging to the Estate of Jno. B. Rivers aforesaid on the West by land belonging to me the said Michael Davis containing One hundred fifty acres more of lefs the Middle Prong Branch, being the dividing line, on the West between said Tract and land of the said Michl Davis and the Hog Head Branch, the dividing line, on the North, the said tract of land being part of two tracts of land conveyed to me the said Michl Davis by Wm. L. Campbell and Levica Gulledge, I reserve to myself and my wife Huldy Davis, the privilege during our life time of the pasture known as the Cane break on the above tract Together with all and singular the rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances to the Said belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining. To have and to hold all and Singular the premises before mentioned unto the said Wm. A. Davis his Heirs and afsigns forever. And I do hereby bind myself, my heirs Executors and Administrators, to warrant and forever defend all and Singular the said premises unto the said W. A. Davis his heirs and assigns against myself, and my heirs & every other person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. 
Witness my hand and Seal this 24th day of August, in the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Sixty seven and in the Ninety second year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Signed, Sealed and delivered}                         Michael Davis {LS}
In the presence of}
Jas. Johnson}                                 {U.S.Stamp amounting to}
A. P. Craig}                                   {Fifty Cents properly canceled}
 
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
                                 Personally appeared before me James Johnson and made oath that he saw the within named Michael Davis, Sign, Seal and as his Act and deed deliver the within Deed and that he with A. P. Craig, witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn before me this}                                      James Johnson
19 day of Sept 1868}
T. L. Mulloy}                    Recorded 5 Jany 1869
Clk}                                 Origl Del to Wm. A. Davis


This land deed between father (Michael Davis ) and son (William A. Davis) provides several items of genealogical interest.

First, It specifically names his wife as Huldy Davis. We know from further research that she was Hulda Rivers, daughter of William Rivers.

Kinchen Previtt is named and again from research we know that Kinchen’s son John Washington married Michael and Hulda daughter Elizabeth “Bette” Davis.

Also mentioned is “on the East by lands belonging to Estate of Samuel Rivers and Jno. B. Rivers”. Samuel Rivers was last found in the 1860 Census.
1860 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: M653_1217; Image: 259; Family History Library Film: 805217; Page: 128 (Stamped); Line 14, Dwelling 483, Family 482; Household includes, Saml RIVERS, Male, age 30, Farmer, born in SC; Catherine RIVERS, female, age 34, born in SC; Sarah [Flora]  A. RIVERS, female, age 12, born in SC; Mark RIVERS, male, age 10, born in SC; John Alfred RIVERS, male, age 8, born in SC; Sarah C. RIVERS, female, age 2, born in SC and Ann [Parker] RIVERS, female, age 60, born in SC.

For years I have been unable to find any additional information about Samuel Rivers, his wife Catherine and his family members. This Land Deed tells me that Samuel Rivers died intestate sometime before 24 August 1867. No probate record exists for Samuel Rivers.

The Land Deed also tell me from whom my 3rd great grandfather (Michael Davis) acquired the land. 

Michael Davis, my 3rd Great Grandfather, died 26 April 1888.


_____________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 1: Pages 309-310, Michl Davis to W. A. Davis Deed; 24 August 1867, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Amanuensis Monday~Wallace-Smith Estate Lands to Jesse C. Smith


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 Anson County Land Deed, Rilah W. Smith and Others To Jesse C. Smith

DB 30. pg 87DB 30, pg 88DB 30, page 89
DB 30, pg 90

Transcription:

Rilah W. Smith & Others
To
Jesse C. Smith
North Carolina, Anson County
Know all men by these presents that we Andrew J. Smith & wife Cornelia Jane, Rilah W. Smith & wife Elizabeth, Albert Smith & wife Julia, J. P. Brock & wife Catherine J., Richard Horne & wife Jerusha, And Henry A Wallace & wife Orelia of Chesterfield County South Carolina and John J. Smith & wife Lucindy, James K. Smith And E. B. Smith of Chester County State of South Carolina for divers goods courses And …[several illegible words]… thereunto moving [illegible word]… for the Sume of Fifty Dollars received to our full satisfaction have remised released and By these presents do for ourselves And for our heirs Executors & Administrators jointly and absolutely remise release & proven quit claimed unto the said Jesse C. Smith And to his heirs And assigns forever All the right And Title we the said Andrew J. Smith & wife Cornelia Jane Rilah W. Smith & wife Elizabeth Albert Smith & wife Julia, J. P. Brock & wife Cathern J Richard Horne & wife Allice?, Henry A. Wallace & wife Orilia John J. Smith & wife Lucindy James K. Smith and E. B. Smith have or ought to have in or to All the Dower Also tied to Delilah M. Smith dec’d widow of E. B. Smith Sr. And is a partition of the dower of Frances Wallace deacesd widow of Jesse Wallace And is Lot No 5 of the latter division And Bounded As follows East by Lot No 2 of said division on North by Lot No 4 on West by lands of J. C. Adams on the South by Lot No 6 And is said to contain Thirty (32) Acres to have And to hold the above released premises unto the Said Jesse C. Smith his heirs And Assigns to his And their only proper use forever So that neither we the said Andrew J. Smith & wife Cornelia Jane Rilah W. Smith & wife Elizabeth Albert Smith & wife Julia, J. P. Brock And wife Catherin J Richard Horne & wife Jerusha owns Henry A. Wallace & wife Orilia John J. Smith & wife Lucindy James K. Smith and E. B. Smith or any other person In Any name And Behalf Shall or will hereafter claim or demand And right or title to the premises or any part thereof but they and every one of them by these presents shall be Excluded And be forever barred in Witness whereof we have hereunto Set our hands And [Seals] the 23 day of May A.D. 1893.
R. Horne {seal}
Jerusha Ann Horne {seal}
H. A. Wallace {seal}
R. Wallace {seal}
J. P. Brock, {seal}
C. J. Brock {seal}
A. F. Smith {seal}
Julia A. X her mark Smith {seal}
Elizabeth Smith {seal}
A. J. Smith {seal}
Cornelia J. X her mark Smith {seal}
J. K. Smith {seal}
E. B. Smith {seal}
State of North Carolina}
Anson County} I, C. C. Moore Justice of the Peace in And for Anson County do hereby certify that Richard Horne And his wife Jerusha Ann, H. A. Wallice And R. Wallice his wife, J. P. Brock And his Wife C. J. Brock, A. F. Smith And his wife Julia A. Smith, Elizabeth Smith, A. J. Smith And his wife Cornelia Jane Smith, J. K. Smith And E. B. Smith And each of them with their wives personally Appeared And Acknowledged the due Execution of the Annexed Deed And the wives of each being By Me privately Examined Separate And Apart From their Said Husbands touching their Voluntary Execution of the Same doeth State that they Each Signed the same freely and voluntarily Without fear or compulsion of their Said Husbands or Any other persons And that they doth Still Voluntarily Assent thereto Witness my hand And private Seal this 23 Day of May A.D. 1893.
                                                                                            C. C. Moore J. P. {Seal}
State of North Carolina}
Anson County} The foregoing certificate of C. C. Moore A Justice of the Peace of Anson County is adjudged to be in due form And According to Law Let the Deed of Conveyance with these certificates be Registered this October 9th 1893.
                                                                              John C. McLanchlin
                                                                              Clerk of Superior Court
October 9th 1893 Then the forgoing Deed of Conveyance And certificates came into my hands And were Duly Registered.                                           S. A. Benton
                                                                               Register of Deeds

When Frances M Sullivant, widow of Jesse Wallace, passed away in February 1880 her estate was settled and the children of deceased daughter Delilah M. Wallace, wife of Elisha Brown Smith, was allocated Lot #5 of the estate. (Anson County, NC Deed Book 28, Page 35-40)

The children jointly owned this estate land (32 acres) until May 1893 at which time all the surviving children sold their interest in the land to their brother Jesse C. Smith. 
Thus, we have the Land deed posted above.











______________
[1] Anson County, North Carolina, DB 30: pages 87-90, Rilah W. Smith & Others To Jesse C. Smith; 23 May 1893, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.








































Saturday, August 19, 2017

IT’s Family Time~ The Second Family of William A. Purvis

Its-Family-Time2
This past Monday I received the results of a DNA Test that I have waited some time for the results. The results validated my research and  confirmed what I have known for some time.

DNA_Results

But, there's always a “but, while there is clear evidence of a second family the evidence does not provide a clear concise answer on parentage and relationships of the adults and children.
My 2nd Great Grandfather was married  in 1852 and has one child a son born in 1863. DNA results shows that our Purvis line is related to the James F. Purvis, Sr. line.  My test results shows that I share DNA with 4 distinct individuals from this line. 

My 2nd Great Grandmother, Sarah Jane Graves Purvis died from cancer on 31 December 1893. A Anson County Land Deed (DB 33, Pg 370) shows William A. Purvis and his wife Elizabeth Purvis selling land that William A.  Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves had originally purchased.

But, Elizabeth “Betsy” Previtt Purvis is already a Purvis in the 1880 Census and she and her young daughter Mary Jane are enumerated in the household of William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves Purvis.

I don’t believe that William A. Purvis has two wives simultaneously so who was the “missing” husband of Betsy Previtt Purvis?

I take this land Deed at face value and say, even though I have no marriage document has found; I beleive that William did marry Elizabeth “Betsy” Previtt Purvis. I think he married her to care for her and her two children or she married to care for William A. Purvis.

William A. Purvis and his second wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Previtt Purvis had two children:
  1. Mary Jane Purvis, b.  abt 1873 in Anson County; died about 1895.
  2. Ella Frances Purvis, b. 25 Sept 1881; d. 27 Nov 1971.
  • Note: William may not be the father of these two children. 
William A. Purvis died between 23 Dec. 1899 and 30 June 1900. Elizabeth “Betsy” Purvis died 18 Oct 1926.

I believed that Elizabeth’s 1st husband was a Purvis and closely related to William A. Purvis. I also believed that after Sarah Jane death in 1893 that William and Betsy married to care for each other and the two children.









Friday, August 18, 2017

DNA Validates Family Connection

William A. Purvis, b. abt 1826, is my 2nd Great Grandfather. He married  Sarah Jane Graves of Chesterfield County on 10 June 1852. They had one child, William James Purvis, b. 25 September 1863.

I have known the above information about my 2nd Great Grandfather, excepting their marriage date, for the past 41 years.

Both he and his wife Sarah Jane have been one my “Brick Walls” for all of those years.

I also knew that a Land Deed in Anson County, dated 23 September 1899 suggested that William’s wife had died and that he had re-married. However, even though this land deed says Elizabeth Purvis is the wife of William A. Purvis I have found no marriage record of this event.

Purvis, DB 33, Pg 370

So with the advent of DNA I jumped at the chance to participate. Several things I wanted to know.
  • Who were the parents of William A. Purvis
  • Who were the parents of Sarah Jane Graves
  • Was Elizabeth married to William A. Purvis
  • Who is the father of Elizabeth’s children; Mary Jane and Ella Frances
William and His wives

When I discovered what I thought was a second family of William A. Purvis, I contacted my surviving Aunts, Uncles and great Aunts and Uncles living and they claimed no knowledge of a second family. Personally I believe that family secrets were still being kept. You see my Great Grandfather William James outlived my grandfather and died in 1941.

Back in the mid to late 1990’s, I contacted descendants of Mary Jane and Ella Frances trying to gather information on my 2nd Great Grandfather and have maintained that contact even today. 
For some time I have tried to get someone from this second family to do a DNA test to either confirm or put to bed my insistences that there was a family connection.

On Monday, the results of that test confirmed my research over the past years. The test results shown below are from a descendant of each of this two lines.

William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves (My Line)
William A. Purvis and Elizabeth Previtte (Second Family)

Wm APurvis Family

In addition to confirming a distinct connection between these two families  I have also learned from DNA that the Purvis line is connected to Gilbert and  James F. Purvis lineage.

So far this looks like a clear case of Marriage after the death of a spouse but such is not the case. There are many unanswered questions about William A. and Elizabeth Purvis.

First, Sarah Jane Graves, the 1st wife, died of cancer on 31 Dec 1893. So for a marriage to take place it should have occurred between 31 Dec 1893 and 23 September 1899. No record has been found; just a Land Deed.

Second, Mary Jane and Ella Frances were both born before 1890. In fact, in the 1880 Census, Elizabeth and her daughter Mary Jane are enumerated in the same household as William and Sarah Purvis.

1880-William A. Purvis

This census snapshot rather than answering questions leads to more unanswered questions.
  • Who was Betsy Purvis?
    • Her daughters SS-5 shows her to be Betsy Prevett
  • What is her relationship to William and Sarah Purvis.
  • Who was her husband?
  • Where is her husband?
  • Is it possible William A. Purvis had a brother?
We know that in September 1899, Elizabeth “Betsy” Purvis is portraying herself to be the wife of William A. Purvis.

In the 1900 Census, Betsy is enumerated with her daughter Ella Frances Purvis and listed as a widow. So, William A. Purvis has passed away between 23 Sept. 1899 and 28 June 1900. We also see that Betsy had conceived another daughter, Ella Frances, born December 1886.  At the time of Ella Frances’ birth William was still married and caring for his sick wife.

It’s a known fact that I am just a novice at understanding DNA; but, If the DNA of  Betsy’s descendants matches  the children of his 1st wife’s family it seems to suggest that William A. is the father or a possible brother. 

Anyone with any comments or thoughts, jump in here, I would love to hear from you.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Chesterfield County Genealogical Society: Evidentia Presentation with Ed Thompson

IMG_1148R
Used w/permission.
On Sunday, August 13, 2017, The Chesterfield County Genealogical Society was honored with the presence of Ed Thompson, creator of  Evidentia software.

Evidentia was created by Ed to make it easy:
  • to collect genealogical data/information
  • analyze the evidence collected
  • Draw your attention to missed connections
  • reach a valid Logical Conclusion
  • Share the data afterward
Ed provided a 30-45 minutes slide presentation covering all aspects of the software from
  • Collecting the data
  • Identifying the Source and creation of the source citation
    • Types of Sources
    • Original
    • Derivative
    • Authored
  • Cataloging the information
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Undetermined
  • Analyzing the Evidence
    • Direct
    • Indirect
    • Negative
Ed went through the steps for entry of the Source Title and Citation creation calling it taking care of the “broccoli” before partaking of the “Ice Cream” (my paraphrase).

Ed presented examples of the “Genealogical Proof Report” generated by the software during the evidence analysis section of the software.  The steps necessary to export “genealogical proof report” to and incorporate it into you genealogy software was also well covered during the presentation. 

We had a lively discussion during the presentation and it was clear to me that Evidentia 3.1.4 interface was much easily to grasp then earlier versions of the software. 

Thank you Ed for an outstanding presentation of your Evidentia software. I thoroughly enjoyed  the  presentation.





__________________
Evidentia software can be viewed and accessed at: https://evidentiasoftware.com/

QuickLesson 17: The Evidence Analysis Process Map can be accessed at:

https://www.evidenceexplained.com/content/quicklesson-17-evidence-analysis-process-map

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Tombstone Tuesday~John Calvin Davis


John Calvin Davis
b. 14 Dec. 1812
d. 12 July 1865
bu. Kite Cemetery

40199793_129798233347
Tombstone Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

John Calvin Davis was the last born of 11 children to Thomas Davis and Nancy Rivers. Born in December 1812, at age 23, he married Charlotte Hurst on 31 January 1836.

To this union were born 12 children; 6 sons and 6 daughters. John Calvin saw his two oldest sons leave home to fight in the Civil War and returned back home safely before he died on 12 July 1865.

John Calvin Davis was buried in the Kite Cemetery.

John Calvin Davis is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle. His brother Michael is my 3rd Great Grandfather.

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Chesterfield County SC~Estate Folder #6 – Thomas Jordan

This on-going series of posting, appears 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 #6
Thomas Jordan
The estate folder begins at image 93 of 493. There are 10 images within the estate folder. (images 93-102) 1
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-21627-57?cc=1911928&wc=MPP5-829:190567401,190561002,190567402,190567403
Thomas Jordan died shortly before 23 January 1865. On that date, Richard Calvin Sellers, husband of Sarah Jordan applied to the Courts with a request to be issued Letters of Administration on the estate of Thomas Jordan. 
Request for Letters - Thos. Jordan Estate

Transcription:

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield Districts} To Hugh Craig Sen. Ordinary for said district.
I hereby apply for Letters of Administration on the Estate of Thomas Jordan Dec’d.
Jany 23rd 1865                                          R. C. Sellers

The estate file (#6) is very sparse on data related to the estate and only consists of 10 pages.

The above request was followed up on 13th February 1865 with a more formal request.

record-image_939L-N35Z-T
Transcription:

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield Districts}
By Hugh Craig Sen. Esquire, Ordinary –
To Richd C. Jordan
Whereas Thomas Jordan late of
Deceased, lately died intestate, having whilst he lived, and at the time of his death, divers goods, rights and Credits within the district aforesaid; by means whereof the full disposition and power of granting the administration of all and Singular the goods, rights and credits of the said deceased, and also auditing the accounts, calculations and reckonings of the said administration, and a final dismission of the same, to me is manfestlly? known to belong. I desiring that the goods, rights and credits of the said deceased, may be will and truly administered, converted and disposed of, do hereby grant unto the said Richd C. Jordan Sellers, in whom fidelity, in this behalf I very much confide full power, by the tenor of these presents, to administer the goods, rights and credits of the said deceased, which to him in his lifetime, and at the time of his death, did belong; and to ask, buy, recover and receive the same, and to pay the debts in which the deceased stood obliged, so far forth as his good, rights and credits will extend, according to their rate and order of law; bring forth sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, to make a true and perfect inventory thereof and to exhibit the same unto the Ordinary’s Office at Chesterfield Court House, in order to be recorded, on or before the first day of May now next ensuing; and to render a just and true account, calculation and reckoning of the said Administration. When thereunto required—And I ordain, defer to and constitute you, the said Richd C. Sellers, Administrator of all and Singular the goods, rights and credits of the said deceased.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal, this thirteenth day of February in the year of Our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and sixty five—
                                                               Hugh Craig, Sen.
                                                                     Ordy C. D.

Richard Calvin Sellers is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed.






________________________
[1] Probate Folder #6-Thomas Jordan - "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-21627-57?cc=1911928&wc=MPP5-829:190567401,190561002,190567402,190567403 : accessed 13 Sep 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0001-0022 > image 93 of 493.





















Saturday, August 12, 2017

It’s Family Time~Jesse and Ann Freeman

Its-Family-Time2
Jesse Freeman, son of Jesse and Sarah Jane Davis Freeman was born in 1838-1840 based on his reported age of 12 (1850) and 20 (1860) in these two censuses.

Shortly after the census was enumerated and maybe before the Civil War, Jesse married a young lady by the given name Ann and to this union was born  a son Jesse A. Freeman in 1862.

I believe that Jesse A. is really Jesse Coleman Freeman (1862-15 May 1951).

At the outbreak of the Civil War it’s almost certain that Jesse Freeman enlisted into one of the local units. Minnie Sanders Rivers in her Rivers History (The Rivers Family: of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Handwritten. unpublished: n.p., 1929) states that Jesse died about 1863. His absence from the household in 1870 provides indirect evidence that he did not return from the War. Also Ann Freeman re-marriage in 1875 provides additional evidence of his possible demise.

85. Jesse; b. 1838; d. abt, 1863; in service in C.S.A. War; m. 1860,
Ann _______; b. S.C. 1845; d._____. Issue:
1. Jesse A. Freeman, b. 1862. No further record.


After an exhaustive search no record had been found for Jesse service in the Civil War; but Ann Freeman and her son, Jesse A. Freeman are enumerated in the 1870 Census. 

1870 CENSUS: Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll:  M593_1491; Image: 91; Family History Library Film: 552990, Page 283A; Line 3, Dwelling 101, Family 101; Ann FREEMAN, female, age 25, born in SC and J. A. FREEMAN, male, age 8, born in SC.

Finding what happen to Jesse during the Civil War has been quite problematic. I found several entries that could possible be our Jesse Freeman.
  • Jesse Freeman is not listed in "Broken Fortunes" SC Dead in CSA Service 1861-1865, Randolph W. Kirkland, Jr.
  • At https://www.fold3.com/image/20/73570085 there is a listing for a J. FREEMAN from Chesterfield, SC. This J. FREEMAN is in Co. B, 2nd Batt'n South Carolina Sharp Shooters, appointed 2nd  Corporal  30 August 1862. Enlisted  Jan 8, 1862 by Capt. B. T. Davis for 3 years.
  • There is a Corporal Jesse FREEMAN in the Company E, 21st South Carolina Infantry, Film Number M381 roll 11 listed in the National Park Service Civil War Solders and Sailors System Database; http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.htm
  • Johnson Hagood does not show Jesse Freeman as a member of Co. E. 21st SCVI in his book "Memoirs if the War of Secession" pages 402 and 403.
  • Freeman, Jesse
    REGIMENT NAME: 2nd Regiment, South Carolina Cavalry
    SIDE:Confederate
  • Freeman, Jesse
    REGIMENT NAME: 4th Regiment, South Carolina Infantry
    SIDE:Confederate
  • Freeman, Jesse
    REGIMENT NAME: 21st Regiment, South Carolina Infantry
    SIDE:Confederate
    ALTERNATE NAME: J./Freeman
  • J. Freeman, age 19
    http://www.fold3.com/image/#20|83102041 , One muster card of 17 shows his name Jerry. I think this is Jesse. This soldier was taken prisoner on 16 June 1864. His records show no further evidence of him or what happen to him. But to bolter this belief we have:
  • Freeman, Jesse, 21, Lieutenant killed at Petersburg, Virginia June 24, 1864. Historical Sketch & Roster The SC 21st Infantry Regiment, By John V. Rigdon, © 2005 Eastern Digital Resources, Published by: Eastern Digital Resources, Cartersville, GA 30120, page 78.
  • Jesse Freeman Killed
Jesse, no doubt died in the Civil war, the question is When, Where and How?

About 1875, Ann Freeman, widow of Jesse Freeman, married Joseph Hall.  Joseph and Ann moved from Chesterfield to Marlboro County.

In July 1881, her ex father-in-law, Jesse Freeman, Sr., passed away. In October 1881 the surviving heirs divided into two groups file a “Bill of Complain” in the Court system against each other.  Ann Hall wife of Joseph hall is named as a Distributee of this estate.
  • II. That the said Jessie Freeman left surviving him as his heirs at law and Distributees His Widow Mary Freeman and the following children to wit:
  • William Freeman Louis Freeman Christine Turnage the wife of Robert Turnage, Ann Hall the wife of Joseph Hall Elizabeth Poston the wife of Elisha Poston and your Complainants Mary Ann Wadsworth and…
I have not found any documents that show the maiden name (Surname) of Ann Freeman Hall. 

 Ann [LNU] Freeman Hall died 18 June 1925 in Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina.

Many researches shows this deceased Ann to be Jesse Sr, daughter Ann Elizabeth Freeman; but, that’s impossible. 

Jesse Freeman is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed.









________________________________
1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 134B/135A; Line 33, Dwelling 560, Family 560, Household of Jesse FREEMAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 12 June 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 173B; Line 27, Dwelling 1123, Family 1122, Household of Jesse FREEMAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
3. National Park Service, "Soldiers" database, Civil War Soldiers & Sailor System (http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers.htm : accessed 12 June 2012), entry for Freeman, Jesse, Corporal; 21st Regiment, South Carolina Infantry; Confederate.
4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 12 June 2012), entry for Jesse Freeman, Corporal; Company E, 21th SC Infantry; Confederate.
5. Randolph W. Kirkland Jr., Broken Fortunes: South Carolina Soldiers, Sailors and Citizens Who Died in the Service of Their Country and State in the War for Southern Independence, 1861-1865 (Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina, 1997), Jesse Freeman is Not Listed as a deceased soldier..
6. Johnson Hagood, Memoirs of the War of Succession (Camden, SC 29020: Jim Fox Books, 1997 (Reprint)), page 402-403.
7. John V. Rigdon, History of the 21st SC Volunteers: The South Carolina 21st Infantry Regiment (Cartersville, GA 30120: Eastern Digital Resources, October 2013), page 78 , Freeman, Jesse, 21, Lieutenant killed at Petersburg, Virginia June 24, 1864.
8. John V. Rigdon, Historical Sketch & Roster: The SC 21st Infantry Regiment (Cartersville, GA 30120: Eastern Digital Resources, 1997), page 78, Jesse Freeman, 21, Lieutenant killed at Petersburg, Virginia.
9. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Hebron, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 92, Page 12B/157B; Line 64, Dwelling 237, Family 237, Household of Annie FREEMAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 19 July 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1523.
10. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 283A; Line 3,, Dwelling 101, Family 101, Household of Ann FREEMAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 19 July 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
11. 1880 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 004, Page 303C; Line 43, Dwelling 73, Family 73, Household of Joseph HALL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 12 June 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T9-1225.
12. Annie Freeman, death certificate 010325 (18 June 1925), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
13. Elizabeth C. Drake, Cemetery Records of Marlboro County, South Carolina; Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984, page 25. Tombstone of Anne Freeman Hall; 1845–18 June 1925, Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, Marlboro County, South Carolina.
14. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 25 June 2014); Memorial page for Annie Freeman; (1845–18 June 1925); Find a Grave memorial # 121517243, Citing Salem Baptist Church Cemetery; Salem, Marlboro County, South Carolina, USA.



 

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Tombstone Tuesday~Susana Sellers



Susana Sellers
b. 1837
d. Feb. 12, 1919
bu. Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery

32239104_122952496981
Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

Susana was born about 1837, the youngest child of Roland Sellers and Margaret Eddins. It’s quite possible that she was a twin to Sarah A. Sellers. Susanna remained single her entire life and spent that time with her Step-Mother Jane Baxter Sellers until Jane’s death after January of 1883.

In 1900, she is living with her brother Steven D. Sellers.

Susana Sellers passed away on 12 Feb. 1919 and was buried in the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery.

Susana Sellers is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed.


______________
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 20 February 2015); Memorial page for Susana Sellers; (1837–12 February 1919); Find a Grave memorial # 32239104, Citing Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
2. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 143B (stamped); Line 1, Dwelling 692, Family 692, Household of Jane SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 23 September 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
3. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Mount Croghan, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 007, Page: 353A(stamped); Line 20, Dwelling 6, Family 6, Household of Jane SELLERS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 23 September 2015); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
4. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Mount Croghan, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0025, Page: 12A/159 (stamped); Line 44, Dwelling 214, Family 219, Household if Steven D. SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 September 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1523.




Monday, August 7, 2017

Amanuensis Monday~Lot #8-Martin Partition-Davis Children to Wadsworth

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 Anson County Land Deed, Lot #8-Martin Partition: Davis Children to Wadsworth.  


DB 48, PG 102DB 48, PG 103

Transcription:
Deed Book 48, Page 102 & 103
G. W. M. DAVIS & WIFE ET AL -TO- JULIA S. WADSWORTH
State of South Carolina.
Chesterfield County.
THIS DEED, made and entered into, this the 12th day of January 1909, by and between G. W. M. Davis and wife, Martha Davis, A. B. Davis and wife Margaret Davis, B. F. Davis and wife Cornelia Davis and J. A. Davis and wife Arnie V. Davis parties of the first part, and Julia S. Wadsworth party of the second part, of Chesterfield County, State of South Carolina, Witnesseth:
THAT THE parties of the first part for and in consideration of the love and affection which they have for their sister Julia S. Wadsworth and for the consideration of the sum of One Dollar to them paid by the said Julia S. Wadsworth, the receipt of which is hereby duly acknowledged and the further consideration of the fact that the said Julia S. Wadsworth redeemed the land hereinafter described after the same has been sold for taxes on or about the year 1892, and has continually paid the taxes thereon since that time, have bargained, sold, conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do hereby bargain, sell, convey and confirm unto the said Julia S. Wadsworth, her heirs and d assigns all the right, title, interest and estate of the parties of the first part in and to the following described tract or parcel of land in Anson County, Morven Township, and bounded as follows:
Beginning at a rock in the line of lot No. 1, 4 pines ptrs. And runs with a line of said lot S. 35 E. 22.20 chs. To a rock in Parsons’ line, 1 pine ptr., a corner of said lot; then with said Parsons’ line N. 52 E. 7.10 chs. To his corner stake, 2 white oak ptrs.; then with lot No. 7 N. 12 ½ E. 19.40 chs. To a rock in said line, 3 pine ptrs., then S. 73 W. 22.60 chs. to the beginning, containing 25 acres, more or less. It being the lot of land allotted to M. G. Davis, wife of W. B. Davis in the division of the lands of the late Hanna F. Martin, made on the 10th. Day of October, 1885, and recorded in deed book No. 29, page 313, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Anson County to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description of the same.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described tract or parcel of land with all privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging to her the said Julia S. Wadsworth, her heirs and assigns in fee simple forever. And the said parties of the first part covenant that they are seized of said premises in fee and have right to convey the same in fee simple.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and date above written.
                                                           G. W. M. X (his mark) Davis (Seal)
                                                           Martha H. Davis (Seal)
                                                           A.. B. Davis (Seal)
                                                           Margaret X her mark Davis (Seal)
                                                           B. F. Davis (Seal)
                                                           Cornelia X her mark Davis (Seal)
                                                          J. A. Davis (Seal)
                                                          A. V. Davis (Seal)

State of South Carolina, County of Chesterfield.
I, W. J. Odom Notary Public, in and for the said County and state do hereby certify that G.W.M. Davis and wife Martha Davis, A. B. Davis and wife Margaret Davis, B. F. Davis and wife Cornelia Davis and J. A. Davis and wife Arnie V. Davis personally appeared before me this day and duly acknowledged the execution of the foregoing Deed of Conveyance, and the said Martha Davis wife of G. W. M. Davis, Margaret Davis wife of A. B. Davis, Cornelia Davis wife of B. F. Davis and Arnie V. Davis wife of J. A. Davis each being by me privately examined, separate and part from her said husband, doth on such her private examination sate, and each for herself being privately examined sates that she signed the same freely and voluntarily without fear or compulsion on the part of her said husband or of any other person. Witness my hand and Notarial seal, this the 28 day of February, 1910. W. J. Odom Notary Public (Seal)
My commission expires at the will of the Governor of South Carolina.
                                                                  W. J. Odom N.P.

State of South Carolina, County of Chesterfield.
I, R. E. Rivers Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that W. J. Odom whose genuine signature appears to the forgoing instrument hereto attached was at the time of signing the same, a Notary Public for S.C., duly commissioned under the laws of the State, and that his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit. Witness my hand and Seal of said Court at Chesterfield S.C. this 28th day of February A.D. 1910.
                                                                           R. E. Rivers Clerk of Circuit Court

State of North Carolina, Anson County.
The foregoing certificates of W. J. Odom, a Notary Public of South Carolina, with his Notarial Seal attached, and of R. E. Rivers, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Chesterfield County South Carolina, with his official seal attached, are adjudged to be correct. Let the instrument, with the certificates, be registered. Witness my hand, this 6th day of January, 1911.
                                                W. K. Boggan, Clerk Superior Court.
Jan. 6, 1911 at 5:10 o’clock, P.M.
Then the foregoing Deed, with the certificates thereon, came into my hands and they were duly registered.
                                                                                       D. W. Johnson
                                                                                       Register of Deeds

Background:
All of the parties named within this deed are children of William Blakeney Davis and his wife Mary Jane Martin.  Mary Jane Martin was the daughter of Hanna F. Martin and her distributive share of the Martin Estate  was Lot #8 (Anson County, NC DB 29:313-318).

Hanna F. Martin Division
Snippet Martin Partition 1
Snippet Martin Partition 2

Something strange is going on here and required further research; Lot #8 is specifically allocated to M. G. Davis wife of W. B. Davis. This Land Division deed is dated 10 October 1885.
Mary Jane Martin Davis tombstone (FAG #44967087) shows that she died on 15 September 1885 a month before this Lot was allocated. It seems to me that if she was deceased, the lot should have been allocated to her children.  

List of those named within the Deed:
  • G. W. M. Davis - George Washington Martin Davis
  • Martha H. Davis - Martha Hannah Rushing (Wife of George W. M. Davis)
  • A.. B. Davis - Augustus B. Davis
  • Margaret Davis - Margaret "Maggie" Odom (Wife of A. B. Davis)
  • B. F. Davis - Benjamin Franklin Davis 
  • Cornelia Davis - Cornelia Smith (Wife of Benj. Franklin Davis)
  • J. A. Davis - James Alexander "Sandy" Davis
  • A. V. Davis - Arnie Violet Douglass (Wife of James Alexander "Sandy Davis)
  • J. S. Wadsworth - Julia Susan Davis Wadsworth (Husband - Jesse Thomas Wadsworth.
All of the Davis men and women listed are siblings; G. W. M.; A. B.; B. F.; J. A. and J. S.




_______________________
[1] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book 48, pages 102 & 103, G. W. M. DAVIS & WIFE ET AL -TO- JULIA S. WADSWORTH; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.










































Sunday, August 6, 2017

Chesterfield County SC~Estate Folder #372 – Frederick C. Rivers



This on-going series of posting, appears 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 #372
Frederick C. Rivers
The estate folder begins at image 1153 of 1383. There are 27 images within the estate folder. (images 1153-1180) 1
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-NQ95-FY?cc=1911928&wc=MPPR-PTP%3A190567401%2C190561002%2C190567402%2C190904401
Frederick C. Rivers passed away in 24 June 1878 having lost his beloved wife, Sarah Ann Hurst, back in September 1877. He was 79 years old.

Frederick and Sarah left a large family of  approximately 13 children.  

Frederick and Sarah's son William James Rivers petitioned the Court for administration of the estate.

Req. For Letters-F. C. Rivers
Transcription:
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County} In the Probate Court
Ex Parte
W. J. Rivers } Petition for Letters Administration
To W. J. Hanna, Judge of probate
This petition of W. J. Rivers respectfully shows_
1. That Frederick Rivers off the County and Sate aforesaid departed this life, intestate, on the 24th day of June A. D. 1878.
2. That said intestate left a small personal estate supposed to be o f the value of Two Hundred and fifty-dollars.
3. That said intestate was the father of your petitioner.
Wherefore your Petitioner prays that letters of administration be grants him on said estate and your petitioner will ever pray &c.
                                                            W. J. Rivers

William James Rivers, the oldest son, was granted Letters of administration on the estate.
On 24 August 1878, J. W. McBride, D. R. Davis and Repsey Tucker were appointed by the Courts to appraise the personal estate of Frederick C. Rivers.

The estate inventory and purchasers of the various items is very interesting. Buyers consisted of children and local friends and family.

The most interesting nugget in this probate folder is the date of death of 24 June 1878. I wonder where the Oct 1879 engraved on the Tombstone came from?

29992595_122476571598
Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr




_______________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-NQ95-FY?cc=1911928&wc=MPPR-PTP%3A190567401%2C190561002%2C190567402%2C190904401 : 21 May 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0331-0383 > image 1153 of 1383; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.




















Saturday, August 5, 2017

Its Family Time~The Marion Frederick Davis Family

Its-Family-Time2
Marion Frederick Davis was born 9 April 1886, a son of Elisha Blakely Davis and Mary Jane “Molly” Eddins. He was their 9th Child  joining 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Two years later Elisha and Molly would add another daughter to the family making the total to be 10 with 6 sons and 4 daughters.

After World War I, Marion met and married Lydia Ann Lee, daughter of Grant Lee, of Harnett County, North Carolina. The marriage took place in Johnston County, North Carolina on 4 July 1925. 

Marion Fredrick Davis and Lydia Ann Lee had the following children:

i. Fredrick Grant Davis was born on 18 Apr 1926 in Durham, Durham, North Carolina. He died on 29 Jan 1986 at the age of 59.
ii. Frances Merita Davis, born 20 Sep 1928, Durham, Durham, North Carolina; married Johnny Preston Rigsbee, 22 Apr 1950, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina; died 21 Dec 2002, Hillsborough, Orange, North Carolina.
iii. William Reginald Davis was born on 19 Sep 1930 in Durham, Durham, North Carolina. He died  on 29 July 2006 at the age of 75 in Durham, North Carolina.
iv. Living Daughter


Marion Frederick passed away on 23 August 1963, in Durham, North Carolina. His wife, Lydia Ann, lived another 15 years succumbing on 27 June 1978 in Durham.


Marion Frederick Davis is my 1st Cousin 3 times removed.



________________
1. North Carolina, death certificate # 24855 (23 August 1963), Marion Fredrick Davis; http://www.Ancestry.com, Durham, Durham County, North Carolina.
2. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #21, Page 107A/107B, Line 50, Dwelling 427, Family 434, Household of Elisha B. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 26 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_Roll: 1523.
3. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 July 2012), Marion Frederick Davis; citing Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls, FHL Roll Number: 1765638.
4. 1930 U. S. Census, Durham County, North Carolina, population schedule, Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 14, Page 104A/20A; Line 35, Dwelling 361, Family 431, Marion F. DAVIS Household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 6 July 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll: 1687.
5. 1940 US Census, Durham County, North Carolina, population schedule, Durham, Durham, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 32-11, Page: 1B/138 (stamped); Line 56, Household #1211, Household of Marion F. DAVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 12 January 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T627, Roll 2902.
6. North Carolina, death certificate# 24855, (23 August 1963), Marion Fredrick Davis.
7. North Carolina, death certificate, (27 June 1978), Lydia Lee Davis.
8. Social Security Administration, Ancestry database, Ancestry, (http://www.ancestry.com : <viewed|accessed> 6 July 2012), Lydia Davis, 240-06-6977, 2011 derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File,database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).
9. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918." On-line digital images. Ancestry.com. http://www.ancestry.com : 2012.


















Friday, August 4, 2017

Broken Computer - New Post Tomorrow


Broke ComputerI have had some computer problems this week that I have finally resolved. I build and fix my own computers and insists on solving the problems I encounter myself.

Sometimes it’s take longer to resolve than if I had called in a technician. But on the other hand, I have no expenses except my own time.

I also decided it was time to update my hardware. So, I have all the components on the way to build a much more powerful and faster desktop computer.