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ATKINSON Family

By Archibald Atkinson

March 3, 1897 (should be 1879 – cls), my being in my eighty-third year, think that I could not remain here long, I determined to leave each of my family and my wife’s family a history, for the benefit of my children and grandchildren. I will now begin with parents on the Atkinson and Warren side to the best of my ability.

My grandfather Atkinson moved from Virginia with one of his brothers and a sister soon after the Revolutionary War and settled in Wilkes Co., Georgia.

My grandfather was named Nathan Atkinson, his brother Thomas, and his sister, Betsy. She married John Carroll of Virginia. They all came to Georgia together. The three are as far back as I have any account of.

My father Tom is the eldest son of Nathan. He raised three sons to be grown to wit: Thomas, James, Josiah, and three daughters, Betsy Wingfield, Patience Smith and Rhody Rowland. All died in Greene County, GA.

My father, when he became of age, went from Wilkes Co., GA to Burke Co., GA, where he married my mother, Rebekah Warren, the eldest daughter of Corlis Warren of Burke Co., GA. Corlis Warren had several brothers, but have forgotten their names. Some of his nephews were Josiah, Hinchey, Kitteral, Eddie (or Eali) and Lot. I had little acquaintance with my mothers people as I was raised some distance from them. Eddie and Lot were her cousins. They used to live in Houston Co., Georgia. My grandfather Warren married Hester Anderson before the Revolutionary War. They raised one son, Archibald, and four daughters, Rebekah (my mother), Rachel Lightfoot, Elizabeth Jones (then Bird), and Mary Caruthers. All died in Burke Co., Georgia except my mother, who died at my house in Henry Co., Georgia, July 28, 1857 with paralysis. She was upwards of eighty years old at her death.

My father and mother were married in 1794. I was born in 1796. He died before I was six years old. My mother had three children, I was the oldest, then Elizabeth, and James last.

I married Martha F. Dean the 11th of November, 1824. My sister married John Watkins, my brother married a Butler of Morgan County, GA. James is in Morgan Co., and raised his family there. Sister Elizabeth Watkins went from Alabama to Texas twenty or thirty years ago. If alive, she still lives there. Her oldest, Jack Watkins, is 68 years old and one of the best doctors in the county he lived in. Robert, his brother, was a very successful doctor. One of his sister’s daughters married a man by the name of Randle. I have forgotten the names of the family. Jack and Robert have moved to Texas in the last five years. I have lost sight of that branch of my family and have almost lost sight of brother James and family. It has been twenty years since I saw any of them, and can only give names of some of his sons and none of his daughters. His oldest were Thomas, William, James and Edward.

I will now go back to my father, mother and their grandchildren. They married in Burke Co. and father died there seven or eight years after marriage. My mother married William Jones in the fall of 1807. In the fall of 1808, he moved to Greene Co. where he died the following spring. That fall she, being left in a helpless condition on a good farm and no one to cultivate it as her eldest child was only thirteen and too small to plow, felt the necessity of marrying her third husband, Lewis Mosley.

I suppose they lived together some 25 or 30 years when he died. My mother lived a widow some eight or nine years, then died at my home in Henry County at eighty years of age.

My mother never had but three children, all of whom are living at this time as far as I know. I am the eldest of the three. There are only four years and nine months lacking seven days between the eldest and the youngest of the three.

I will now take up my own family. I was in my 29th year, from the 10th of June to the 11th of November when my wife and I were married. She was twenty-one years, seven days at the time. She had nine children, two died in infancy. The eldest, Sarah Ann, was born Oct. 24, 1826. She has been married twice, first to Henry McClendon. She had two sons James S. McClendon and Thomas McClendon. Both married. James married Branch Tavern’s daughter Sarah, they have one child. I have forgotten who Thomas married, but they have no children.

Sarah’s second husband was Dr. L. Coleman. She bore him three sons and one daughter Mattie. The sons were Henry Watson, Franklin, and Milton. None of them married.

I now commence Burkett. He was born the 4th of November 1831 and married Betsy Willet of Clark Co., Nov. 1856. He has nine living children, five boys and four daughters. They are Joseph E., Mattie, Lula, James, Sallie, Willie, Charles, Johnny and Carrie Grant Atkinson. All are single and three nearly grown.

Mary Jane was born the 13th of March 1834 and married G.W. Morris. She has nine children: Mattie, George, John and Ruthie, all about grown. The younger children I have forgotten their names. Mattie has two children, George’s wife one. She was Allen Cock’s daughter. Mattie married a Stubbs.

Elizabeth was born the September, 1836. She married John W. Henderson and has five children: Sanford, Mattie, James, Charles, and Walter Lee, all yet small.

Martha was born the 22nd of October, 1839. She has only two living children, John and William.

Georgia Rebecca was born the 22nd of November, 1841, and died the 11th day of March, 1878. She was twice married – first to Stell Henderson who was killed at the first Murphreesboro fight. She had a Henderson child, Stell. Then she married B.F. Morris and bore him two sons, Oliver Cromwell and Francis Archibald. That ends that branch.

The next, my youngest son, James Archibald, was born the 28th of April, 1846. He has five living children. He married Rebekah Wilson of Haralson County. The first child was Thomas, then James A., Ola, Mattie, Samuel, and William. That ends my children and grandchildren.

I will now fall back to my wife’s family, the Deans and Carltons as her mother was a Carlton. My wife’s father, Burkett Dean, married Sarah Carlton, the daughter of Thomas Carlton, about 1800. He was for many years the Clerk of the Superior Court of Greene Co. He lived in Greensboro for a long time then moved to Madison, Morgan Co. and there died before I married his granddaughter. He has a brother by the name of Henry Carlton, a regular sportsman. He died an old bachelor without any lawful heirs nearer than his brother’s and sister’s children and grandchildren. He died possessed of a certain of land known as the Madison Race Tract. The greater part of Madison is on that tract or parcel of land. I believe that Ben Hill or Stephens could recover that land for the Carlton family. Twenty years ago I was by Colonel Lowes of Clark Co. He was very knowing of the whole matter, but now he is dead.

Now I will go back to Thomas Carlton and family. He had two sons and six daughters. The first son was Thomas, then Henry. Sarah married Burkett Dean. Elizabeth married John Allen; she kept a hotel in Milledgeville for many years. After John’s death, she married Dr. Brown of Monroe Co. A few years later, she died without any children. Rebecca married Alexander Jarrett, raised no children. Martha married Edward Butler, reared sons and daughters. Susan died before marriage. Nancy married John Marler, a mechanic of Milledgeville.

My wife, Martha, was the oldest daughter of Burkett Dean. Thomas was the eldest son, then Gabriel, George, John and Burkett of the boys. Sarah never married. Elizabeth married three times, the first to James Jarrett, then Isaac Boring a Methodist preacher of some note, then Bradfield, a mechanic of some note. She had children by all three of her husbands, then died. Believe I can’t give names of her children. Mary, the youngest child, married William Turk of Baldwin Co. He moved to Troup Co., stayed a few years, then went to Alabama some 18 miles below Columbus. There, the wife died leaving sons and daughters, but I cannot give any of their names.

I think I have gone through my family the best that I can. I now count the outside relations of the Dean and Carlton generations. My wife claimed them as her relations. George Heard was her father’s sister’s son. Some of the Ramsey’s married into the Heard family. The Popes were on the Dean side, the Nelsons on the Dean; Jarrett's on the Carlton. The Sampson's were related, also the Finches.

I will now go back to my grandfather’s brother and sister: Thomas Atkinson and Elizabeth Carroll. They first lived in Wilkes Co. The first son Armistead lived and died in Greene Co., near the Wilkes line. I do not think he reared a son to be grown, though his daughters lived to be grown – Mrs. Dickenson for one and Mrs. Battle, but she soon died. That is all I can say of the family.

Thomas Atkinson raised his family in Morgan County, near Sandy Creek Church. He had sons and daughters. Henry Phillips married one and Hiram Elliott married Mary. Porter Morrow married Nancy. I do not remember any more names.

I now take up Lemuel Atkinson, who lived part of his days in Pike County and died there. He raised one son Tollison and if still alive lives near Dalton. A man by the name of Williams married his daughter Elizabeth. That is all I know of them.

I will now take up John Atkinson. He left his parents some 75 or 80 years ago and went to South Carolina near Augusta, GA and then I think the family lost sight of him. No doubt he went back to Virginia where he was born. The family heard he was married and was supposed to be in SC. He could have written his family where he settled and married and my family would not have known, since we did not live near in my growing up days.

Thomas Atkinson married his second wife and raised one son who was younger than John. His name was Nathan. He raised a large family of sons and daughters in Greene County and died there. He had one son – James, and John and Lemuel. That is the most I can say of that part of the family.

I know but little of the Carroll family. He came to Georgia soon after the Revolutionary War. He reared sons and daughters. It is said that he had a son in Irwin County. He has a grandson in Dekalb County, Nathaniel Carroll. He had several sons and daughters, but I can’t give their names.

This is quite an extensive generation, but I never heard of one of the generation that was hanged or put in prison or committed suicide. Some of the generation lived to be very old. Both of my grandfathers lived to be eight-odd, so handed down to me and grandmother about the same, and also one of my father’s brothers. I will be eighty-three on June 10, 1879. Benjamin Futrell married a cousin of mine. He has been dead 10 years. He was at his death 99 years, 5 months and 14 days old.

*The names “Carroll”, “Mosley” and “Dickenson” wee spelled several different ways in this History.

Copied by Frances Gresham Mitchell – Pulaski Chapter N.S.D.A.R. This history was not signed by Archibald Atkinson, but research by descendants of Thomas Atkinson, brother of Nathan, has facts to prove the above history written by Archibald Atkinson.

“The Atkinson Family History was unsigned by the writer, Archibald Atkinson. The descendants have kept this history and prize it highly, but seem to think that since it was unsigned, that it is practically worthless, but taken with the idea of proving the data, it becomes very valuable.

Below are some items that prove that he definitely knew what he was writing about, and I hope that some future generations will complete and publish this history.” --Frances Gresham Mitchell

The will of Nathan and his brother Thomas Atkinson will be found in the first Will Book of Greene County, Georgia.

In the deed records of Nash County, NC will be found deeds in which it says “John Carroll, the brother-in-law of Nathan Atkinson”.

Marriages performed in Georgia are as follows:

Archibald Atkinson to Martha Dean – 11/07/1824, Morgan Co., GA
James Atkinson and Mariah Butler – 10/27/1825, Morgan Co., GA
Elizabeth Atkinson and John Watkins – 09/18/1816, Greene Co., GA
Lewis Mosely and Rebecca Jones by John Turner J.P. – 10/12/1809, Greene Co., GA
Porter Morrow and Nancy Atkinson – Morgan Co., GA
Hiram Elliott and Mary Ann Atkinson – Morgan Co., GA
Roger Dickenson and Catherine Atkinson – 1825, Greene Co., GA
Elizabeth Atkinson and John Battle – 1819, Greene Co., GA

Lemual Atkinson died in Pike Co., GA. He first married Nancy Townsend, 2nd, Mary Ann. Estate records give the names of Tollison T. Atkinson and Elizabeth Williams.

Thomas Atkinson and his wife Rhoda Ivey Atkinson along with the sister of Thomas are buried at the old Sandy Creek Cemetery in Morgan Co., GA.

Armistead Atkinson married Sally Thomas, they died in Greene Co. (later Taliaferro Co.)

We have in our possession many such items that prove beyond any shadow of doubt that Archibald Atkinson knew what he was doing when he wrote this above history. The will of Henry Carlton is in Morgan Co., GA along with other data pertaining to the above history that shows the writer was fully acquainted with the families of which he wrote.

Miss Mary Gresham, Gainesville, FL
Robert E. Mitchell, Zebulon, GA
Mrs. J. S. Moore, Gainesville, FL
are descendants of Thomas Atkinson, the great uncle of Archibald Atkinson and they can be contacted by descendants for proof.

Frances Gresham Mitchell

NOTE: This document was retyped by Marc Atkinson with the following note: “As I copied this “copy” of this history, I made a few spelling and punctuation corrections in order to make this information easier to understand. This history was found in the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) books at the George Archives in Atlanta. It was published around 1965. I have written to the above people, but received no replies. --Marc L. Atkinson, 07/27/1996

The only word of caution I would have is, this information is just what Archibald Atkinson , at age 83, knew and remembered about some of the members of this large family. For instance, Archibald list his youngest son, James Archibald Atkinson and his wife, Rebekah Wilson, as having 5 living children. (at the time of his writing this history, 1879). Thru another "cousin" I learned that James A. Atkinson and Rebekah W. Atkinson had 2 more sons, born after 1879/ they were, Archibald Shelby Atkinson b. 1882 in Ga. and d. 1964 in Little Rock AR, and Howell Atkinson b. 1884 in Ga.

It is very possible, that Archibald died before these 2 grandsons were born, I have not found any information on Archibald Atkinson's death or burial. I did find an Archibald Atkinson on the 1880 death census for Coweta Co., Ga. his age matched my Archibald's age, and it's possible he moved in with a relative when he became too old or ill to care for himself.

Celeste Atkinson Bogosian.

Note from another descendant -

I was just surfing tonight to see if I could find any recent info on Thomas Atkinson and Rhoda Ivey (my ancestors) and ran across the above info.

I would like to say that most of the info on the Atkinson family is correct. I am a descendant of the Thomas Atkinson family of Morgan Co. Lavinia Atkinson, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Speed Atkinson, married Henry Phillips and they are (were) my gr-gr-gr-gr grandparents. They were the parents of 11 sons and one daughter.

Mar L. Atkinson stated he tried to contact Mary Gresham and Frances Gresham Mitchell. (they were sisters) Frances died some years ago and I doubt Mary is still alive. Frances and I corresponded on the Atkinson and Phillips families for years After her death Mary gave me much of Frances' research material.

Just thought you might be interested in adding this to your info.

Tommie Phillips LaCavera posted on July 2, 2008

Note from another descendant -

I have just read on your website Archibald Atkinson's family history. In about the middle of it, in a paragraph beginning, "I think I've gone through my family the best I can." He goes on to name some others including "the Finches."

Burkett Dean's wife Sarah Carleton, was the daughter of Thomas Carleton, Jr. and his wife Martha Finch.
Martha Finch was the daughter of Brothers Finch and his wife, Sarah Vaughan.
Sarah Vaughan was the daughter Rabley Vaughan and his wife, Mary Cocke.
Mary Cocke was the daughter of Edward Cocke, Sr. and his wife, Mary Hamlin.
Edward Cocke, Sr. was the son of Mary Aston and Richard Cocke.

If you will go to Gary Boyd Roberts' book, THE ROYAL DESCENTS OF 500 IMMIGRANTS, you will find the descent of George Herbert Walker Bush from Henry II, King of England. In the 18th generation you will find Mary Aston married to Richard Cocke.

Good Hunting,
Tom Sullivan Rjudgetom@aol.com

BERNHARD Family

1 Jacob Bernhard b: Abt 1805 in South Carolina
+Esther Lites b: Abt 1811 in South Carolina m: 11 Aug 1829 Father: ?_______ Lites Mother: N. ?_______
~ 2 Simeon J. Bernhard b: Abt 1829 in South Carolina
~ 2 Margaret Isabella Bernhard b: 3 Jul 1830 in South Carolina d: 22 Jan 1895 in Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~ +John M. Weems m: 29 Jan 1846 in Henry Co., Georgia d: 1846-1850 in (Henry Co., Georgia - not included in 1850 Census) Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 John M. Weems b: Abt 1847
~ *2nd Husband of Margaret Isabella Bernhard:
~~ +William (Wilson?) Wesley Addy b: 9 Oct 1827 in Lexington District, South Carolina m: 20 Feb 1851 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 25 Feb 1908 in Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia Father: Jacob Addy Mother: Mary Rawls
~~~~ 3 Thomas F. Addy b: 9 Dec 1851 in Coweta Co., Georgia Baptism: 2 May 1852 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia d: 14 Apr 1936 in Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Haralson United Methodist Church; Haralson, Coweta Co, Georgia
~~~~~~ +Margaret "Lizzie" Elizabeth Hancock b: 25 Dec 1852 m: 2 Jan 1916 in Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Haralson United Methodist Church; Haralson, Coweta Co, Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Mary "Mollie" Elizabeth Addy b: 24 Apr 1853 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 17 Mar 1938 in "at home near Haralson," Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +George Washington Gable b: 15 Mar 1850 in Coweta Co., Georgia m: 20 Nov 1873 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 10 Dec 1906 in Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia Father: David Gable Mother: Nancy Lightner
~~~~ 3 Warren J. Addy b: Abt 1855 in Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +~Never Married~ Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Stockton Aloengi Addy b: 8 Mar 1856 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 20 Feb 1920 in Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +~Never Married~ Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Ella Josephine Addy b: Bef 6 Dec 1858 in Coweta Co., Georgia Baptism: 6 Dec 1858 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Johnny Jennings Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 William Jason Addy b: 1 Dec 1859 in Coweta Co., Georgia Baptism: 15 May 1862 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia d: 17 May 1939 Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Newnan, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Ada I. Graham b: 23 Jul 1866 m: 14 Jun 1886 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 2 Oct 1954 in Fulton Co., Georgia Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Newnan, Coweta Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Patrick Henry Addy b: 21 Jul 1861 in Coweta Co., Georgia Baptism: 15 May 1862 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia d: 10 Jul 1932 in Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: 11 Jul 1932 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Dora "Minnie" Harrison Nixon b: 23 Dec 1877 in Coweta Co., Georgia m: 30 Jan 1898 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 19 Sep 1955 in Coweta Co., Georgia Burial: Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia Father: Charles Bartow Nixon Mother: Ida Elizabeth Pennington
~~~~ 3 Oscar B. Addy b: 1863-1865 in Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +~Never Married~ Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Robert W. Addy b: 1865-1867 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 17 Dec 1931 in Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Marty Carleton Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Rose Lula Addy b: 24 Nov 1866 d: 25 Jun 1949
~~~~~~ +William Philip Addy b: 25 Aug 1861 in Edgefield Co., South Carolina m: 14 Feb 1894 d: 24 Oct 1936 in Webster Co., Georgia Father: George Addy Mother: Fannie Jennings
~~~~ 3 Alvenzie Simeon Addy b: 20 May 1870 in Coweta Co., Georgia Baptism: 6 Dec 1858 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia d: 21 Apr 1943 Burial: Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Cemetery, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +~Never Married~ Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 M. Pearl Addy b: Abt 1874 in Coweta Co., Georgia d: 22 Aug 1965
~~~~~~ +M. Couch Carleton b: in Coweta Co., Georgia m: 13 Mar 1890 in Coweta Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~ 2 Nancy Ann Bernhard b: Abt 1831 in Georgia
~~ +Joseph Rawls b: Abt 1821 in Lexington District, South Carolina m: 2 Dec 1847 in (Henry Co., Georgia?) d: 5 Jun 1852 in Coweta Co., Georgia Father: Jacob (Rawls) Rall, Jr. Mother: Elizabeth Gartman
~~~~ 3 Walter T. Rawls b: Bef 15 Jul 1848 in Georgia Baptism: 15 Jul 1848 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~~~~ 3 Luther Whitfield Rawls b: Bef 2 May 1852 Baptism: 2 May 1852 Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, Coweta Co., Georgia
~ 2 John J. Bernhard b: Abt 1832 in Georgia
~~ +Amanda ?_______ Father: Mother:
~ 2 Mary Emmaline Bernhard b: 1 Nov 1834 in Georgia d: 27 Nov 1900 Burial: Bernhard Family Cemetery - off Hampton Rd near Luella, Henry Co., Georgia
~~ +George Bynum Rawls b: 4 Feb 1823 in South Carolina m: 10 Feb 1853 in Henry Co., Georgia d: 30 Dec 1910 Burial: Bernhard Family Cemetery - off Hampton Rd near Luella, Henry Co., Georgia Father: John Rawl Mother: Margaret Elizabeth Austin
~~~~ 3 Melissa A. Rawls b: 19 Nov 1853 in Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Cornelius Ables b: 15 Sep 1843 d: 29 Apr 1916 Burial: Bernhard Family Cemetery - off Hampton Rd near Luella, Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 John William Rawls b: Abt 1856 in Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +L. J. Bernhard m: 4 Mar 1879 in Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Mary Ellyn "Molly" Rawls b: 18 Apr 1858 in Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Thomas J. Standard b: Abt 1862 in Georgia m: 14 Jan 1883 in Henry Co., Georgia Father: James F. Standard Mother: Caroline Head
~~~~ 3 Benjamin Franklin Rawls b: 18 Apr 1858 in Henry Co., Georgia d: 17 Oct 1924
~~~~ 3 Fanny Rawls b: Jan 1860 in Henry Co., Georgia d: Abt 1928 Burial: Bernhard Family Cemetery - off Hampton Rd near Luella, Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~ 3 Jacob "Jake" Sylvester Rawls b: 29 Mar 1864 in Henry Co., Georgia d: 2 Jun 1955 in McDonough, Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Stelle Mollie Sims b: 21 Nov 1882 in Henry Co., Georgia m: 27 Dec 1908 in Hampton, Henry Co., Georgia d: 16 Jul 1965 in McDonough, Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Lola Rawls b: Abt 1869 in Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +Richard Clifford m: 29 Mar 1888 in Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Ida Mae Rawls b: Abt 1872 in Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +F. J. Stanford m: 18 Nov 1888 in Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Samantha Rawls b: Abt 1874 in Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~ 3 Anntonette Rawls b: Oct 1876 in Henry Co., Georgia
~~~~~~ +John R. Holt m: 14 Sep 1893 in Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~ 2 Matilda Ellen Bernhard b: 1836-1837 in Georgia
~~ +Fielding Washington Allen b: Abt 1820 in Georgia m: 1853 in Spalding Co., Georgia d: Nov 1907 Burial: Bernhard Family Cemetery - off Hampton Rd near Luella, Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Mathew H. Allen b: Abt 1856 in Georgia
~~~~ 3 John W. Allen b: Abt 1858 in Georgia
~~~~ 3 Fannie Lu Allen b: Abt 1866 in Georgia
~~~~ 3 Henry E. Allen b: Abt 1868 in Georgia
~~~~~~ +?_______ Garner Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Rosalee Allen b: Abt 1870 in Georgia
~~~~ 3 Gustayus Allen b: Abt 1872 in Georgia
~~~~ 3 Jacob F. Allen b: Abt 1874 in Georgia
~~~~ 3 Ophelia B. Allen b: Abt 1876 in Georgia
~ 2 A. K. Bernhard b: Abt 1838 in Georgia
~ 2 Louisa A. Bernhard b: Abt 1840 in Georgia d: Abt 1907 Burial: Bernhard Family Cemetery - off Hampton Rd near Luella, Henry Co., Georgia
~~ +J. W. Smith m: 16 Oct 1855 in Henry Co., Georgia Father: Mother:
~~~~ 3 Arthur Smith b: in (died as infant) Burial: Bernhard Family Cemetery - off Hampton Rd near Luella, Henry Co., Georgia
~ 2 William Preston Bernhard b: Abt 1842 in Georgia d: 22 Jul 1864 in Civil War @ Lincoln General Hospital - Washington, DC Burial: Arlington, Arlington Co., Virginia
~~ +Margaret M. Adams Father: Mother:
~ 2 Henry M. Bernhard b: Abt 1844 in Georgia
~~ +Laura ?________

Contributed by Valerie (Johnson) Freeman vcjfreeman@aol.com and Diane Allen Cooper TpaGrits@tampabay.rr.com

DAVIS Family

Robert DAVIS was born on 26 December 1803 in Georgia and died on 20 April 1898 at the age of 94 in Henry County, GA. Robert was buried in Conkle Cemetery near Mt. Carmel Methodist Church on a through road beyond the Green Mitchell place and Hasting's Bridge Road. When Robert was 25, he married Rebecca SINGLETON on 28 Dec 1828 in Henry County, GA. Rebecca was the daughter of Hezekiah Singleton and Martha. Rebecca was born on 6 Feb 1814 in Georgia and died in Henry County on 15 April 1883 at the age of 69. Rebecca is also buried in Conkle Cemetery.

Robert & Rebecca Davis had the following children:

1 Adeline, b. ca 1831. Adeline married George Kimball in Henry County, GA on 18 July 1853 when she was 22 years old.

2 Emeline, b. 27 Dec 1833. Emeline was born 27 Dec 1833 and married William Alls in Henry County on 29 May 1853 when she was 19. She died in Henry County, GA on 30 July 1902 at the age of 68. She is buried in Old Mt. Carmel Cemetery (Conkle Cemetery).

3 Joseph, b ca 1837 in Georgia.

4 Elizabeth, b ca 1838 in Georgia.

5 Mary, b ca 1839 in Georgia.

6 Jesse F., b 25 July 1845 in Georgia. Jessie F. Davis first married Nancy. On 25 July 1886 when Jessie was 41 he married Nancy Farmer. Jessie died on 29 Aug 1922 at the age of 77. (Note: It is unknown if these two Nancy's are the same person or two different wives.)

7 John Hamilton, born in May of 1848 in Georgia. John H. married Eliza Jane Green on 8 Nov 1866 in Henry County, Ga. She was born ca 1848. John H. second married Katherine Louisana Price on 11 Jan 1877 in Henry County, Ga when he was 28 years old. Katherine was the daughter of Elijah E. Price and Mary Eliathah Wesley and was born Sept 1861 in Alabama. Katherine died in Georgia on 30 April 1915 at age 53 and is buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery in East Point, Ga. John Hamilton Davis died in Georgia about 1931 at the age of 82. He is buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery in East Point, GA.
John & Eliza Jane had the following children
7-1 Sara B., b ca 1867
7-2 James G., b ca 1870, son of John Hamilton Davis & Eliza Jane Green, had the following children: Elmer and Sammy
7-3 Charles A. b ca 1872, son of John Hamilton Davis & Eliza Jane Green, married Fronie __ and had the following children: Jimmy and Bertha

Katherine and John H had the following children
7-4 Henry, son of John Hamilton Davis & Katherine L. Price, married first Laura and had one child, Robert Davis. Henry second married Clara and had one child, Perry.
7-5 John Calvin "Cal", son of John H. & Katherine L. Davis, married Pearl and had the following children - Joe, Luther "Luke", Maybelle and Katherine.
7-6 Lilla Belle, daughter of John H. & Katherine L. Davis, first married Unknown and had one child, Mattie Ethel. Lilla Belle second married Dooley and had Lester, Chester and Edward.
7-7 Percy E., son of John H. & Katherine L. Davis, married Goldie and had the following children - Riley, Hunter, Paul, Mary Ellen, Scott, Harry, Lorena, Elvie and Katherine.
7-8 Robert H. b ca 1878 in Henry County, GA
7-9 Riley C. b ca 1879, son of John H. & Katherine L. Davis, married Unknown and had one child, Lillian Davis.
7-10 Mamie b ca 1885, daughter of John H. & Katherine L. Davis married Cates McDougal and had the following children, Zell and Melvin McDougal. Mamie was born in Jan 1885 per the 1900 census.
7-11 Berry Lawrence was born on 6 Sept 1890 in Henry Co., GA to John H. & Katherine L. Davis. Berry Lawrence died in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA on 12 Jan 1970. He was 79 years old and is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, East Point, GA. On 24 Dec 1915 when Berry was 25, he married Grace May Bradshaw, daughter of Charles Fisher Bradshaw & Virginia Gertrude Walden, in Atlanta, Fulton Co., Ga. Grace was born 15 Jan 1894 in Concord, NC and died in Birmingham, Alabama on 9 May 1970 at the age of 76. They had two sons - Hugh William & Jack Bradshaw Davis.
7-12 Clarence was born in December of 1890 per the 1900 census. He married Lucy and they had the following children - Nellie Mae & Fannie Kate Davis.
7-13 Homer was born in Sep 1894 per the 1900 census. Homer married Unknown and had the following children - Norton, Elsie, Etheridge and Billy.
8 Balsom, b ca 1849 in Georgia.

9 Paulina, b ca 1853 in Georgia.

Robert Davis Tombstone

Rebecca (Singleton) Davis Tombstone

John Hamilton Davis
sketch by grandson, Hugh Davis

John Hamilton Davis

Berry Lawrence Davis

Grace (Bradshaw) Davis

Hugh William Davis

Jack Bradshaw Davis
1950

Contributed by Sandra Winegar, daughter of Hugh W. Davis

GREEN, Crafford

Crafford S Beeman Green
10/1/1844 – 1/17/1920

Crafford SB Green was my Great Great Grandfather. He was a fiery redheaded “Irishman” who often consumed more than his fair share of whiskey, according to my grandmother, Mamie O’Telia “Frances” (Greene) Barnes Courtney. Grandma’s father was John Ervin “Johnny” Greene a sweet quiet man who delighted in serving his friends and family his prized creek-cooled watermelons. Johnny and Mary Frances Eliza Rebecca (Southall) Greene were devout Baptists and raised their family by strict rules, rules that Johnny’s father obviously chose to ignore.

Crafford served Henry County and the Confederacy during the Civil War. Before researching this article, this is what I knew about Crafford’s service: “He was a private in Company A, 44th Regiment Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia, CSA, Henry Co, GA, Weems’ Guards. He enlisted March 4, 1862 and was captured June of 1864. He was paroled at Fort Delaware October 30, 1864 and received at Venus Point, Savannah River, GA for exchange November 15. 1864.” Those words seem so neat and tidy. I have discovered that Crafford’s service was anything but neat and tidy.

At enlistment, Crafford was just 17 years old. The 44th Regiment was formed from the men and boys of Henry, Jasper, Clarke, Clayton, Spalding, Putnam, Fayette, Pike, Morgan, and Greene Counties. They were initially assigned to Walker’s Brigade, Department of North Carolina under Brigadier General John G. Walker, in the division of Major General Theophilus H. Holmes. After their first action, a skirmish near Seven Pines (June 15, 1862), General Roswell Ripley succeeded Walker and they were assigned to D. H. Hill's Division, Army of Northern Virginia, Ripley’s Brigade.

By the end of the day September 14, 1862 Ripley’s Brigade and Henry County’s boys had seen 4 major battles with total casualties of 16,200. Crafford Green was two weeks away from his 18th birthday.

At sun-up on September 17, 1862 began the single bloodiest day in American military history, the Battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg. Ripley’s Brigade was part of the Confederate force led by General Robert E Lee, outnumbered two-to-one by McClellan’s Union Army. Despite having intercepted Lee’s battle plans and by committing one of the War’s greatest strategic errors (utilizing less than three-quarters of his troops), McClellan enabled Lee to fight the Union forces to a draw. At nightfall both sides consolidated their troops and Lee began to move his wounded south of the river. Despite staggering losses on both sides, skirmishing continued on the 18th. On the morning of the 19th McClellan did not renew his attacks and Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia crossed the Potomac and moved into the Shenandoah Valley. Instead of McClellan pressing his advantage and ending the war at Sharpsburg, the bloodshed would continue for 2 ½ more years.

This fall (9/2004) I visited Antietam battlefield almost 142 years to the day after the battle. It was a warm, sunny, beautiful fall day. A wedding was about to take place in the little Dunker Church, the sight of the first assaults that swept across farmer Miller’s cornfield and claimed the lives of thousands of men and boys in the first half hour of battle. A narrow country road wanders past farmhouses and fields to a spot called The Sunken Lane where the Confederate center was breached and the advantage not taken by the Union forces.

Across a state highway is another part of this vast battlefield, the stone bridge that crosses the tranquil Antietam Creek, held for most of that fateful day by Georgia riflemen who finally fell to Burnsides’ men. There are hundreds of markers noting which troops served where, but sadly I didn’t know about Ripley’s Brigade or my Great Great Grandfather Crafford’s contributions to that day. Estimated casualties for the day on both sides of this horrific battle - 23,100.

After the Battle of Antietam, the 44th was placed under the command of Colonel George Pierce Doles of the 4th of Georgia and became Doles Brigade, Doles having been promoted to Brigadier General November 1, 1862.

And on the brave men of Henry County fought through a litany of the Civil War’s most infamous battles:

Fredericksburg / Marye’s Heights (December 11-15, 1862 / casualties 17,929)
Chancellorsville (April 30 – May 6, 1863 / casualties 24,000)
Gettysburg (July 1 – 3, 1863 / casualties 51,000)
Bristoe Campaign (October – November 1863 / casualties 4,910)
Mine Run Campaign (November 27 – December 2, 1863 / casualties 1,952)
The Wilderness (May 5-7, 1864 / casualties 29,800),
Spotsylvania Court House (May 8 – 21, 1864 / casualties 30,000)
North Anna (May 23 – 26, 1864 / casualties 4,000)
Finally came Cold Harbor (May 31 – June 12, 1864) where the fighting ended for Brigadier General Doles and Private Crafford Green. Doles was killed and Crafford was taken prisoner. Casualties in the Confederate victory were 15,500.

Crafford Green had come through some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, where 218,391 others lost their fight. He was yet to survive being a prisoner of war, transport to the Savannah River and his trip home. At the time of his release, Crafford had just turned 20 years old. I find it hard to begrudge him one drop of the whiskey of which he was so fond.

Phillip Cook was promoted to Brigadier General and led the 44th through the balance of the war. They endured 7 more battles between June 1864 and the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse April 9, 1865. Only 52 of the original 1,115 soldiers of the 44th remained to surrender. Captain John Harris remembered years later, "The impartial historian, when he collects up the facts and figures, will show that the 44th Georgia Regiment suffered a greater casualty in killed and wounded, in proportion to the number carried into action, than any other regiment on the Southern side."

Crafford married Louisa Margaret "Maggie" Brown, daughter of Ervin and Mary "Polly" (Akin) Brown, November 23, 1869 in Jasper Co, GA. Maggie was born 2/9/1847 in Georgia. They had 8 children all born in Henry Co except for the youngest, Jesse Belle who says that she was born in Jasper Co, GA 5/21/1889. In addition to farming, Crafford served as a mail carrier in Henry County.

By 1900, Crafford and Maggie, all of their living children and their families, and widowed mother-in-law Polly Akin Brown had moved to Dallas Co, AR joining Crafford's brother Bailor. Many of the family remain in Dallas Co to this day.

Crafford Green, Private CSA and farmer, died January 17, 1920. Maggie died 7/28/1922. Both are buried in Old Bucksnort Cemetery in Fordyce, Dallas Co, AR.

Written and contributed 2004 Dec 17 by Marcia McClure rivermet@aol.com

HOOTEN Family

James Hooten and his wife Susannah Kidd came to Henry County in the early 1800s and settled just east of the Ola Community. They came by ox-cart from South Carolina. Their children were: Cary, William, (Unknown), Littleton, Parmelia, Moses, James Jr., Suzanna, Emily Jane, Martha Adair, Enoch Milton and Jincy Dixon.

In 1838, they deeded a tract of land to the Ola Presbyterian Church for the sum of $1 for the use of a cemetery. This cemetery is known as the Hooten/Rock Cemetery and is on the Montgomery Farm on GA Highway 81. The road has been closed to the cemetery in order to cut down on vandalism. It is being maintained in top shape by Mr. Lawrence Montgomery. A goodly number of the family are buried here, including James and Susannah.

My great grandmother was Martha Adair Hooten, who married James Madison Moore, son of Joshua and Thurza Wyatt Moore. Joshua had come from Delaware to Greene Co., Jasper Co. and on into Henry County to the Snapping Shoals community. Joshua and Thurza married in Jasper County in 1824. Their sons were James Madison Moore and William Woodson Moore.

James and Martha moved from Henry Co., GA to Randolph Co., AL sometime between 1850 and 1854.

Enoch Milton Hooten, son of James and Susannah, became a very famous Baptist minister and was written up in the book of Prominent Baptist Ministers.

Fortunately, a few of their descendants are interested in genealogy and have found facts regarding this family. Most will share information.

Robert J. Moore rmoore1563@aol.com

JARRETT Family

Sarah Wright Jarrett was born 1814, died 1901. She was the daughter of Pleasant Wright and Nancy Jones. Pleasant was the son of Nathaniel Wright and Elizabeth Cockerham. Ralph Raford Jarrett was the son of Peter Jarrett and Susannah Griffin originally of Lunenberg Co, VA, the Abbeville Co., SC before moving on to Georgia.

We have no birth/death information on Henry Tidwell. Sarah Ann Jarrett Tidwell was born September 1843, died 1921. Known children: (1) Thomas R. Tidwell, born 1870, died 1956 in Henry Co., GA, married Eula E. _____, born 1884, died 1932. Children of Thomas and Eula: Walter Tidwell, born ca 1904, James Tidwell, born ca 1906, Ruby L. Tidwell, born 1910. (2) Laura Tidwell, born September 22, 1880, married Cash Clayton (son of Stephen A. Clayton and his 2nd wife Elizabeth Cash; Stephen is also my gg grandfather, Emmeline Jane Clayton was born to him and his 1st wife Emily Shadix. Emmeline Jane Clayton married William Raford Jarrett, brother to Sarah Ann Jarrett Tidwell). Children of Laura Tidwell and Cash Clayton: Robert Clayton, born 1914, died young, Emmett Clayton, born 1916, died young, Thomas Clayton, Kate Clayton.

Mary Susan Jarrett Strickland was born October 13, 1841, died 1915, married William Nathaniel Strickland, who was born March 2, 1826, died ca 1870. Known children of M. Susan Jarrett and William Nathaniel Strickland: William Nathaniel Strickland, born Nopv. 16, 1863 in Henry Co., GA, died there Dec 16, 1945, John Thomas Strickland, born ca 1868, died ca 1951, Henry Co., GA.

F. Catherine (Kitty) Jarrett was unmarried but had a son: William Ralph Jarrett, born May 12, 1887, died Nov. 8, 1945, Clayton Co., GA; married Vina Holloway, born Jan 19, 1890, died Oct 30, 1971.

Other children of Ralph Raford Jarrett and Sarah Wright Jarrett were: Peter Jarrett, born ca 1836, married Oct 7, 1861 to Mary Burns

Jane L. Jarrett, born ca 1838 in GA; married Colden Johnson Jan 6, 1856, in McDonough, Henry Co., GA.

Elizabeth C. Jarrett, born about 1845 in GA; married George A. Shaw; had child Mary Shaw.

William Raford Jarrett (my g-grandfather), born June 26, 1848, GA; married Emmeline Jane Clayton, born Aug 9, 1848, Barnesville, GA, died Sep 11, 1901, Cass Co., TX, buried Corinth Cemetery in Cass Co., TX. William Raford died Mar 10, 1909, Hensley, AR, buried Orion Cemetery Redfield, Jefferson Co., AR. My mother, Clara Mae Jarrett Clark was their youngest child and is the only one of the nine still living at age 82 (in very poor health in nursing home care). . Nathan Scott Jarrett, born ca 1848 in GA, died young.

Frances F. Jarrett, born in GA. Appears in the 1880 Henry Co. GA census with Thomas and Matilda Hand as sister-in-law.

Matilda M. Jarrett, born Sep 9, 1856 in GA, died Oct 30, 1929, Lonoke Co., AR; married Mar 9, 1878 in Henry Co., GA to Thomas Major Hand, born Aug 16, 1855 in GA, died Aug 19, 1955, Little Rock, AR. Both buried Mulberry Cemetery, England, AR

Contributed by Mina M Bickerstaff minamb@juno.com

KIMBALL Family

David Kimball arrived in Ga about 1803 from NC. David lived a very long life, outliving at least two of his children. One of those children, Gideon, died about 1835 or so. Gideon's wife, Anne Maxey Kimbell, raised her children on her own, while they lived along the border between Butts and Henry Counties. She was a "god fearing" woman, according to her son, John Thomas Kimbell. John Thomas, and his brother, James Gideon, both became Ministers of God in the Butts and Henry County areas. John Thomas, preaching at over 20 different churches in the area. James G was one of the first ministers at the County Line Baptist Church, along Henry and Butts county line. The men were very well known in the area, and performed marriages throughout both counties. Their brother, Joseph Walker, was also active in the Baptist ministry, as he shows up in the minutes of the "Flint River Baptist Association". Later, this association was renamed as Kimbell Baptist Association, after John Thomas Kimbell. Joseph and John T both married sisters. They married the well known Lumpkin family, with Mary and John marrying in 1834, and Martha and Joseph marrying in 1841. Both women were good Baptist women, who helped their husbands as best they could. Joseph's son, Cornelius Kimbell, later became a Methodist minister (perhaps to irritate the family?) He married Martha Jane Cole, daughter of John Bryant Cole and Susannah Cox. Cornelius and Martha had several children, with one set of Fraternal twins. John Henry Kimbell, my great grandfather, died near his home in Henry Co, in 1925, at a young age, dying of Typhoid fever. His wife, Claudia Earl Roquemore Kimbell, raised their three children to adulthood. Those children were Doyle Carlton Kimbell, Zellner Kimbell, and Mattie Clyde Kimbell. Mattie Clyde, the only surviving child, now lives in Atlanta Ga.

The Kimbell family is well known to be "good with their hands" as throughout history they have been Carpenters, Blacksmith's, and later, mechanics. They are also good with the gospel, as many were ministers of one type or another.

Contributed by Teresa Maro Rozich wthr1@bitsmart.com

MOORE Family

Our ancestors, James Madison Moore and Martha Adair Hooten have always been shrouded in some mystery. When beginning to research our family, I ran up on every sort of wall, but by being very persistent, we have been able to trace them, to a point. We are still looking for actual death dates and absolute proof of their burial sites.

James Madison's father, Joshua Moore, came from Delaware into Georgia, coming from Greene Co., Jasper and into Henry County.

Martha Adair Hooten's family came from South Carolina into Henry County, GA in the early 1800s where they owned sizable acreage. In 1838, her father, James Hooten, deeded to the Presbyterian Church of Ola, a plot of land for the sum of $1 for the purpose of a cemetery. This cemetery is known as Hooten/Rock and is located just off State Highway 81, just east of the settlement of Ola, which is east of McDonough, GA. It is situated on a private farm, the owner of which, Mr. Lawrence J. Montgomery, sees that the cemetery is maintained in top form. He's a very nice man

In December of 1849, James and Martha married in Henry County, GA. Their first child, Gamaliel Washington Moore, was born October 9, 1850 in Henry County. The 1850 census shows Joshua, at age 61, living with James M., aged 21 and Martha, aged 16.

Sometime between 1850 and 1854, when their second child, Mary Palastine, was born they had moved to Randolph County, AL. The other three children, James Rufus, Coleman Allen and Josephus H. were all born in Randolph County.

James Madison was a farmer and tried very hard to earn a living for his family. Times were very hard. Along came the Civil War, and we have a record that he served a short time in the Confederate army, but we cannot find evidence of him after this time. Martha was left to eke a living for her family.

Others are giving stories on their families, and I will hereby attempt to give a story on the life and descendancy of James Rufus Moore, the third child of James M. and Martha. He was born in 1858.

From early on, James Rufus Moore was in love with Nancy Adeline Collier, daughter of Esquire Thomas and Nancy Blair Collier. Esquire was a Baptist minister. The Collier family moved to Marshall Co., AL near Albertville. James Rufus followed them there and he and Nancy were married in 1878. He continued to farm in that area. He and Nancy had 9 children. After Nancy died, he married Florence Smith and raised two more children.

As an aside, I would like to point out that each of the children of James M. and Martha named their children with the same first names. In looking over our genealogy, please check out dates, etc. to make sure we have the same person in mind. James Rufus' brother Coleman Allen, named his son James Rufus, as an example

James Rufus' first son, James Albert Franklin Moore was a farmer in Marshall Co., AL. He was born in 1879 and died in 1930. He and his wife, Annie Horton, reared the following children, Wade, Joe L., Ollie J., Marie and Paul. Joe L. has a son in Huntsville, AL, and daughter in Gadsden. Wade has a son in Hokes Bluff, AL, and Marie has two sons in Gadsden, A, one of whom is with the Gadsden Police Dept.

The next three children died young and unmarried. They are William Oscar, Cora Lee and Joseph Coleman. They are buried along with their mother and others of her family in the Pre-Civil War cemetery in Albertville, AL. Their grandfather, Esquire Thomas Collier is buried in the Funston Cemetery in Funston, TX.

Wiley Clevland Moore, son of James Rufus, was a very tall and heavily built man. He was very soft spoken and deliberate in his actions. He worked as a salesman. He and his wife, Dora Kilpatrick, had one son, Oscar, who died young but left one daughter.

The next was Jasper, who married Lillian Panola Kirkland, and moved to Memphis, TN where he was a machinist for the Illinois Central Railroad. His three children are John Thomas, who is retired Lt. Col. in the Marine Air Corps and is still in the real estate business in Fallbrook, CA.; Mary Addie Moore was born in Memphis and has two living children, Mark Bradley, in real estate in Memphis, and Kathleen Louis Bright, whose husband in sales and they and their two children live in Nashville, TN.; Robert Jasper is the last child of Jasper. He is retired from Kraft Foods and is now an all breeds dog show judge. He and his wife, Gene Wankel, live in Decatur, GA. Their two sons are Thomas Richard, who has three children and live in Suwanee, GA. Tom is Chielf Financial Officer of SunTrust Services, Div. of SunTrust Banks. Other son, Andrew Kenneth is a DeKalb Co., GA Deputy Sheriff. He and his wife and two children live in Conyers, GA.

Next son is Luther, who married Inez Holcomb. Luther worked for years as a farmer, salesman, and other forms of work. In his later years he moved to Phoenix, Arizona for his health. He and Inez had one adopted son, Bobby.

Next son is Alonzo, who married Alice Carter. Three sons were Earl D. who was with the Gadsden police department and had 4 beautiful daughters, Peggy, Diane, Helen Earl, and Becky. His next son was J.C. who was a very bright young man and was killed during World War II. Last of the sons is Edward Ralph who is retired from Goodyear in Gadsden. He and his wife have a son, Eddie and daughter, Allison.

Next son is Floyd, who married Ruby Sanders. Floyd worked as a machinist for the Illinois Central Railroad in Paducah, KY until the branch was closed, and they came back to Gadsden, where he worked at the Steel Mill. They had two daughters, Dorothy Jean who was married to H. P. Rains, and had 3 sons, Pat, Kim and Rex. Dorothy is secretary for the Baptist church in her neighborhood. The other daughter is Pamela Gay, who is married to Robert Lovely. They have three children, Scott, Karen and Jason. Scott lives in Oregon and has two children. Karen lives in Mesa, AZ and has two children. Jason lives in Sierra Vista, AZ, where he teaches school and he has one son.

The son of James Rufus and Florence Smith was Rufus Benajamin, who was married to Ora Belle Claborn. Rufus worked at the Steel mill in Gadsden and was active in politics of Walnut Grove, AL. Ora Belle was a high school principal. They had two children, James Boyd, Sr. and Doris Jean. James B., Sr. is retired from TVA and works as a consultant in engineering. He and his wife have one son and one daughter and 4 beautiful grandaughters. Doris Jean Moore married Ronald Wissler, who worked at Goodyear in Gadsden. They have 3 sons and one daughter, and they live in Southside, AL.

Willie Mae Moore, daughter of James Rufus and Florence Smith, married C. J. Johnson, who worked at Anniston Army Depot and had worked as a Gadsden Policeman. Their son, Charles is a Contracting Officer of the Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal at Huntsville, AL.

Most of the descendants of James Rufus have been religious people, but come from several different religions, mostly protestant. James Rufus is buried in the Walnut Grove cemetery. The epithet on his tombstone reads "He died as he lived - A Christian".

Everyone who remembers him tells me that this is the absolute truth. He was a very poor man who had high principles and loved his family. I remember him. As a small child, my father took us to visit with him at least once a year. We would sit in the front yard, and he would whittle while he and my dad talked. I remember him as being very soft spoken and a real "Southern Gentleman", although he was unschooled.

If anyone who reads this has definite proof of death dates and burial places of James Madison and Martha Adair Hooten, we would love to have it. They were pretty well lost from their families for years, because of their having moved from GA to AL at young ages and because of duplications of names. BUT THIS IS OUR FAMILY!

Written and contributed 17 Nov 1998 by Robert J. Moore

Descendants of Cynthia Morgan

1 Cynthia Morgan b: 1803 in Georgia d: in (after 1882)

... +John Eberhart b: Abt 1795 in Georgia d: Abt 1832 in Tennessee (not proved) m: 6 Nov 1822 in Oglethorpe Co., Georgia Father: Jacob Eberhart, Jr.
....... 2 Nancy Jane Eberhart b: 6 Sep 1823 in Georgia
............ +David Joyner b: 1810 in South Carolina d: 1855 in Henry Co., Georgia m: 24 Sep 1846 in Henry Co., Georgia Father: John Joyner
....... 2 Jacob Henry Eberhart b: 8 Sep 1825 in Georgia d: 22 Feb 1906 in Clayton Co., Georgia
............ +Martha E. ?_________ b: 1830 in Georgia
....... *2nd Wife of Jacob Henry Eberhart:
............ +Allie S. Mitchell m: 17 Apr 1851 in Henry Co., Georgia
....... 2 S. Eberhart b: Abt 1828 in Georgia
....... 2 J. W. Eberhart b: Abt 1829 in Georgia

*2nd Husband of Cynthia Morgan:
... +Daniel Ford b: 1790 in Georgia d: 31 Dec 1868 in Henry Co., Georgia m: 10 Mar 1856 in Henry Co., Georgia Burial: 1 Jan 1869 Ford Cemetery - Stockbridge, Henry Co,. Georgia

Contributed by Valerie Freeman and Jimmie Nell Meadors (along with 1856 Prenuptial Agreement)

NIGHT / KNIGHT Family

Obedient Night (b. 1804 North Carolina, d. Dec. 25, 1883 Conyers, Rockdale Co., GA) was widowed with four children when this family migrated to Georgia from North Carolina in 1835. Most sources show this last name spelled as Night and later changed spelling to Knight. Research done to date has not proven her maiden name or the name of her husband. However, because of naming trends in those days, there is possibly some connection to a Sampson Knight family found in Rockingham Co., NC in the late 1700’s.

The family settled in the Rockdale area of Newton County. In 1841, Obedient Night is documented in the Newton County Public School Lists as having two children in the Smyrna School House in Rockdale District. During that year, she taught children in the Newton County Rockdale District and was paid five cents a day for 216 days making a total of $10.80. [ [1] ] Obedient and her children joined Smryna Presbyterian Church, Conyers, GA in 1843[ [1] ]. She is buried in Old Conyers Cemetery in downtown Conyers, Rockdale Co., GA.

The known children of Obedient Night:

(I) Sampson D. Night (b. Jan. 12, 1823 North Carolina; d. Aug. 5, 1898 Conyers, Rockdale Co., GA) m. (1) Susannah Hollingsworth (b. Oct. 23, 1825, Laurens Co., SC; d. 1892 Conyers, Rockdale Co., GA) in Newton County, GA Sep. 18, 1843. Susannah was the daughter of Moses Hollingsworth and Elizabeth Rogers. She is buried in the Old Conyers Cemetery in Conyers, GA. The Hollinsgworth family migrated to the Smyrna area of Newton (now Rockdale) Co. area in the 1820s and 1830s and were among the founding members of Smryna Presbyterian Church and Smyrna School in the Rockdale District. Sampson and Susannah had one child, Mary Jane Night (b. Sep. 4, 1844, d. date unknown) m. Hugh L. White (b. Mar. 18, 1838, d. Feb. 11, 1912). Sampson Night was well known in Conyers and an active member of the community and the Presbyterian Church in Conyers. He m. (2) Annie Davidson July 4, 1894, Rockdale Co., GA.[ [1] ] He is buried with his mother and other family members at the Old Conyers Cemetery in Conyers, GA [[1] ]

(II) William Jackson “Jack” (K)Night (b. Dec. 20, 1828 North Carolina; d. Nov. 2, 1910 McDonough, Henry Co., GA) m. Martha Hollingsworth (b. Mar. 18, 1831Laurens Co., SC; d. Dec. 31, 1922 McDonough, Henry Co., GA) in Dekalb Co., GA Oct. 5, 1848. Martha was the daughter of John and Rebecca Bailey Hollingsworth. William J. Knight served with Company B 18th Georgia Regiment C.S.A during the Civil War. He was shot on his left hand and all fingers had to be amputated.[ [1] ] He and his family lived in the Conyers area until c.1879 when they moved to Henry County. He purchased a home and land in District 11 Lot # 6 & 7 from Notley Warren and Rachel Selfridge Maddox. This location today is at Hwy. 155 North and Knight Dr. in McDonough. The Knight family farmed cotton on this land. William Jack Knight was blind for the last eighteen years of his life.[ [1] ] Jack and Martha Knight are buried, along with other family members, in the family cemetery located on the property. [ [1] ] William “Jack” and Martha Hollingsworth Knight had the following children:

(1) Emily J. Knight (b. Jan. 21, 1850 Newton Co., GA; d. Apr. 1, 1889) m. T.J. Henderson in Newton Co., GA Sep. 2, 1869. She is buried at Knight Family Cemetery in McDonough, Henry Co., GA. (2) Amanda “Mandy” Fanny Knight (b. Feb. 11, 1854 Newton Co., GA; d. May 3, 1928) m. Samuel Tyre Orr. They are buried in Knight Family Cemetery, McDonough, GA. (3) Martha M. “Radie” Knight (b. July 17, 1856 Newton Co., GA; d. Dec. 4, 1940 Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA) m. William M. Taylor in Rockdale Co., GA Feb. 20, 1873. They are buried in Knight Family Cemetery, McDonough, GA. (See Taylor family information written by Yvette Taylor Stewart). (4) Wesley Dowell Knight (b. June 15, 1859 Newton Co., GA; d. June 29, 1943) m. Susan Augustus Elliott in Henry Co., GA Jan. 3, 1885. Buried at Knight Family Cemetery, McDonough, Henry Co., GA (see Knight - First Families of Henry County, GA vol.1 page 399). (5) Joel Jefferson Knight (b. Nov. 11, 1861, Newton Co., GA; d. May 6., 1944 McDonough, Henry Co., GA) m. Mary Watts “Mollie” Elliott in Henry Co., GA 1884. Both buried at Timberridge Presbyterian Church cemetery. (see Thomas Stocks Elliott - First Families of Henry County, GA vol. 1 page 222).(6) Nealey Ann Knight (b. May 18, 1865, Newton County, GA; d. March 26, 1938 McDonough, Henry Co., GA) m. Seaborn H. Cathy in Henry County, GA Dec. 27, 1887. They are buried in Knight Family Cemetery, McDonough, Henry Co., GA). (see Cathy - First Families of Henry County, GA vol. 1 page 110-111). (7) William Henry Knight (b. June 30, 1867; d. June 17, 1892). He is buried in Knight Family Cemetery McDonough, Henry Co., GA. (8) Rebecca Ophelia Knight (b. Nov. 30, 1869 Newton County, GA; d. Feb. 25, 1948 McDonough, Henry Co., GA) m. William R. Steele in Henry Co, GA Nov. 3, 1887. (see William Pair - First Families of Henry County, GA vol. 1 page 532). [ [1] ]

(III) Malinda Teracy Night (b. Dec. 13, 1830 North Carolina; d. Nov. 4, 1907) m. George W. ollingsworth (b. Nov. 12, 1829; d. Feb. 4, 1903) in Newton Co., GA July 18, 1849. George was the son of Aaron and Ruth Rogers Hollingsworth. Both are buried at Smyrna Presbyterian Church in Conyers, Rockdale Co., GA.

(IV) Jane Night (b. Feb. 10, 1833 North Carolina; d. Sep. 14, 1907) m. Joseph Hollingsworth (b. Aug. 10, 1834; d. date unknown). Joseph was the son of Aaron and Ruth Rogers Hollingsworth

By Yvette Taylor Stewart

[i] ]Newton County Public School Lists compiled by John I. Bruno.
[ [i] ]Church Session Record Books of Smyrna Presbyterian Church, Conyers, GA.
[1] Newton County Census records 1850-1870
[ [i] ] Rockdale County, GA marriage record book.
[ [i] ] Old Conyers Cemetery, Conyers, GA
[ [i] ] Military service record of W.J. Knight and Widow’s Pension for Martha Knight of Henry Co., GA (microfilmed records at GA State Archives)
[ [i] ] Obituary ~ Henry County Weekly newspaper dated Nov. 18, 1910.
[ [i] ]Knight Family Cemetery tombstones transcribed by Yvette Taylor Stewart, Aug. 1999.
[ [i] ]First Families of Henry County, GA vol. 1, Copyright 1993.

[1] Additional research by Howard T. Knight

OWEN Family

Jonathan OWEN 1809 – 1887

Jonathan Owen’s life began in Morgan County, Georgia on June 9, 1809. He was the first-born son of Augustine and Catherine (Shearly) Owen of King and Queen County, Virginia, and the fifth of eight children. Jonathan had four older sisters and three younger brothers. Being the first- born son, Jonathan was probably named for his paternal grandfather, John Owen of Essex County, Virginia.

When Jonathan was seven years of age his father Augustine died leaving his mother Catherine to raise the children. By the time the estate was settled in 1817, the two older sisters, Sarah Beeman Owen and Mary Eleanor Owen were married. The eldest sister Sarah married Robert Henry Elliott, and it appears from the available records that he and Sarah assisted Catherine with the estate and children. By 1820 Jonathan’s other two sisters Catherine and Elizabeth were married. In 1830 Jonathan’s mother Catherine and brother Augustine died, probably from smallpox. The children’s share of the estate was settled and the family moved westward into Henry County, Georgia. The estate of Augustine and Catherine was a sizable one for the times and each of the children, with their share, established their family well in Henry County.

In 1836 Jonathan married Rhoda Ann Faulkner in Henry County. In December of that year she died childless. From the land records of Henry County we find that Jonathan was quite busy buying slaves and land. He first purchased land in 1832. He would attend estate sales and sheriff auctions where he would make bargain purchases. By the 1860 census, Jonathan had fourteen slaves and several thousand acres of land. One can only assume that, at least in his younger days, Jonathan was a wheeler-dealer.

In 1838 Jonathan married his second wife, Martha Sarah Ann Hudson, a young girl of fifteen, half his age (I said he was a wheeler-dealer). Martha bore Jonathan eight children and in 1853, at the age of twenty-eight, Martha died, evidently of complications from childbirth since their new- born son died a month later. Jonathan later would lose his first- born son Augustine, named for Jonathan’s father, to action in the Civil War. Two other sons, William Henry Owen, born 1843 and James Knox Polk Owen, born 1845 were decorated Sons of the South, both receiving the Southern Cross for Valor.

In 1854 Jonathan married Sarah Adam Eddleman of Henry County, a pretty eighteen year old. She would raise his and Martha’s children and bear him seven of her own, one of which was my great-grandmother Julia Blanche Owen.

After the Civil War Jonathan no longer had “slaves” as property but family tradition says that many of his former slaves stayed with the family for years afterward. Around 1870, now growing old, Jonathan began to sell off some of his extensive land holdings and divided others between the children of his second wife Martha. These children and their children remained in Henry County for many years. About 1875, Jonathan, Sarah and children went further north in Henry County into what would later become Fulton County. They settled in the area between the Chattahoochee River and the Indian Hightower Trail called Sandy Springs. There Jonathan did a little farming and lived out the rest of his days. Jonathan’s life ended five days after his 78th birthday, June 14, 1887. Jonathan and Sarah are buried at the Providence Baptist Cemetery at Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Contributed 2004 Dec 16 by Jack W. McConnell, Great-Great Grandson

Letters from Jonathan OWEN

The following are transcriptions of two letters sent to John Prince and Mary Eleanor (Owen) Coles of Independence, Washington County, TX. These letters are from Jonathan Owen, then residing in Henry County, GA, and Robert Bailor Samples Owen of Morgan County, GA, brothers of Mary Eleanor. The Owen children were born and raised in Morgan County, GA.

John and Mary Eleanor left Morgan Co, GA about 1820. They spent some time in Alabama and stopped to plant a crop in Arkansas. It was in Arkansas that they met Stephen Austin. He must have persuaded them to go to Texas as John Price and Mary Eleanor Owen Coles were among Austin’s “Old 300”, the first families in Texas. (See short bio on Stephen F Austin at http://www.lsjunction.com/people/austin.htm) Their daughter, Maria Louise (Coles) Hill, was the first white child born west of the Brazos in 1823. The Coles founded Coles’ Settlement, which later became Independence, TX.

After a shaky start, debts mentioned by Jonathan, below, John and Mary Eleanor went on to become quite prosperous. In 1850 the widow, Mary Eleanor, lists her property value as $50,000. During the Texas Revolution, Coles moved his family east of the Neches and then joined William Warner Hill’s company, in which he served from July to October 1836. (Hill married Coles’ daughter Maria Louise.) Coles was elected chief justice of Washington County in December 1836 and represented the county in the Senate of the Fifth Texas Congress, 1840-41.

You will notice that there are very few misspellings in the letters and that the grammar is excellent. The Owen family must have valued education. In the 1850 Census of GA, 2 of the families have teachers living with them. John and Mary Eleanor founded the Independence Academy in Washington Co, TX that later became a part of Baylor University. I don’t know what kind of education John and Mary Eleanor had, but I do know that Stephen Austin was sent to school in Connecticut at age 11 and graduated with distinction from Transylvania University in Kentucky. Perhaps mutual feelings of the importance of education is one of the things that lead to Austin inviting the Coles to become part of his settlement.

The Coles original cabin was in good restored condition as of 2003 and is maintained by the Historical Society. Mary Lou Gibson Appel of Texas who is the Great Great Granddaughter of John and Mary Eleanor sent these copies to me. I am descended from sister Catherine mentioned in the letters and her husband, James M. Green. Marcia McClure (rivermet@aol.com)

Letter #1 from Jonathan Owen, Martha Sarah Ann Owen, Austin Owen, Catherine Owen to John Prince and Jonathan’s sister Mary Eleanor Owen Coles

June _____(I believe 1845 because of subject matter and letter from RBS Owen to John Prince and Mary Eleanor Owen Coles dated 7/1845 MAM)

Dear Brother and _____

Letter yesterday from _____ of us that he had _____ informing him ____ were ___ family and ____ who have been unwell for several days with a fever. (parts of the letter are missing, but my guess is that he says that he got a letter from RBS Owen informing him that he had gotten a letter from Mary Eleanor. RBS says in his letter 7/1845 to Mary Eleanor that he had written to Jonathan and to Shirley MAM) Sister Sarah is very low health indeed. She has a cancer on her upper lip which pains her very much. She has also got consumption and some breast complaints which I fear will take her off before two long without a_____ the better she_____ the land of ____ know not whether we ____ not _____shallever_____ wrote in your letter you wished him to write you whatever any of the brothers or sisters were dead or not and which ones were living and sent me a copy of your letter. ______ it our brother Augustin is dead. He died August 8, 1830, our mother departed this life 26th October thereafter. The others are yet in the land of the living. I have been married twice. The first time in February 1836, she died in December ____. The second in January 1839. I have three children by my last wife: Augustin, Catherine Shirley and William Henry Owen____ is now living Two daughters ____ Eleanor has one child, Ason____ James M Green who was living ____ you left Morgan she _____ oldest Louisa died ____ Eliza married a _____ scarcely get ____ to ____ any ____ who have been _____ brother Elliot (Robert Henry Elliot, husband of Sarah Beeman Owen MAM) _____ for a year with ____ his ____ lower extremities is all ___ get about at times by the help ___ says if Sarah takes on very much about _____ one daughter ____ is ____ is married and got three children ___ have children. RBS Owen two children. Myself and sister are all living in Phi_non, Alabamor, Chambers Co. Mother married about five years before she died to a man by the name of Wm T___ly (William Tinsley MAM) _____ property ____ brother Elliot ____ on Augustin’s ____ and paid your part of this same over to your creditor Longstreet of Augusta who called on him for it by law and he has a receipt from him for this same____ has been very much afflicted for the last ___ as I fear she will soon go hence where parting with friends will be over nothing more but remains your loving brother. Write often.

Jonathan Owen (son of Augustine and Catherine Owen MAM)
Martha Sarah Ann Owen (second wife MAM)
Austin Owen (son MAM)
Catherine Owen (daughter MAM)

Letter #2 from Robert Bailor Samples Owen to John Prince and Mary Eleanor Owen Coles

July 9, 1845

Dear Brother and Sister,

I received your letter some three weeks ago and would have written to you sooner but I wrote to Jonathan & Shirley to write to me and let me know how all of our relations were. I received a letter from Jonathan on yesterday. We were all truly glad to hear that you were living. For my own part I never had anything to give me so much pleasure in my life. I will now proceed to give you some information of our family which are dead and of those that still lives in the first place. I will inform you of the Death of Augustine. (This is their brother Augustine) He has been dead about 13 years and our dear mother died soon after. (Augustine died in Aug of 1830 and his mother Catherine died in Oct.) Both died in Morgan County at our old place. Sister Sarah is very low with the consumption. Jonathan states that he don’t think she will live long. Jonathan, Sister Sarah, Elizur and Catherine all lives in Henny (Henry) County this state. Sister Catherine married a man by the name of Green. (James M Green) They are getting along in the world very well. Sister Elizah married a man by the name of Brannan (Wiley Brannan) they are doing very well. Shirley (brother Philemon Shirley) is living in Alabama, Chambers County. Jonathan & Shirley are both married. They have 3 children apiece. Jonathan has been married twice. I was married in the Summer of 1842 have 2 children son & daughter. Sister Sarah has 2 daughters married. She has 10 children of boys and 3 daughters. Sister Elizur has one daughter married, has 4 boys & 1 daughter. Sister Catherine has 4 boys & 1 daughter. ( I have 7 males and 1 female born by this date. 1 male unknown name died young, 1 of the others must be dead by this time, and Bail might not have known about the birth of Crafford in 1844) We are all farming. I would be the gladest in the world to visit Texas and if I ever leave this country I will come to Texas. If I can make my arrangements to suit me I will visit the country in a year or two anyhow. I wish you to answer this letter & give me some description of the country where you live what kind of land and water whether sickely or not ____ I would give everything I possess in the world to see you all. I will close. Your brother till death.

RBS Owen

Address:
Summerville GA
July 12

Jno P Coles, SQ
Independence, Texas

Contributed by Marcia McClure

RAGLAND Family

William Ragland, Jr. was born 24 Apr. 1759 in Northampton County NC. He was the child of William Ragland and Sarah Avent of St. Paul's Parish, Hanover, VA and Chatham County NC. He died 2 Mar 1836 in McDonough, Henry, GA.

William married Sara Williams, who was born 1762 Chatham County NC. Their children were:

1 John A. married 1st to Emily Sneed, married 2nd to Martha Maxey 1811
2 Ann
3 Sarah
4 Celia Ann
5 Thomas
6 William
7 Frederick
8 Robert
9 Elizabeth
10 Mary

"In McDonough, Henry Co. on the 2nd inst. William Ragland, Esq. in his 71st year. He was born in Northampton Co., NC and moved thence to Chatham Co. NC. In 1814 he moved to Jasper Co. Ga. then to Henry Co. Ga. Toward the close of the Revolution, though only a youth he was in the service and was taken prisoner with others by the Tories at Col. Alston's house on Deep River. He was a highly esteemed and respected citizen and member of the Methodist Church. Mar. 22 1836" --Christian Index, page 39

Contributed by Gerry Hill gerryinga@yahoo.com

SAPPINGTON Family

The letter below was written May 20, 1837, by my sixth great grandparents, Richard and Rebecca Sappington, to Richard's brother, Caleb Sappington, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It is from the files of Claire Sappington Schmidt; received by me on July 16, 2004. The letter is written in beautiful penmanship.

Richard Sappington b. July 25, 1763 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland to John Sappington Jr and Ann Everett (Re: Gentry of Anne Arundel County, Maryland) descends from the immigrant Nathaniel Sappington of Cecil County, Maryland. The Sappingtons were well educated; Richard's name appears on many legal transactions, and it is possible that his education was in law. Richard removed Georgia about 1784; it is likely that he traveled through Virginia where he met his bride, Rebecca Jarrett, daughter of Fadda Jarrett / Jarratt and Martha Ivey. The Sappingtons lived in Wilkes County, Georgia and later moved to Henry County, Georgia after 1821. At the time of this letter, Richard was 74 years old; his wife, Rebecca, was 72. Richard died January 8, 1838, 7 months after writing this letter.

Letter

State of Georgia in Henry County
May 20th, 1837

Dearly Beloved Brother,

Your kind and interesting favour of the 9th February was received through a due course of mail, and the contents thereof duly and respectfully noticed. It is a source of great satisfaction to us to hear from you and to hear that you are also enjoying good health.

These few lines leaves us all in the enjoyment of usual health at this time, which we hope the same will reach you in realising the same blessing.

I have nothing of much? importance to attract your attention. More than to let you hear that we’re yet in the land of the living hoping that if we never have the pleasure of seeing each other face to face in the world we may eventually meet where parting will be no more. There has nothing new transferred with us of importance since writing my former letter.

In answer to your son’s enquiry relative to the State of agriculture here in GA, I would say that in some sections our lands are rich and productive; others are of a poorer grade but quite fertile. As to a what a single hand can realise here per annum is a matter depending very much on the course of his pursuits in regard to a line of agriculture it is a matter somewhat varying according to the times. Say from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars is the amount usually procured by the single hand. Some realise over that amount? it would be a source of much gratification to us to see your son in this Section. I have no doubt but what he would be pleased. I have never regretted coming my self. You are apprised of what was my situation when I came to this country. I have by the help of kind providence been enabled to give all my children a comfortable home and I thank God I have a sufficient competency by the will of our maker to comfortably support me the few remainder of my days.

You requested me to mention the distance that I live from Columbus the residence of Lancelot Gambril, it is about one hundred and four miles. I have a son that resides near Columbus, and from circumstances happened in Mr. Gambril’s store to purchase some goods and in making the bill his name was learned to be Sappington which led to the enquiry of his family which resulted in the fact that Mr. Gambrel had your kind letter for me which was immediately forwarded. I shall expect a letter from you as soon as convenient. Direct to White House Post Office Henry County, Georgia.

Nothing more at present but remaining your loving relative until death.

Richard Sappington
Rebecca Sappington

Envelope:
White House
May 26th
Mr. Caleb Sappington, Brotherton PO, Ann Arundel Coty Maryland

Contributed by Cynthia Forde rebjar@direcway.com

TAYLOR Family

It is believed that the earliest known ancestors of this Taylor family originated from Scotland and migrated to Northern Ireland in the late 1600s. These Scotch people settled with their families in Ulster, Northern Ireland. For many generations they lived a common existence as farmers and belonged to the Presbyterian Church. These people became unhappy with their life in Ireland and wanted better for their families. A large population migrated to the American colonies between 1717 and the Revolutionary War.[1] They were known as "Scotch-Irish". This term is used to identify the descendants in America of the early Scotch Presbyterian emigrants from Ireland.

William Taylor was born 1727 in Ireland. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The family was probably from Antrim County, Ireland. It is believed there was an organized effort to bring Scotch-Irish Presbyterians to South Carolina. William Taylor and family were among 260 Irish Protestants on The Ship Earl of Donegal to arrive at Charles Town, SC from Belfast, Ireland on December 10, 1767. [2]

William Taylor and family arrived in Laurens County, SC in 1768. William made his living as a Planter on land granted to him. Before 1780, he was one of the first elders of Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church in Laurens, SC. William died in 1804 and is buried at Rocky Springs Church. [3] This Taylor family donated the land on which the church and cemetery now stand.

Samuel Taylor, Sr. was the first of William's children to be born in America after the family settled in Laurens County, SC. It is believed he was married twice. The names of his wives are unknown, though it is believed his second wife may have been Jane Guilliand.[4] He owned a plantation in the Rocky Springs Church area of Laurens County, SC. He died in 1843.[5] It is assumed that he is buried in the Rocky Springs Church cemetery as other family members are known to be buried there. Several of Samuel's children started their families in Laurens County, SC before migrating to Georgia in the 1830s. They settled in the Smyrna-Rockdale District of Newton County (10th and 16th Districts originally Henry Co, GA).

Two of these children, William and Henry Taylor are featured in this research.

William Taylor (b. Feb. 4, 1803, Laurens Co., SC; d. 1839 Newton County, GA) m. Jane McDowell, Dec. 27, 1825 in Laurens Co., SC. Jane (b. c1807, SC; d. 1887 Rockdale Co, GA) was the daughter of James and Jane McDowell of Laurens Co., SC. William and family were the first of this Taylor line to arrive in the area. In keeping with the family Presbyterian tradition, William and Jane Taylor joined Smyrna Presbyterian Church on May 11, 1833. William became Clerk of the church sessions and remained in that position until his death in 1839. [6]

He also served as Justice of the Peace and is documented on many land transactions in Newton Co. He owned 101 ¼ acres of land Lot # 176 near Honey Creek in Newton Co. (original Henry Co., GA). [7] It is believed that he is buried in an unmarked grave at Smyrna Presbyterian Church. Most of the family stayed in the Honey Creek District and joined Ebenezer Methodist Church. Many of these family members are buried there. Jane Taylor died in 1887 and was buried at Smyrna Presbyterian Church. [8]

William and Jane Taylor had the following children:

(1) Lander Taylor (b. c1828)

(2) Isabella Jane Taylor (b. Sep. 11, 1829, Laurens Co., SC; Nov. 16, 1879. Rockdale Co., GA) m. John W. McCollum, son of James and Elizabeth McCollum. They are buried at Smryna Presbyterian Church, Rockdale Co., GA.

(3) Samuel James Taylor (b. Jan. 2, 1832; d. Apr. 17, 1915) m. Sarah Damarius Waldrop daughter of Milton W. and Sarah Longshore Waldrop. Both are buried at Ebenezer Methodist Church in Conyers, GA
Henry Taylor (b. c1808 in Laurens Co., SC, d. Apr. 1866 Newton Co., GA) married a woman named Malinda (b. c1816, South Carolina; d. Sep. 4, 1879, Conyers, Rockdale Co., GA) probably in Laurens County, SC c1834. The maiden name of this woman is unknown. Henry is first documented on Newton Co. deed records as purchasing land lot #269 and part of #241 in the 16th District in Newton (original Henry) Co., GA on Dec. 4, 1837. A year later, he sold this land to Joshua Marbut. [9] Henry and Malinda Taylor are documented in the records at Smyrna Presbyterian Church in Conyers as joining the church by letter of good standing from Rocky Springs Church in Laurens, SC on May 11, 1838. [10] On October 29, 1838 he purchased land in Lots # 177 & 208 lying on Honey Creek in the 16th District (original Henry Co, GA). Henry and his family remained active members of Smyrna Presbyterian Church until March 25, 1856 when they removed their membership and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Henry was a farmer. He made his will in April 5, 1866. At the time of his death, he owned 130 acres of Land Lot # 242 in the 10th Dist. of Newton Co. Conyers, GA (original Henry Co., GA). Malinda continued to live and raise the family at their home in Conyers until her death in 1879. In 1880, the estate of Henry and Malinda Taylor was settled by their children in Rockdale Co., GA. William M. Penn, son-in-law of Henry and Malinda, purchased 97 ¾ acres of the land in Lot #242 in the 10th Dist. of Rockdale Co. (original Henry Co.). Reuben A. Jones purchased the remaining 32 acres. [11] The place of burial for Henry and Malinda Taylor has not been confirmed.
The children of Henry and Malinda Taylor were:

(1) Margaret E. Taylor (b. Feb. 27, 1835, Laurens Co., SC, d. Dec. 3, 1886, Newton Co. GA) m. Elihu Almand in Newton Co., GA, Nov. 23, 1856. Elihu was the son of Welcome Ussery Almand and Nancy Gray. Elihu died During the Civil War in Cold Harbour,VA. Margaret married 2nd. Samuel M. Sullivan, son of John and Mary W. Sullivan of Newton Co., GA on Dec. 7, 1871.

(2) Lodoska J. Taylor (b. June 1838, Newton Co., GA, d. date unknown) m. Welcome Asbury Almand in Newton Co., GA Dec. 19, 1855. Welcome was the son of Welcome Ussery Almand and Nancy Gray. [12]

(3) Mary Ann Livinia Taylor (b. c1842 Newton Co., GA; d. unknown) m. Joseph H. Wallis. They moved to Morgan Co., GA.

(4) Martha Loretta Taylor (b. c1844 Newton Co., GA) m. William Alexander White in Rockdale Co., GA Nov. 14, 1871.

(5) Malinda A. Taylor (b. c1846 Newton Co, GA; d. unknown) m. William M. Penn in Rockdale Co., GA Nov. 22, 1879.

(6) Henry Coe Taylor (b. c1847 Newton Co., GA)

(7) Emeline Eunicey M. Taylor (b. c1848 Newton Co., GA)

(8) John A.Y. Taylor (b. c1851 Newton Co., GA) m. Jane E. Sullivan, daughter of John and Mary W. Sullivan, on Dec. 12, 1872 in Newton Co., GA.

(9) William M. Taylor (more later)

(10) Wesley H. Taylor (b. c1855 Newton Co., GA; d. unknown) m. Louisa E. Waldrop in Rockdale Co., GA Feb. 13, 1876. They moved to Morgan Co., GA.
William M. Taylor (b. July 2, 1853, Newton Co., GA, d. Dec. 11, 1898, probably in Henry Co., GA) m. Martha M. "Radie" Knight in Rockdale Co., GA Feb. 20, 1873. Martha "Radie" Knight (b. July 17, 1856, Newton Co., GA; d. Dec. 4, 1940, Fulton Co., GA) was the daughter of William Jackson and Martha Hollingsworth Knight (see Night-Knight family information also submitted by Yvette Taylor Stewart). William Taylor was documented on the 1880 Rockdale County Census in Conyers, GA.[13] His occupation was listed as being a cabinet maker. No other information has been found about this man. It is believed that the family moved to McDonough and lived near the Knight family relatives. William is buried in the Knight family cemetery. Radie continued to raise their children in McDonough at the home of her parents. Around 1907, Radie and her three sons moved to Atlanta and lived for a few years and then moved back to McDonough by 1913. In 1920 Radie was living in the household of her daughter and son-in-law, Bunk and Beulah Steele.[14] She remained close to her family in McDonough always attending family gatherings, weddings and reunions. She is buried at the Knight Family Cemetery in McDonough.[15]
William and Martha "Radie" Knight Taylor had the following children:

(1) Cora Alice Taylor (b. 1874; d. June 7, 1878 Conyers, Rockdale Co., GA). An

obituary published in the Conyers Examiner on June 15, 1878 states that this child was their first born and died after a three day illness. [16]

(2) Beulah E. Taylor (b. Mar. 20, 1878; d. July 31, 1968) m. John M. "Bunk" Steele in Henry Co., GA on Nov. 2, 1893. Bunk Steele (b. Oct. 15, 1872; d. Apr. 30, 1938) was the son of William and Julia Ann Pair Steele (See William Pair ~ First Families of Henry Co., GA Vol. I. pages 530-532). They never had children. Both are buried in the Knight Family Cemetery.[17]

(3) Willie Mae Taylor (b. Mar. 12, 1883; d. Dec. 11, 1893). Buried in the Knight Family Cemetery.

(4) Tallulah Edward "Eddie" Taylor (more later)

(5) Roy Ernest Taylor (b. Oct. 24, 1889, Henry Co., GA; d. Nov. 8, 1948, Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA) m. Fannie Bell Oliver in Fulton Co., GA, Dec. 9, 1911. They never had children. He was a member of Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church in McDonough. He is buried at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, GA.

(6) H. A. Taylor (b. Sep. 18, 1893; d. Nov. 26, 1893). Buried in the Knight Family Cemetery. The cause of death is not known, but it is assumed that this child probably died of the same illness as Willie Mae Taylor since both deaths occurred within three weeks of each other.

(7) Joseph O. "Jodie" Taylor (b. Sep. 15, 1896, Henry Co., GA; d. May 27, 1942) m. Eunice Evans (b. Jan 16, 1906; d. June 16, 1995). He served in the Medical Corps during World War I. According to his obituary, he had one son named Gordon Taylor. Family sources note that Jodie Taylor suffered with a diabetes related illness that caused his death at age 43. He lived in Morrow, GA. and is buried in the Morrow City Cemetery. Eunice later married to someone named Brooks and lived in Florida. She is buried in the Morrow Cemetery next to Joseph and other related family members.
Tallulah Edward "Eddie" Taylor (b. Feb. 23, 1885, Henry Co., GA; d. Oct. 7, 1945) m. Fulton Co., GA on July 26, 1908 to Mamie Irene Brady (Dec. 4, 1892 ; d. Dec. 6, 1966 in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA ) daughter of Joseph W. Brady and Mamie Estelle Brady Gittus. Eddie grew up in McDonough and worked on his grandfather's farm. He moved to Atlanta c1907 with his mother and brothers. In 1908 he married Mamie Brady in Atlanta and lived there for a few years before moving back to McDonough c1913. Most of their children were born in McDonough and by 1920 the family had moved back to Atlanta. Eddie worked for a lumber company where he had lost some of his fingers in the saw mill. Mamie kept house and ran a "tourist home" business (similar to a "Bed & Breakfast") out of their home on Stewart Ave. Atlanta. [18] Sundays were spent going to church and visiting family in McDonough. They attended church meetings at Shingleroof and Timber Ridge. Eddie died at his Atlanta home of heart failure and was buried in the Knight family cemetery at the old family home place on Knight Dr. off Hwy. 155 in McDonough. Mamie married 2nd. to Mr. Elmo Birdsong and continued to live in Atlanta. Mamie died two days after she fell as she stepped onto a curb in Atlanta. She is also buried at the Knight Family cemetery in McDonough.
Eddie and Mamie had the following children:

(1) Tyler Edward Taylor (born and died Mar. 31, 1909). Buried at Knight Cemetery.

(2) Virgil Ernest Taylor (b. June 5, 1910 in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA; d. June 6, 1978, Fulton Co., GA) m. Jewell Cater on Jan. 21, 1931.

(3) William Frederick Taylor (b. Aug. 14, 1912, McDonough, Henry Co., GA; d. July 12, 1968) m. Evelyn Elizabeth Swint Feb. 8, 1933, Fulton Co., GA. According to a biography published in the book Atlanta and Environs Vol. III, by Atlanta historian, Franklin Garrett, Fred Taylor was born at Shingleroof Campground in McDonough, GA.

(4) Joseph Horace Taylor (more later)

(5) Otis LeGray Taylor (b. Nov. 20, 1916, McDonough, Henry Co., GA; d. 1997, St. Simon's Island, GA) m. Emma Virginia Deaver on Mar. 20, 1938.

(6) Horton Lacy Taylor (b. Mar. 17, 1918, McDonough, Henry Co, GA; d. Jan 15, 1999, Fayetteville, NC) m. Virginia Robertson on Dec. 31, 1939 in Clayton Co., GA.
Joseph Horace Taylor (b. Oct. 26, 1914, McDonough, Henry Co., GA; d. Mar. 8, 1991, Fulton Co., GA) m. Marie Justin Smith Nov. 19, 1838 in Fulton Co., GA. Marie (b. Oct. 11, 1910 Gould, Harmon Co., OK; d. Jan.1, 1999, Memphis, TN) was the daughter of Paul Clifford Smith and Mamie Alice Wade. Horace and his brothers were raised by their parents with strong morals, family values and to work hard to succeed. No one in this family had exemplified that more than Horace Taylor.

As a toddler, Horace lost his hearing after suffering an ear infection. His mother believed his deafness happened because she had sinned. She was embarrassed and did not want Horace to use sign language in public. She always insisted that he speak and tried very hard to teach him oral language.[19] At age six, he was sent to The Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Springs, GA where he could be educated with other deaf children. He preferred communicating using sign language and was always eager to learn. He graduated in 1933 and moved back to Atlanta. He joined the Crusselle-Freeman Church for the Deaf located in southwest Atlanta not far from the Stewart Avenue home of his parents. The friendships he made through this church would last a lifetime. Marie Smith was attending Crusselle-Freeman Church when she and Horace met. Like Horace, she lost her hearing after an illness when she was a very young child. The couple lived in Hapeville, GA and raised two children, Paul Edward and Dorothy Ann.[20]. They later moved East Point, GA when the Atlanta airport was being built and lived there for the rest of their lives. They were married 52 years!

In 1945 he received a "classification 4-A" draft notice from the selective service (which meant to report immediately). He knew they had made a mistake and had no knowledge of his handicap. But in the typical Horace Taylor fashion, he found the humor in the situation and reported as required. Needless to say, he was immediately reclassified as a "4-F". Horace was a leader in the deaf community and served in many organizations such as the Georgia Association of the Deaf, National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, the Georgia Telecommunications of the Deaf and the Georgia Baptist Conference for the Deaf. He played a major role in getting telecommunication devices for the deaf community in Georgia. He wired homes and buildings with flashing lights for doorbells, telephones and smoke alarms. He had a shop in his garage where he repaired TTY machines. Through his membership at Crusselle-Freeman Church of the Deaf, he served as a deacon, the church treasurer and was on the board of the Crusselle-Freeman Center for the Deaf. He did all these acts of service while being employed for 35 years at Ruralist Press Printing Company as a supervisor. The word "disabled" was not in his vocabulary!

Horace Taylor was a gifted man with a heart of gold. He had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He frequently visited family in McDonough and attended family reunions. Most of all Horace Taylor was a man of commitment to his family, church and the deaf community. He could always be counted on to serve and enjoyed doing anything that brought happiness to people's lives. He accomplished so much in his lifetime and always remained a humble servant of God. [21]

This Taylor Family History has been written in loving memory of my grandfather, Joseph Horace Taylor.

I feel that I have been guided by his spirit during this journey in discovering our family history. I know he would be happy knowing that our family history will continue to live on for generations to come.~ Yvette Taylor Stewart

Sources: List of sources available in the originial file.

[1] "The Scotch-Irish" James G. Leyburn. Copyright 1962
[2] "South Carolina Immigrants 1760 to 1770" Copyright 1988
[3] Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery markers.
[4] Taylor family researcher ~ Bo Forrester, Roswell, GA
[5] Laurens County, SC Wills
[6] Church session record book and cemetery record - Smyrna Presbyterian Church, Conyers, GA
[7] Newton County Estate records
[8] Taylor family research done by Vivian Cameron, Decatur, GA
[9] Newton Co., GA Deeds and Mortgages Book F
[10] Newton County, GA Census records 1840-1870
[11] County, GA Deed Records Book B.
[12] The History of Newton County book ~ Family of Henry Taylor written by Lon King, MD
[13] Rockdale County Census records 1880
[14] Henry County Census records 1880-1920
[15] Knight Family Cemetery ~ Transcribed by Yvette Taylor Stewart Aug. 1999.
[16] Various obituaries published in Conyers, Henry County and Atlanta newspapers
[17] First Families of Henry County, Vol. 1
[18] Family information shared by Horton Lacy Taylor, Sr.(deceased), Paul Edward Taylor, Dorothy Taylor Hill, Betty Ann Taylor Freeman, Jeanette Taylor Young, Carol Taylor Ellis and Gwen Taylor Lord.
[19] "When The Mind Hears" Missions USA magazine, written by Celeste Pennington Jan-Feb issue 1989.
[20] "Banner" - Official Publication of Georgia Association of the Deaf. March-April Issue 1991
[21] "Dial-A-News on Deafnews"~ March 12, 1991 Rockdale, In Memoriam Joseph Horace Taylor.

Note: This is a copy of the TAYLOR FAMILY HISTORY was submitted to the Henry County, GA Genealogical Society by Yvette Taylor Stewart. It will be published next year in "First Families of Henry County, Georgia, vol II". Please feel free to send any corrections or additional information to: Yvette Taylor Stewart, 90 Hunt Ridge Dr., Stockbridge, GA 30281, Email address TeleVETTE@aol.com

Contributed by Yvette Taylor Stewart

YARBROUGH Family

Thomas Yarbrough b. Mar. 24, 1768 in North Carolina was the son of John and Elizabeth Murray Yarbrough. He married Martha Garrett Harris in Union County, SC on Dec. 20, 1798. Martha was b. c1770 Anson Co., NC to Silas and Ann Young Garrett. She was married first to Thomas Harris of Union County, SC. Thomas & Martha had the following children according to current research. (It is believed that Martha had at least three children with Thomas Harris, but has not been proven in this research).:

(1) William Yarbrough b. in Union District, SC Apr. 26, 1800, m. Eleanor Gentry in Henry Co., GA, Aug. 2, 1823. William died Nov. 10, 1896 in Randolph County, AL.

(2) Silas Yarbrough (more on Silas later)

(3) Nancy Yarbrough (b. Aug. 4, 1804, d. June 27, 1888) m. Silas Moseley in Henry Co., GA. May 25, 1823. (See First Families of Henry County, GA vol. 1, page 507).

(4) Martha “Patsy” Yarbrough ( b. 1810) Henry Co. marriage records show a Patsy Yarber m. Laurence Baggett July 12, 1823.

(5) Temperence “Tempy” Yarbrough (b. 1811), m. John Richards in Henry Co., GA Jan. 20, 1828.

(6) Lucinda Yarbrough (b. 1813), m. Simon Baggett in Henry Co. GA., Jan. 31, 1829.
Prior to 1802, the family had moved to Georgia (probably Clarke Co.). They later moved to Morgan Co., GA (c1807). Thomas and family moved to Henry Co. when his son, William of Whitaker’s District, Morgan Co., drew land in the lottery of 1821. They settled in District 11 Lot # 69 near Cotton River.

Thomas Yarbrough is documented in Henry County on several land transactions from 1822-1840. All the transactions involved the area of District 11, Lots 69, 92 and 93. On Feb. 26, 1823, Thomas purchased Lot # 92 of 11th District for $95.00 that had been granted to Burwell Wise in the 1821 lottery. This land is located next to the lot granted to William Yarbrough. In Oct. 1823, a man by the name of James Yarbrough bought land in District 11, Lot #93 next to Thomas. It is assumed that he is related to this Yarbrough line, though the exact relation has not been proven. It is believed that James Yarbrough was married to Elizabeth Garrett, sister of Martha Garrett Harris Yarbrough.

Thomas wrote his will on March 8, 1840. His son, William and son-in-law Silas Moseley were appointed the executors. On Sep. 14, 1840, the children of Thomas Yarbrough sold to Silas Moseley 133 acres of land that belonged to the Estate of Thomas Yarbrough.

Thomas’ wife, Martha, continued to live on the land near her children. She is documented on the 1850 Henry Co. census as living in the household with her son Silas. On Sep. 27, 1855, Martha gave to her daughter, Tempy Richards, all of her land consisting of sixty-six acres of Lot # 92 in the Eleventh District of Henry County. It is assumed that she continued to live there until her death c1857. It is believed that she and Thomas are buried in the old unmarked vaults located at the Moseley Cemetery in Henry Co. next to the grave of their daughter Nancy Yarbrough Moseley. These vaults were supposedly moved from the family farm located on the land that was sold to Silas Moseley.

Silas Yarbrough (b. c1802. in Clarke or Morgan Co., GA., d. 1884 Tallapoosa Co., AL). He moved to Henry Co., GA with the family in 1821. Silas m. Nancy Ray in Henry Co. on Apr. 2, 1823. Nancy Ray ( b. c1807) was the daughter of Solomon Ray and Jane Echols. They had the following children:
(1) Rufus P. Yarbrough (more on Rufus later)

(2) Martha Jane Yarbrough (b. Dec.16, 1830 in Henry Co., GA; d. Feb. 6, 1909) m. William W. Walden (b. May 13, 1826; d. July 25, 1909 Henry Co., GA) in Henry Co., Jan. 1, 1852. This family moved to Tallapoosa Co., AL before 1860 and returned to Henry Co. after the Civil War. They are both buried at Mount Bethel Methodist Church in Ellenwood, Henry Co., GA.

(3) Samantha Yarbrough (b. 1832 in Henry Co., GA.), m. Stephen J. Bowen in Henry Co., GA Aug. 5, 1852. Stephen Bowen b. July 4, 1827 was the son of Dixon and Sarah Lee Bowen (See First Families of Henry County, GA, vol. 1 page 64-70). This family also moved to Tallapoosa Co., AL prior to the 1860 Census and returned to Henry County before 1870

(4) Robert Bale Yarbrough (b. Dec. 1836 in Henry Co., GA., d. Jan 8, 1912 Tallapoosa Co., AL) m. on Aug. 16, 1855 in Tallapoosa Co., AL to Martha E. Hendricks (b. Apr. 1, 1834 in Edgefield, SC, d. Jan. 14, 1918 Chambers Co., AL).

(5) Thomas Yarbrough (b. 1838 in Henry Co., GA, d. unknown ) m. Jane Ray c1860 probably in or near Tallapoosa Co., AL . They lived in the Eagle Hill area of Tallapoosa Co., AL next to Silas Yarbrough in 1860.

(6) Susan A. Yarbrough (b. 1840 in Henry Co., GA). Found on Tallapoosa Co., AL 1860 Census as head of household living next to Thomas Yarbrough and Silas Yarbrough under the name of Susan A. Ray. No husband is listed and only one three month old child, Silas Ray was living with her.

(7) Silas Yarbrough, Jr. (b. 1842 Henry Co., GA) m. in Tallapoosa Co., AL on April 18, 1866 to Sarah Ray (b. c1850).

(8) Tempsey Yarbrough (b. 1850, Henry Co., GA).
Silas raised his family in the same area of Henry Co. District 11 until the mid 1850s and worked as a farmer. Silas’ family, including all of his adult children and their families, as well as members of the Ray family moved to Alabama before the 1860 Census. They settled in the Eagle Hill/Dadeville areas of Tallapoosa Co., AL.

Rufus P. Yarbrough (b. c1828 Henry Co., GA; d. Oct. 8, 1896) m. Sarah Annie Robinson (b. c1830 Henry Co., GA; d. June 25, 1879 Rockdale or Henry Co., GA) in Henry Co., GA on April 20, 1852. Rufus worked as a farm hand and started his family in Henry Co. Rufus and other Yarbrough family members moved to Tallapoosa Co., AL before 1860 and lived there for a few years. By the 1870 census, they returned to Henry County and were living in the McMullen District. The place of burial for this couple has not yet been proven. Rufus and Annie Robinson Yarbrough’s children were:
(1) William Yarbrough (b. c1853 Henry Co., GA; d. unknown); (2) James F. Yarbrough (b. c1855 in AL); (3) Nancy Yarbrough (b. c1859 AL); (4) Martha Yarbrough (b. c1862 in GA); (5) Sarah Yarbrough (b. c1866 in GA); (6) George Yarbrough (b. c1868 in GA); (7) Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough (b. 1872 in GA~more later).
Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Yarbrough (b. Mar. 7, 1872 Henry Co., GA; d. Mar. 4, 1938 Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA) was the youngest child of Rufus and Annie Robinson Yarbrough. She m. Benjamin “Bennie” Howard Lloyd in Douglas Co., GA on Jan. 22, 1895. Bennie H. Lloyd was b. Nov. 15, 1866 in Fayette or Campbell Co., GA; d. Mar. 3, 1927 in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA. He was the son of James and Mary Parsons Lloyd (Loyd) of Fayette Co., GA. This family lived in Lithia Springs, GA and later moved to Atlanta. Bennie was employed by the City of Atlanta Police Department for more than 25 years where he served on “wagon-patrol”. Most members of the family are buried in the Lloyd family lot at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta, GA. Bennie & Lizzie Lloyd had the following children:
(1) Thomas Emery Lloyd (b. May 3, 1890; d. Sep. 12, 1959). This child’s birth date is confirmed in the family Bible as being five years before the marriage of his parents. He never married.

(2) William Howard Lloyd (b. July 12, 1896 Douglas Co., GA; d. April 20, 1953, Atlanta Futon Co., GA). He married Beside Mae Merriwether (b. Oct. 30, 1900; d. May 23, 1988) in Fulton Co., Nov. 18, 1917.

(3) Harry Theo. Lloyd (b. Mar. 27, 1899; d. Jan. 5, 1978) m. a woman named Savilla T. (b. Jan 3, 1898; d. Jun. 8, 1984 - maiden name and marriage date and place is unknown.

(4) Bennie Hickey Lloyd (b. April 22, 1900; d. June 21, 1942) m. Thelma Autry Chambers in Fulton Co., GA on Oct. 16, 1919. Thelma (b. June 4, 1901; d. Oct. 21, 1972 Jonesboro, Clayton Co., GA) was the daughter of Joseph Nicodemus and Jessie Burns Chambers. Bennie Hickey Lloyd is buried with the Lloyd family members at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta, GA. Thelma later married Joseph G. “Poppa Joe” Wright (b. Mar. 20, 1900; d. Sep.23, 1989) in Clayton Co., GA on August 8, 1957. The Wright family lived in the area of Jonesboro at the area of Wright Cir. between Mt. Zion Rd. and Hwy. 138. They are buried in the Mt. Zion Baptist Cemetery in Jonesboro, GA.

(5) Annie Mary Lloyd (b. Sep. 8, 1901; d. Jun 29, 1932). She never married.

(6) Wiley Clark Lloyd (b. Jul. 24, 1903; d. unknown)

(7) Lizzie Mae Lloyd (b. Aug 6, 1904; d. Mar. 26, 1905).

(8) Ruby Lloyd (b. Jul. 23, 1906; d. Feb. 19, 1989). She married Thomas A. Appling (b. Jan. 28, 1892; d. Mar. 25, 1967).
Sources:

Additional sources: Personal knowledge of myself, Lizzie May Lloyd-McKenzie and Maria McKenzie-Nichols.

Written and contributed by Yvette Taylor Stewart

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