James Athya Anderson

James Athya Anderson, born on January 10, 1912 in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Scotland was the son of Elizabeth Durie Athya and Alexander Anderson. James had six siblings: Jemina Athya Anderson, Helen Hamilton Anderson, Alexander Athya Anderson, Mary Brown Anderson, Janet Lambie Anderson, and Elizabeth Athya Anderson. He is my husband’s 1st cousin 1x removed with their nearest common relatives being James Wylie Athya and Jemima Durie, my husband’s great grandparents and James’ grandparents.

Register of birth for James

The Anderson family lived at 1 Avenue Street in Rutherglen when James was born. His father worked as a blacksmith. Having completed his apprenticeship under a master blacksmith, he was considered a journeyman. By the time James’ sister Mary arrived in September 1914, the Anderson’s had relocated to another street in Rutherglen—1 Baronflat Street. 

James never got to know his maternal grandfather, James Wylie Athya. He died when James was one and a half years of age from gastro-intestinal cancer in Garngadhill, Lanark, Scotland on August 12, 1913. His grandfather was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

The Anderson family was deeply impacted by the events of World War I, which began in July 1914. Three of James’ maternal uncles—Robert, George, and David Athya—answered the call to serve. Tragically, David lost his life in the France and Flanders campaign on May 10, 1915. 

Chalk drawing of George, David, and Robert Athya

After the war, his uncle George Athya returned home and lived at 1 Baronflat Street in Rutherglen—the same address where the Anderson family resided in 1914. The home was small, with just two rooms. It would have been a cramped living environment for 9 people, much less 10.

James’ father continued his work as a blacksmith, employed at Stewarts and Lloyds as a tube maker. His 15-year-old sister, Jemima—enumerated as Minnie in the 1921 Scotland census—worked as a carpet weaver at Templeton’s Weaving Factory. The six younger siblings, including James himself, were listed as scholars, although it is doubtful that the youngest, Janet (aged 4) and Elizabeth (aged 1), were attending school at the time. 

1921 Scotland census

James’ sister Jemima married Andrew Wilson Glen on February 15, 1924 in Rutherglen. The usual residence for both Jemima and Andrew were the same—1 Baronflat Street—the Anderson family home in Rutherglen. It would be interesting to know whether they moved into a home of their own, or continued to live in the Anderson family home. James’ grandmother Jemima (Durie) Athya passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Scotland on November 19, 1925. She was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery along with other family members.

On March 12, 1937, James married Mary Mitchell Thomson at South Manse Hollandbush in the District of Hamilton, Lanark, Scotland, following banns according to the traditions of the Church of Scotland. At the time, James, a 25-year-old bachelor residing at 59 Cambuslang Road in Rutherglen, was employed as a general laborer. Mary, an 18-year-old spinster living at 82 Strathaven Road in Hamilton, worked as a baker packer. Born in 1918, Mary was illegitimate, and her mother, Mary Thomson, was a domestic servant in Hamilton.

Marriage register for James

James was just 27 years old when he passed away on July 19, 1939, at Robroyston Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland. He died from acute miliary tuberculosis, a severe form of the disease that spreads extensively through the bloodstream. Robroyston Hospital, established in 1918, initially served as a facility for treating smallpox and tuberculosis. Briefly operating as a military hospital during 1918–1919, it became a major center for tuberculosis care by 1925, with 450 beds dedicated to patients. At the time of his death, James resided at 36 Main Street in Rutherglen. He worked as a chauffeur and had been married to Mary for only two years. I have been unable to determine James’ burial location.

Death register for James

References

• Alex Anderson, Census 654/41/4, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• David Athya, Evening Times Roll of Honour and The Mitchell Library, Glasgow, Scotland.
• James Athya Anderson, Statutory Registers Births 654/70, National Records of Scotland, 1912.
• James Athya Anderson, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/4503, National Records of Scotland, 1939.
• James Athya Anderson, Statutory Registers Marriages 647/77, National Records of Scotland, 1937.
• Janet Lambie Anderson, Statutory Registers Births 654/44, National Records of Scotland, 1917.
• Jemima Athya, Register of Interments in Southern Necropolis, Glasgow, Scotland, 1925.
• Mary Brown Anderson, Statutory Registers Births 654/576, National Records of Scotland, 1914.
• Mary Mitchell Thomson, Statutory Registers Births 647/1132, National Records of Scotland, 1918.
• Robroyston; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robroyston. 

English sues Lankford over condition of Lucy

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records.

This is a court case involving my ancestor, James M. Lankford. In October 1853, James sold Lucy to Stephen English for $300, with a warranty that she was sound except for one arm. English soon discovered that Lucy had additional health problems affecting her shoulder and hip joints, conditions that James had allegedly failed to mention.

English filed suit in Greene County Superior Court in March 1856, claiming that James had deceived him about Lucy’s condition. The lawsuit sought damages of $300—the full purchase price. English argued that these hidden health issues made Lucy not only unusable but also created additional expenses for him.

English was awarded $300 plus court costs on March 10, 1857. James filed an appeal on March 11.

After nearly two years of legal proceedings, a jury reached awarded English a judgment on April 1, 1858 of $174.33, plus interest and court costs, less than his original demand for $300.

No. 78, Greene Superior Court. March Term 1856
Stephen English vs. James M. Lankford 
Received of Stephen English three hundred dollars in full payment for a negro woman Lucy which I warrant sound with the exception of one arm.

Oct. 19th, 1853
James M. Lankford

Georgia, Greene County. To the Honorable Superior Court of said County.
The petition of Stephen English respectfully showeth that James M. Lankford of said County hath damaged your petitioner three hundred dollars for that whereas heretofore to wit on the nineteenth day of October in the year of Eighteen Hundred and fifty-five your petitioner at the special instance and request of said defendant bargained with the said defendant to buy of him the said defendant a certain negro woman slave named Lucy at and for a certain price or sum of money to wit, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars, and the said defendant by then and there falsely and fraudulently warranting the said negro slave to be sound with the exception of one arm then and there sold the said negro Slave to your petitioner for the said sum of Three Hundred dollars, which was then and there paid by your petitioner to said defendant, whereas in truth and in fact the said negro Slave was at the time of the said warranty and sale thereof unsound and diseased seriously in her Shoulder joint, and hip joint and hath from thence hitherto so remained and continued. And your petitioner in fact Saith that the said defendant by means of the premises on the day and year aforesaid falsely and fraudulently deceived your petitioner on the sale of the said negro Slave as aforesaid and thereby the said negro Slave afterwards to wit on the day and year aforesaid not only became of use or value to your petitioner but on the contrary a source of trouble and anxiety and expense.

And whereas also your petitioner heretofore to wit on the day and year aforesaid bargained with the said defendant to buy of the said defendant a certain other negro woman slave named Lucy and the said defendant by then and there falsely warranting the said last mentioned negro slave to be sound with the exception of one arm falsely and fraudulently induced your petitioner then and there to be, and your petitioner did then and there buy of the said defendant the said last mentioned negro slave for the like sum of Three Hundred dollars whereas in truth and in fact the said last mentioned negro slave at the time of the said last mentioned warranty and sale was not sound with the exception of one arm, but there was and hath hither to been and still is unsound and diseased seriously in other parts of her body, and not only useless but expensive to your petitioner. 

And your petitioner avers that the said Defendant falsely and fraudulently deceived him in the sale of the said last mentioned negro Slave to the damage of your petitioner Three Hundred dollars as aforesaid.

Wherefore your petitioner brings suit and prays process may issue requiring the said defendant to be and appear at the next Superior Court to be held in and for said County to answer your petitioner in an action on the case.

Henry C. Ware, Plffs. Atty.

Georgia - To the Sheriff of Greene County Greeting 

Stephen English vs. James M. Lankford Case

The defendant is hereby required personally or by attorney to be and appear at the Superior Court to be held in and for the County of Greene on the Second Monday in March next then and there to answer the Plaintiffs demand in an action on the case as in default thereof the said Court will proceed as to Justice shall appertain.

Witness the Honorable Robert V. Hardeman, Judge of said Court this 19th day of February 1856.

Vincent Sanford, Clerk 

Personally Served James M. Lankford with a copy of the within Writ February 20, 1856
Thos. F. Foster, D. Sheriff 

 

Stephen English vs. James M. Lankford Case

We the Jury find for the Plaintiff, Three Hundred Dollars with costs of Court.
Peter R. Brooks, Foreman 

Court adjourned to 8 ½ clock tomorrow morning.
Robert V. Hardeman, Judge

The Honorable the Superior Court met pursuant to adjournment.
Present His Honor Robert V. Hardeman, Judge
Tuesday, 10th March 1857.

Stephen English vs. James M. Lankford Case 
Verdict for the Plaintiff.
The Defendant James M. Lankford being dissatisfied with the verdict of the jury rendered in the above stated case, came into office within the time prescribed by law and demanded an Appeal which was granted. Whereupon Robert L. McWhorter Enters himself as the Security on said appeal and acknowledges himself, his heirs, and assigns held and firmly bound unto the Plaintiff in said cause for the Eventual condemnation money and all costs on the final trial of said case. In witness whereof the said James M. Lankford and Robert L. McWhorter have hereunto set their hands and Seal this 11 day March 1857.

Test
James M. Lankford

R. L. McWhorter
Vincent Sanford, Clk

Reference

• Greene County, Georgia, Court Minutes 1856–1868, images 81 and 84, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Special Proceedings Records 1856–1858, images 295–296, FamilySearch. 

Ralph Murphy’s cameras: A photographic legacy

Among our cherished family heirlooms, my husband Charlie treasures three vintage cameras. One of them, a Nikon F, has a special place in our collection—it belonged to his Uncle Ralph Murphy. In 2012, during a visit with Aunt Jean, she entrusted Charlie with this classic camera and Uncle Ralph’s collection of slides. While the stories behind the other two cameras remain unconfirmed, Charlie believes they also belonged to Ralph, who passed them down to his younger brother Earl—Charlie’s father—as he upgraded his equipment. Together, these three cameras and their accompanying slides chronicle precious moments in our family’s history.

We believe Ralph began taking photos in 1947 with an Argus C3, his first camera. This sturdy camera, produced from 1939 to 1966, was a favorite among amateur photographers in post-war America. Heavy and solid, it was built with an all-metal body and equipped with a 50mm f/3.5 lens. The all-black Argus C3 earned its nickname “The Brick” for its distinctive blocky shape.

Black Argus C3 camera with flash attachment and case

Back of black Argus C3 camera

Back view of black Argus C3 camera with flash attachment and case

The second Argus camera is a Match-Matic version of the Argus C3, and has a distinctive two-tone beige/tan and black body. This version dates from around 1950 and features a 50mm f/3.5 lens. The Match-Matic version has upgraded flash capability and simplified exposure settings. We believe Ralph purchased this version to upgrade his photography capabilities, and gave the original Argus C3 camera to Earl in the mid-1950s so he could capture photos of his growing family.

Tan Argus camera and case

Back view of tan Argus camera

The Nikon F that Aunt Jean gave Charlie in 2012 completes our vintage camera collection. This camera, introduced in 1959, represented a significant advance in camera design with its solid, all-metal construction. While we are unable to determine exactly when Ralph acquired it, we know he expanded his photography equipment with two important additions: a Nikkor-H Auto lens and a telephoto lens, reflecting his growing interest in photography. 

The Nikon F is a heavy piece of equipment—the camera body alone weighed 1.3 pounds, reaching 1.9 pounds with its finder and batteries. With both lenses added, Ralph would have carried nearly 3 pounds of camera equipment during his photo sessions. Today, a complete Nikon F set like this might be valued between $300 and $500, but its real worth lies in the thousands of family moments it captured over the decades.

Ralph’s Nikon F camera, lens, and case

Back of Ralph’s Nikon F camera

Ralph’s camera bag and Nikon F manual

Ralph’s photographic legacy extends far beyond the cameras themselves. His slide collection—21 boxes (many indexed)—chronicles nearly four decades of American life, from 1947 to 1984. Through his lens, he preserved not only family gatherings and cross-country road trips, but also significant moments of West Virginia history: a soap box derby in Nutter Fort, summer days at Tygart Lake, the rising of Clarksburg’s Skyline Drive-in, events at Palace Furniture, the excitement of local car races, town parades, and even the floods that shaped the region.

These slides, documenting both everyday moments and historical events, offer a remarkable window into mid-20th century American life through the eyes of a passionate photographer. To explore some of Ralph’s remarkable archive, click here.

Some of the storage boxes filled with Ralph’s slides

Ralph Murphy

References

• Argus C3; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argus_C3. 
• Argus Match-Matic C3; https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Argus_Match-Matic_C3. 
• Nikon F; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_F. 

Pleasant Terrell compensated for injuries received while enslaved

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records.

Know all men by these presents, that the Georgia Rail Road Company of Richmond County and State of Georgia are held and firmly bound unto Pleasant Terrell, Freedman, and former slave of David S. Terrell of the County of Greene and State of for the true payment of $8.00 eight dollars per month for injury received while a slave and in the services of the Georgia Rail Road Company. Time of payment to commence on the first day of July 1865. And to thereafter monthly as above agreed until such time as the said Pleasant Terrell shall be able to support himself by his own labor using [blank space] and economy to support himself. The time when payment shall cease shall by decided by two physicians, one chosen by each party. For the true payment of which the Georgia Rail Road Company are held and firmly bound by these presents. Sealed with their seals and dated the seventh day of May 1867. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the Georgia Rail Road Company shall pay to the said Pleasant Terrell the sum of eight dollars per month, as above stipulated, then this obligation shall be void.

P. [Peter] W. Printup

Signed and sealed in presence of 
Jno. P. King, President 
Jas. Milligan, Treasurer

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1862–1871, image 356, FamilySearch. 

Hazel A. Shields

Hazel A. Shields was born September 12, 1926, in Georgia, the daughter of Walter C. B. Shields and Virginia “Gennie” Maria Craig. She was one of eight children born to the Shields family. Her siblings included Ralph Shields, Vernon “Doc” Lee Shields, Josephine Shields, W. C. “Dub” Shields, Betty Jean Shields, and Buddy Shields. The family had experienced tragedy before Hazel’s birth with the loss of her older brother, Melburn, who died at approximately age three.

Hazel is my 1st cousin 2x removed, with our nearest common ancestors being Samuel Cas Shields and Martha Ann Ogle—my 2nd great-grandparents and Hazel’s grandparents.

The Shields family’s movements in the 1930s can be traced through various records, though Hazel’s whereabouts in the 1930 census have yet to be found. By 1935, the family had established themselves in the Hall District of Pickens County, Georgia, presumably in Jasper.

The Pickens County Progress provides glimpses into Hazel’s early education. In December 1938, the paper reported that Hazel entered first grade alongside her siblings Ralph, Vernon, and Josephine. Just two months later, in February 1939, Hazel demonstrated academic promise when she, Ralph, and Josephine were placed on the first-grade honor roll.

The 1940 census, taken on May 13, paints a challenging picture of the family’s circumstances. Despite being 13 years old, Hazel had only completed the third grade, and none of the Shields children had attended school since March of that year. The census reveals her father working as a farmer and her brother serving as a farm laborer.

Hazel’s marriage to Ulysses “Ulis or Eulis” Carter, son of Lander A. and Mary L. Carter, occurred sometime between the May 1940 census and 1949. This timeline is established through two key records: the 1940 census, where Hazel was still single, and the 1949 Bradley County, Tennessee city directory, which documented the couple living in Cleveland. The directory also noted Ulis’ employment as a laborer at Stivers Lumber Company.

Though Ulis fulfilled his patriotic duty by registering for the World War II draft, records do not indicate any military service during the war.

The 1950 census, taken on May 10, provides a detailed snapshot of Hazel and Ulis’ life in Bradley County’s enumeration district 6-6. At the time, Hazel was 23 and Ulis was 36. The census reveals Ulis’ employment as a ripsaw helper at a lumber company, though he was between jobs that week and searching for work. Hazel’s status was listed as “unable to work.”

Ulis’ mother lived nearby with her second husband, William Sprayberry, and their son Earl, just a few houses down the same street.

Hazel’s life came to an untimely end on September 6, 1951, just six days shy of her 25th birthday. She died at her home near Straw Hill, a residential area in Cleveland, after a battle with pulmonary tuberculosis. Her struggle with the disease had begun nearly three years earlier, on November 13, 1948.

The Straw Hill Baptist Church hosted her funeral service on September 7, after which she was laid to rest in Cleveland’s Red Hill Cemetery. Hazel left behind her husband Ulis; sisters Josephine and Betty; brothers Ralph, Vernon, Dub, and Buddy; and her parents.

Photo by Laurie Wilson, Find A Grave member 47098859

References

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/107992768/hazel-carter: accessed April 7, 2025), memorial page for Hazel Shields Carter (12 Sep 1926–6 Sep 1951), Find a Grave Memorial ID 107992768, citing Red Hill Cemetery, Cleveland, Bradley County, Tennessee, USA; maintained by Laurie Wilson (contributor 47098859).
• Hazel A. Carter, Certificate of Death no. 51-19748, State of Tennessee, Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Statistics, 1951.
• Hazel Carter, U.S., City Directories, 1949.
• Mrs. Eulis Carter, Cleveland Daily Banner, p. 3, September 6, 1951.
• Pickens Hi-Lights: Grade Honor Roll, Pickens County Progress, Jasper, Georgia, February 2, 1939.
• Pickens Hi-Lights: P.C.H.S. Still Growing, County Progress, Jasper, Georgia, December 8, 1938.
• U.S. Federal Census, E.D. 6-6, Bradley County, Tennessee, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Hill District, Pickens County, Georgia, 1940.
• Ulis Carter, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.

Samuel Davis loans Lotty and Fed to daughter, Cornelia Preston

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records.

Davis to Preston

We the undersigned do certify that on this the 29th day of August, Eighteen hundred and sixty, Samuel Davis did bring before us a Negro Girl of dark color named Lotty, about seventeen years old and a negro boy of dark complexion about twelve years old named Fed and notified us that he intended to send said negroes to his daughter Cornelia Preston who is now in the Creek Nation and that he intends them simply as a loan to his said daughter.

In witness whereof we have hereunto affixed our hands and seal on the day above mentioned.

Test. 
James W. Godkin J.P.

I. L. Mathews
W. H. Morrison
Isaac R. Hall

Recorded this 29th day of August 1860.
Isaac R. Hall, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deed Books 1852–1857, 1857–1862, image 483, FamilySearch. 

Alexander King gives June and John to grandson, Alexander King

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records.

King to King

State of Georgia, Greene County. This Indenture made this tenth day of December, Eighteen hundred and sixty-one between Alexander King of said State and County of the one part, and my grandson, Alexander King, son of Ulysses B. King of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Alexander King for and in consideration of the sum of Five dollars cash in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he has and bears to his said grandson has granted and conveyed and doth by these presents give, grant, and convey to the said Alexander King, son of the said Ulysses B. King, two Negro slaves, June, about ten years old and John, his brother, about eight years old. To have and to hold said Negro slaves to him, the said Alexander King, his heirs, and assigns. 

In testimony whereof the said Alexander King hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written. 

Alex. King

Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of
B. F. Greene
C. A. Vincent, J.P.

Recorded this 6th day of March 1863.
Isaac R. Hall, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1862–1871, image 50, FamilySearch.