Mary Durie

After being out of town for three weeks, followed by a computer crash the weekend after I got home (thank goodness for backing up before my trip!), I sat down to write the story of an Athya infant for my next blog post. Instead, I went down a rabbit hole after noticing the informant on the death register was an aunt named Mary Wark. Who was she? I had never seen the name before so of course had to investigate. That opened up a full weekend of research and downloading of records from ScotlandsPeople. Turns out, she was my husband’s 2nd great aunt, sister of his great grandmother, Jemima Durie. Mary was one of those female ancestors who I hadn’t figured out yet, but now I know a lot about her. This also led to being able to take the Durie line back another generation (early 1800s) after finding the name of a different aunt on the death register for Jane Durie, Mary and Jemima’s sister. It was an exciting weekend of research!

Mary Durie, daughter of James Durie and Jane Liddell Braidwood, was born in Anderston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on September 14, 1849. She was the oldest child of nine—Mary Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, George Durie, Jemima Durie, Andrewina Durie, John Durie, Robert Durie, and Jane Durie. As mentioned above, Mary is the 2nd great aunt of my husband. Their nearest common relatives are Mary’s parents, James and Jane (Braidwood) Durie.

In 1851, the Durie family lived at 67 and 69 Carrick Street in the St. George Civil Parish of Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Mary’s father, age 27, worked as an engineer. Mary’s aunt, Jessie Braidwood, age 21, was living in the home. The transcription is hard to read but I believe Jessie worked as a boy’s clothing maker. Jessie was a new family member so I’m curious to find out more about her.

In 1861, the Durie family lived at 62 Brown Street in the Clyde District of the St. George Civil Parish of Glasgow. Mary’s father (age 36) worked as an engine smith, a person who “made parts for and repaired engines using the tools of a Smith—similar work to that of a Blacksmith” according to the Hall Genealogy Website of Old Occupation Names. On May 26, 1861, Mary’s two-year-old sister Andrewina died at home of dothinenteritis, also known as typhoid fever. She had been sick for six weeks at the time of her death. The death register recorded her father’s occupation as engine fitter/journeyman. 

Register for Andrewina Durie's death (click to enlarge)

Five years later the family suffered another loss when Mary’s one-year-old sister Jane died of croup on November 6, 1866 at 22 Pitt Street in Blythswood, Glasgow, Scotland. Jane had been sick for two days. Mary and Jane’s father still worked as an engine fitter/journeyman. An aunt, Elizabeth Morris, was listed as the informant on the death register. Elizabeth lived at 53 Cadogan Street in Glasgow. This was another new family member and the aunt that led to taking the Durie line back another generation. 

Register for Jane Durie's death (click to enlarge)

Of course, I had to figure out which line she belonged to—James Durie or Jane Braidwood. The 1856 marriage register of Elizabeth Durie and John Morris made the connection. The Elizabeth on the marriage register lived at 53 Cadogan Street in Glasgow so I knew it was the same person. The register listed her parents as George Durie and Elizabeth (Taylor) Durie. 

Register for Elizabeth Durie and John Morris' marriage (click to enlarge)

Once I found George and Elizabeth, I was able to find a baptism record for James Durie on ancestry.com showing that his baptism took place on May 30, 1824 in Inveresk With Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. I had his birth as about 1825. 

Baptism record for James Durie on ancestry.com

George and Elizabeth were married on January 16, 1820 in Inveresk With Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. The puzzle pieces were coming together.

Marriage record for George Dury and Elizabeth Tailer on ancestry.com

Wedding bells rang in Tradeston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on December 27, 1872, when Mary married Robert Wark, son of Robert Wark and Margaret Murphy. The marriage took place at 5 Abbotsford Place in the Gorbals District of Glasgow, Scotland “after Banns, according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland.” The marriage was performed by Andrew Leiper, minister of the Gorbals Parish. Their witnesses were Charles Brown and Elizabeth Durie. At age 22, Mary was a spinster who worked as a muslin darner who lived at 22 Pitt Street in Glasgow. Robert, age 22, was a bachelor who worked as a cloth lapper (journeyman). According to the Hall Genealogy Website of Old Occupation Names, a cloth lapper “moved the yarn from the carding machine to the next process in weaving.” Robert lived at 24 Pitt Street in Glasgow. They obviously lived in the same neighborhood and possibly worked together which tells us how they probably met. Robert’s parents were both deceased. 

Marriage register for Mary Durie and Robert Wark (click to enlarge)

Mary and Robert had four children together—Jane Wark (born 1873 in Clyde, Glasgow), Robert Wark (1874), Georgina Wark (1878), and Mary Wark (1881). Robert, Georgina, and Mary were all born in Anderston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

In 1881, the Wark family lived at 8 Canning Street in the Civil Parish of Barony in Anderston, Glasgow. I found it interesting that this census tracked the rooms with one or more windows. In this case, they had two. Robert still worked as a cloth lapper. Daughter Jane and son Robert were both scholars. Mary’s nephew James Athya died on April 12, 1884 in Anderston of congestion of the lungs. James was the three-month-old son of Jemina, Mary’s sister. Mary was the informant and still lived at 8 Canning Street. This was the record where I first discovered the aunt named Mary Wark that led to lots of new information. Four months later, Mary’s husband Robert (age 32) died on August 12, 1884 from pleurisy in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland. Wikipedia describes pleurisy as an “inflammation of the membranes that surround the lungs and line the chest cavity” which can “result in a sharp chest pain while breathing. Occasionally the pain may be a constant dull ache. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, fever or weight loss, depending on the underlying cause.” Robert had been ill for 14 days. According to the death register, the illness was accompanied by diarrhea and abscess for three days.

Register for Robert Wark's death (click to enlarge)

In 1891, Mary (age 39), Jane (age 18), Robert (age 16), and Georgina (age 12) still lived at 8 Canning Street in Anderston. Mary worked as a church cleaner. Jane worked as a turkey red cloth folder. According to Wikipedia, “Turkey red is a color that was widely used to dye cotton in the 18th and 19th century.” It “used the root of the rubia plant as the colorant, but the process was long and complicated, involving multiple soaking of the fabrics in lye, olive oil, sheep’s dung, and other ingredients. The fabric was more expensive but resulted in a fine bright and lasting red, similar to carmine, perfectly suited to cotton.” Robert worked as an apprentice tinsmith and Georgina was a scholar.

In 1901, Mary, Jane, Robert, and Georgina lived at 3 Piccadilly Street in the Barony St. Mark Parish of Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland. Mary (age 39) was no longer working, Jane and Georgina both worked as a sewer of furniture hangings, and Robert as a housepainter. This house had two rooms with windows. Mary’s father, James Durie (age 74), died at 33 McIntyre Street in Anderston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on December 13, 1902. Cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage. His parents, George Durie and Mary (Elizabeth) Taylor Durie were both deceased. George’s occupation was recorded as handloom weaver. Mary’s brother, John Durie, was the informant on the death register. Mary’s mother Jane Braidwood Durie (age 77) died on October 28, 1908 at Stobhill Hospital in Springburn, Lanark, Glasgow, Scotland. Cause of death was senile cardiac arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.  

In 1911, Mary (age 61), Jane (age 38), and Georgina (age 32) lived at 35 Overnewton Square in the Kelvinhaugh Parish of Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland. Mary was unemployed, Jane worked at home as a dressmaker, and Georgina worked as a sewer (upholster).

Mary died at home at the age of 72 on October 18, 1922 in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland. Cause of death was recorded as chronic bronchitis and tumour [sic] of left breast, nature unknown. Mary’s daughter, Jane Wark, was the informant on the death register. 

Death register for Mary Durie Wark

The register listed Mary’s mother’s full name as Jane “Liddell” Braidwood Durie. Jane Braidwood’s mother was Mary Liddell so it was important to me to discover that. More research is needed to find Mary’s burial location but I feel I learned a lot in two days of research.

References

• Athya, James, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 246, National Records of Scotland, 1884.
• Barony Parish, St. Mark, Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland census, 1901.
• Dothinenteritis, the English Dictionary; https://www.lexico.com/definition/dothinenteritis. 
• Durie, Andrina, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 442, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Durie, James, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 735, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• Durie, Jane, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 504, National Records of Scotland, 1866.
• Durie, Jane, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 881, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Durie, Mary, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/9 656, National Records of Scotland, 1872.
• George Dury and Elizabeth Tailer, Scotland, Select Marriages, 1561-1910.
• Glasgow, Barony Civil parish, Anderston, County Lanarkshire, Scotland census, 1891.
• Glasgow, Barony Civil parish, County Lanarkshire, Scotland census, 1871, 1881.
• Glasgow, St. George Civil parish, County Lanarkshire, Scotland census, 1851, 1861.
• Hall Genealogy Website, Old Occupation Names; https://rmhh.co.uk/occup/e.html.
• James Durie, Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950.
• Kelvinhaugh Parish, Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland census, 1911.
• Morris, John, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/6 28, National Records of Scotland, 1856.
• Turkey red; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey_red. 
• Wark, Mary, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/11 917, National Records of Scotland, 1922.
• Wark, Robert, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 569, National Records of Scotland, 1884. 

Slaves named in the Will of Thomas Gresham Janes

Thomas Gresham Janes, son of William Janes IV and Selah Gresham, was born July 11, 1794. He married three times—first to Malinda P. W. West on January 30, 1821, second to Emily T. West (sister to Malinda) on January 17, 1828, and third to Elizabeth P. Sanford on July 26, 1839, all in Greene County, Georgia. It appears Thomas had six children—Mary Selah Janes, Athalia E. Janes, George V. Janes, Susan E. Janes, Sarah J. T. Janes, and William F. Janes. He only names five in his will. Unfortunately, I don’t know which wife the children belong to at this time. 

According to the book History of Greene County, Georgia, 1876–1886 by Rice and Williams, Thomas was a physician in Greene County and “represented Greene Co. in the legislature in 1827-28, 34-35 and was Senator in 1836-37-38. He was one of the first Trustees of Mercer University.”

Thomas died in Greene County on September 14, 1843. My DNA results show he is my 4th great uncle. His brother was Absalom Madison Janes.

His will lists the names of 52 enslaved people.

Thomas G. Janes’ Will

Sept. adj. Term 1843

Green Court of Ordinary

Admitted to Record on the oaths of B. M. Sanders and P. H. Mell

Recorded in book G—Pages-10-11-12. 13-

28 September 1843.

Wm. L. Strain, Clk.

Green Court of Ordinary

Sept. adj. Term 1843

Personally appeared in open Court B. M. Sanders and P. H. Mell, two of the subscribing witnesses to the within last Will and Testament of Thomas G. Janes deceased, who being duly sworn say that they saw the within named Thomas G. Janes, sign, seal and heard him acknowledge the same to be his last Will and Testament, and that they each believed him to be of perfect sound mind and memory at the time of his signing the same—and that they together with W. H. Stokes, subscribed their names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the Testator.

B. M. Sanders

P. H. Mell

Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 27 September 1843. 

W. L. Strain, Clk.

State of Georgia, Greene County

In the name of God, amen, I, Thomas G. Janes, of the county and state aforesaid being of sound mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament.

Item 1st. It is my will and desire that all my just debts be paid.

2nd. I bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth P. Janes five hundred dollars in money, and the land and premises whereon I now reside together with all the household and kitchen furniture (with the provision that she be bound to furnish my three children (viz.) Susan E., George V., and Athaliah E. Janes, a bed stead and furniture with forty dollars each) my son William F. and Sarah J. T. having received theirs) also I give to my said beloved wife, all the plantation tools, four wheeled pleasure carriage and carriage horses, the two horse wagon and harnesses, six choice cows and yearlings, thirty choice stock hogs, four choice sows and pigs, all my stock of sheep and geese, also my family bible, hymn books and such other family books as she may choose. I also give to my said beloved wife the following named negroes (viz.) Mariah, a woman and her children Franklin and Sophy, with her increase, a negro man, Jesse and Fanny his wife and her increase, all the abovenamed property both real and personal to belong to my said beloved wife forever in fee simple. It is further my will that my beforesaid, beloved wife, whenever I may die shall have an ample supply of corn, fodder, pork or bacon, wheat, oats to support her and her negroes and stock during the next year following.

3rd. As it is probable that my said beloved wife Elizabeth P. Janes is in a state of pregnancy, I will to my said wife during her lifetime four other negroes (viz.) Len, a boy, Smith, a boy, Rosette and Queen, girls and their increase, but if my said wife should have a living child of her present probable pregnancy, the four last named negroes to belong to said child after the death of my said wife, but if there should be no living child or if such child should die in infancy, the said four negroes to belong to my said wife in her own right forever.

4th. It is my will, that if my said wife should have a living child from her present probable pregnancy, I will to said child, six negroes (viz.) Aron, a boy, Charlotte, Antinette, Isabella, Celin Ann, and Eliza and their increase (they being the children of Jesse and Fanny) but if no living child should be brought forth, or if such child should die in infancy, then and in that case the last six named negroes and their increase, to revert to and belong to my estate to be equally divided, share and share alike between my five other children, my said wife, having no part in them.

5th. I will to the child my said beloved wife may have, if her present probable pregnancy, five hundred dollars in money, ten share of the stock of the Georgia Rail Road and Banking company, and also the tract of land lying and being in this county on the entry of Richland Creek containing about seven hundred acres, called the Mill tract, adjoining Tarpley, Carlton and others, but if no living child should be brought forth or if such child should die in infancy then and in that case, the said money to wit five hundred dollars, the ten shares of stock of the Georgia Rail Road and Banking Company and the same seven hundred acres of land, to revert to and become a part of my estate and be equally divided share and share alike between my five other children, my said wife having no share or part thereof.

6th. It is my will that my Executor, herein after named, shall have full power and authority to rent, lease or sell the same mile tract of land, bequeathed in the 5th item, at their discretion whenever they may deem it for the interest of the estate in any time in fifteen years.

7th. I will to the eldest son William F. Janes, one bed and furniture one desk and book case, together with all my books, excepting those given to my beloved wife, also eight negroes (viz.) John Fitch, and Beddy his wife and her infant child and Miller, Berry, Rachel, Sally and Emily (all the children of John Fitch and Beddy) and their increase. Also, I will to my said son William F. the tract of land he now is improving in Paulding County, Georgia, lying in the second district of the fourth section consisting of numbers 888, 889, 890, 838, 839, 840, 817, 767, 769, and one third of number 768 – containing in all three hundred and seventy three and a third (373 1/3) acres more or less, also three acres of number 990, including the house and improvements where he now lives, together with privilege of water of the spring on said lot. 

8th. I will to my daughter Sarah J. T. Gibson, 1 bed and furniture one bureau, one horse, and all the property heretofore given her and six negroes (viz.) Betty and her five children, Daniel, Harry, Eve, Silsy, and Rebekah and their increase, and also, she may take a settlement of land at the Deason place, or lots number 849 of the 2nd district 4th Section and lands connected therewith lying to the Ninth West including the Scott place, to be laid off by my Executors in such a way as not to injure the realm of my other lands – all lying in Paulding County, Georgia. Also, I will to my said daughter three acres of number 990 – wherever she may see proper to locate it, for the purpose of building, together with privilege of water of the spring on said lot.

9th. It is my will that the property of every description willed to my son William F. Janes and Sarah J. T. Gibson be valued by persons appointed by the court of ordinary (excepting the Books within to my son William F.) and accounted for in the division of my estate between them and three other children Susan E. Janes, George V. Janes, and Athaliah E. Janes.

10th. It is my will and desire that all the negroes I may die papered of, not otherwise bequeathed in this my will, to be equally divided, share and share alike between my five children William F. Janes, Sarah J. T. Gibson, Susan E. Janes, George V. Janes and Athaliah E. Janes, William F. and Sarah J. T. accounting for three negroes willed them. The negroes of the three minor children, Susan E., George V. and Athaliah E. to be kept in common stock and each of them to receive their part when each shall arrive at lawful age or get married.

11th. It is my will that my executors, herein after named have full power and authority to sell any and all lands I may die papered of, besides there herein bequeathed, and excepting the lands I own in Second district fourth section originally Cherokee now Paulding County, in whatever parcels, and such credits and at such time, as they may deem most to the interest of my estate, within ten years.

12th. It is my will and desire that my executors herein after named and I do hereby authorize them to purchase for the benefit of my estate and lots of land in Cedar Dally Paulding County, Georgia, that they may think necessary and important to improve the realm of the settlements of land I own in said really – 

13th. It is my will and desire that whenever either of my three minor children, Susan E., George W. or Athaliah E. Janes, arrives at lawful age or marries, that person be appointed by the court and assign to such one as aforesaid, a settlement of land in Cedar Dally, Paulding County, similar to the tracts willed to my two eldest children, William F. and Sarah J. T. realized at the same rates as those given the two elder, or nearly as practicable, to be accounted for in the settlement between the legatees.

14th. It is my will that my executors have power and authority, to lease, rent, or sell my interest (it being one third part) of the land and mills on Cedar Creek, Paulding County, upon such time as they may deem to the interest of my estate (the other parts owned by William E. and George W. West).

15th. It is my will that my executors keep up the farm in Paulding County, now managed by Mark Jackson for me according to the written agreement between said Jackson and myself by contract with him or some other person so long as they may deem it for the interest of my estate.

16th. It is my will and desire that my Executors be required to be at all expenses necessary to give to my nephew Thomas Janes, son of Archibald G. Janes, a good English education, either at Penfield, Cedar Dally, or Cave Spring and if my said nephew should bid far in their judgement to make a good scholar, they be required to give him a classical education, causing him to graduate at Penfield.

17th. I will my silver watch to my son George V. Janes.

18th. It is my will and desire that all my property both real and personal not herein addressed bequeathed be equally divided share and share alike between my five children, William F., Sarah J. T., Susan E., George V. and Athaliah E.

19th. I do hereby constitute and appoint my son William F. Janes, my son in law Henry A. Gibson, and George W. West of Paulding County and Absalom Janes of Greene County, executors to this my last will and testament, in [unreadable] and ratifications of which I the same Thomas G. Janes hath hereunto set my hand and seal this the twenty eighth day of February A.D. One-thousand and eight hundred and forty three.

Thos. G. Janes

Signed sealed and executed in presence of B. M. Sanders, Wm. H. Stokes, P. H. Mell

Inventory & appraisement of the estate of Thomas G. Janes, deceased

Page 1

State of Georgia, Greene County

No. 1. Maria, a negro woman, valued at $400.00

2. Franklin,  "  boy   "   "   $200.00

3. Sophy,  "  girl   "   "   $150.00

4. Crawford,  "  boy   "   "   $100.00

5. Jesse,  "  man   "   "   $300.00

6. Fanny,  "  woman   "   "   $275.00

7. Len,  "  man   "   "   $500.00

8. Smith,  "  boy   "   "   $100.00

9. Rosetta,  "  girl   "   "   $350.00

10. Queen,  "   "   "   "   $150.00

11. Aron,  "  boy   "   "   $350.00

12. Charlotte,  "  girl   "   "   $350.00

13. Antonett,  "   "   "   "   $250.00

14. Isabella,  "   "   "   "   $250.00

15. Colia,  "   "   "   "   $175.00

16. Eliza,  "   "   "   "   $150.00

17. Jim,  "  man   "   "   $550.00

18. Lucy,  "  woman   "   "   $350.00

19. Stephen,  "  boy   "   "   $300.00

20. Dave,  "  boy   "   "   $275.00

21. Nelson,  "   "   "   "   $250.00

22. Elleck,  "   "   "   "   $200.00

23. Betty,  "  girl   "   "   $150.00

24. Bill,  "  boy   "   "   $125.00

25. Big Lucy,  "  woman   "   "   $400.00

26. Sibba,  "  girl   "   "   $175.00

27. James,  "  boy   "   "   $135.00

28. Maria,  "  woman   "   "   $300.00

29. Harriet,  "  girl   "   "   $400.00

30. Martha,  "   "   "   "   $350.00

31. Adeline,  "   "   "   "   $225.00

Amount Carried Forward $8225.00

Partial snip of Inventory and Appraisement, page 1 (click to enlarge)

Inventory & appraisement of the estate of Thomas G. Janes, continued

Page 2

Amount brt forward -- $8225.00

No. 32 Minerva, a negro girl, valued at $200.00

33. Ellen,   "   "   "   "   $100.00

34. John,   "   man   "   "   $200.00

35. Anna,   "   woman   "   "   $400.00

36. Lizzy,   "   girl   "   "   $350.00

37. Sandy,   "   man   "   "   $400.00

38. Phill,   "   "   "   "   $25.00

39. Mary,   "   woman   "   "   $350.00

30 head of cattle - $135.00

1 yoke oxen $25, 6 cows & yearlings, $60 - $85.00

100 head of Hogs $250, 4 sows & pigs, $20 - $270.00

1 cotton gin $50, 1 Thrashing Machine 50 cts. - $50.50

4 bales cotton - $80.00

1 lot wheat - $16.00

6 stacks oats $30, 6 sheep $9 - $39.00

3 Geese 75 cts., one horse wagon $2 - $2.75

1 Redd Waggon $28, two horse waggon $75.00 - $103.00

1 pleasure Carriage & harness - $125.00

Blacksmiths tools $10, Iron $11 - $21.00

Weeding hose, mattocks & fro---  - $3.00

1 log chain $2, 1 lot plough & cli??? $5 - $7.00

1 lot axes $2, 1 lot tools $1 - $3.00

1 lot spades & shovels $3, 1 lot Gil & pant $2 - $5.00

1 lot of medicines & Jan - $5.00

1 barrel linen $2, 1 Thermometer & Barometer $1.50 - $3.50

1 lot of family books $10, 1 lot of Books $100 - $110.00

1 desk & book case $30, 1 pr. saddle bags $1 - $31.00

1 man saddle $5 - $5.00

1 lot Household furniture - $500.00

1 lot Kitchen furniture - $20.00

2 shot guns $10, Surgical instruments $25 - $35.00

1 lot mea???? 25 cts. - $.25

Amount carried forward - $12,355.00

Partial snip of Inventory and Appraisement, page 2 (click to enlarge)

There are Paulding County, Georgia records to explore but because I'm concentrating on Greene County, I won't include here. 

References

• Rice, Dr. Thaddeus Brockett Rice and Carolyn White Williams, History of Greene County, Georgia, 1876–1886, 1961.
• Thomas G. Janes, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Thomas G. Janes, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.

Hugh Crawford Bryant

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

Hugh Crawford Bryant, son of Eugene Herbert Bryant and Nancy Tallulah “Lula” Bouchelle, was born in Maxeys, Oglethorpe County, Georgia on February 15, 1893. He was the 6th child of 14—Leroy Bryant, Clinton Bouchelle Bryant, J. Iverson Bryant, Nellie Lynn Bryant, Mamie Bryant, Hugh Crawford Bryant, Rebecca “Ree” M. Bryant, Herbert Alexander Bryant, Clark Howell Bryant, Clyde Bryant (female), Emily Elizabeth Bryant, Noel T. Bryant, William M. Bryant, and an infant boy. Hugh is my 2nd cousin 3x removed with our nearest common relatives being Charles L. Lankford and Miss Moore. His grandmother, Elizabeth Ann Lankford, is the sister of my 3rd great grandfather, James Meriweather Lankford.

Two of Hugh’s siblings died before he was born. His brother Iverson, just 10 months old, died on December 12, 1887. His sister Nellie died at the age of three on December 30, 1892. Both were buried near their grandparent’s grave (William and Elizabeth Ann (Lankford) Bryant) at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

On June 5, 1900, Hugh and his family lived in Maxeys, a town in the Falling Creek district of Oglethorpe County. His parents had been married for 18 years. Hugh’s mother had given birth to nine children, with seven still living. His father worked as a farmer. Four of the children, including Hugh, were attending school. Hugh’s mother was enumerated as Lula, Leroy as Roye, Rebecca as Ree, and Clark as Mark. There were two servants living in the home—J. Kidd, a black male working as a farm laborer, age 21, and Hattie, a black female working as a cook, age 20. I can’t read the census enumerators handwriting but their names are transcribed as Jurls Kidd and Hattie Alere or Alen on ancestry.com. I don’t know what’s correct. The Bryant family lost another child in 1909 when an infant son was born and died on November 15. The infant, apparently never named, was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery.

On April 19, 1910, the Bryant family still lived in Maxeys. Hugh’s parents had been married for 28 years. His mother was enumerated as being the mother of 11 children, all of which were living which we know is wrong. His father was a farmer on a general farm while both Hugh and Herbert worked as farm laborers on the home farm. Hugh, Rebecca, Herbert, Clark, Clyde, and Emily were all attending school. With the exception of Emily, Noel, and William, everyone could read and write. The year 1912 was another sad one for the Bryant family when son Noel died on November 12 at the age of seven. Like the other Bryant children who died before him, Noel was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery. 

Hugh, who still lived in Maxeys, registered for the World War I draft on June 5, 1917. A self-employed farmer, he was tall and of medium build, had blue eyes and sandy hair. Hugh was inducted into the U.S. Army on October 24, 1918 at Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. He served as a private in Company D, Students Army Training C of the Georgia School of Technology in Atlanta until his honorable discharge on December 4, 1918.

Military service induction list (click to enlarge)

On January 7, 1920, the Bryant family lived on Athens Highway in the Falling Creek district of Oglethorpe County. By this time, Hugh was the oldest child still at home. Hugh and his father both worked as farmers on a general farm. Herbert worked as a laborer on a home farm. Only Emily and William were attending school. Once again, there were two servants living in the home—Alonze Wilson, a black male working as a laborer on a general farm, age 18, and Estelle Wilson, a black female working as a cook, age 21. Hugh’s paternal aunts, Sarah T. Bryant (age 77) and Rebecca M. Bryant (age 72), and uncle Jasper Bryant (age 59) lived next door. All were single and had chosen to live together at that stage in life. They were joined by a cousin, Nanny Lankford, age 69 and single. Nanny was Emerette B. Lankford, daughter of James Meriweather Lankford and my 2nd great grand aunt, who also never married.

I have been unable to find Hugh in the 1930 census but know that he had moved to Gary, Lake County, Indiana by 1935. His social security number was issued in Indiana. Hugh’s brother Leroy, a physician, died on September 24, 1932 in Maxeys from bronchopneumonia and influenza. He was buried at Maxeys Cemetery. His brother Clinton died on June 14, 1935 in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. He was buried at Antioch Church Cemetery in Stephens, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

A 1940 census enumerator recorded Hugh living as a lodger in the home of Charles Bales on April 2. Hugh had been living there since at least 1935. Hugh worked as a laborer in a steel mill and had an income of $1,200 in 1939. Hugh’s mother died on April 15, 1941 in Oglethorpe County; his father died on June 14, 1948 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. Both were buried at Bairdstown Cemetery.

Hugh registered for the World War II draft in Gary, Indiana on April 27, 1942. He listed his place of residence as 836 Madison Street in Gary and a Mrs. John A. Tuttle, of the same address, as the person who would always know his address. Hugh worked at Gary Works, a U.S. Steel manufacturing plant located in Gary. At 5’10”, Hugh weighed 200 pounds, had blue eyes, brown hair, and a light complexion. 

On April 1, 1950, Hugh lived in apartment 10 of the Penn Hotel, a rooming house located on Washington Street in the Calumet Township of Gary, Indiana. At age 57, Hugh was enumerated as having never married. He worked as a barturner in the steel mills. Sometime after the 1950 census was taken, Hugh married Della Harker. Unfortunately, I have no information on when or where the marriage took place or on Della herself for that matter. After Hugh retired from the steel mill, he moved back to Maxeys. I would love to figure out if Hugh met and married Della in Indiana or Georgia. Back in Maxeys, Hugh was a member of Howard Masonic Lodge No. 138.

Hugh died on July 27, 1962 at the age of 69 following an extended illness at Boswell Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia. His funeral, officiated by Rev. Owen Duvall, was held on July 28 at the Bairdstown Baptist Church in Bairdstown, where he was a member. 

Bairdstown Baptist Church

Hugh was buried in the Bryant family plot along the wood line at Bairdstown Cemetery. Della applied for a military headstone on August 13, 1962. 

Headstone application (click to enlarge)

That tombstone reads:

HUGH C BRYANT
GEORGIA
PVT US ARMY
WORLD WAR I
FEB 15 1893 - JULY 27, 1962

  

Bryant family plot

Hugh was survived by his wife Della and a daughter, name unknown but listed in Hugh’s obituary as Mrs. J. J. Maxwell of Santa Ana, California. Having married so late in life, I would assume she was his stepdaughter but can’t confirm that. Hugh was also survived by four sisters (Mamie, Rebecca, Clyde, and Emily), three brothers (Herbert, Clark, and William), and two grandchildren.

References

• Bryant tombstones, personal visit to Bairdstown Cemetery, Bairdstown, Georgia.
• Dr. Le Roy Bryant, Certificate of Death no. 32-22438, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78361105/clinton-bouchelle-bryant: accessed June 4, 2022), memorial page for Clinton Bouchelle Bryant (17 Sep 1885–14 Jun 1935), Find a Grave Memorial ID 78361105, citing Antioch Cemetery, Stephens, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Ed Hooten (contributor 47100978).
• Hugh Bryant, Social Security Death Index.
• Hugh C. Bryant, Clinton B. Bryant, and Nancy T. Bryant, Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
• Hugh C. Bryant, U.S., Headstone Applications, 1925–1963.
• Hugh Crawford Bryant, Georgia, World War I Service Cards, 1917–1919.
• Hugh Crawford Bryant, U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942.
• Hugh Crawford Bryant, U.S., Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty, 1917–1918, Select States.
• Mr. E. H. Bryant obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 16, 1948.
• Mr. Hugh Crawford Bryant obituary, Oglethorpe Echo, August 2, 1962.
• U.S. Federal Census, Falling Creek, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1900, 1910, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Gary, Lake County, Indiana, 1940, 1950. 

John J. Stacks

This week I introduced my brother-in-law Randy Marston to his 2nd great grandfather, John J. Stacks. I personally have not researched John’s ancestors but other researchers show his parents to be William Benjamin Stacks and Delilah Holland and then take his ancestors further back to Anthony Stacks, born 1710 in Bern, Switzerland, died 1762 in South Carolina. I can’t confirm anything before John J. Stacks however. John is no relation to me.

John J. Stacks was born in Georgia on October 24, 1829. 

On October 16, 1850, John lived in the home of Sarah A. Burke (age 38) in the 29th District of Fayette County, Georgia. He was a 20-year-old farmer. An 18-year-old male named Thomas Murphy also lived in the home. He too worked as a farmer.

About early 1855, John married Sarah C. Phillips and together they had five children—James William Stacks (October 1855), Mary Frances Stacks (1858), Martha Stacks (1860), Andrew J. Stacks (1862), and Enoch Stacks (1867). 

On July 9, 1860, John and his family lived in Fayetteville, Fayette County, Georgia. John worked as a timber cutter. His wife Sarah was enumerated as a domestic. Sarah’s mother, Mary A. Phillips, 50 years old and born in Ireland, lived in the home. 

On March 1, 1863, at the age of 35, John enlisted and was mustered into service as a private with Company E of the 64th Regiment Georgia Volunteers, Wright’s Brigade. He was eventually promoted to the rank of 1st Sergeant. On July 30, 1864 during the Battle of the Crater near Petersburg, Virginia, John was lying down after a charge and hit by a cannonball shell after it struck the ground two or three times. It dislocated his right hip, then struck him in the groin mashing his right testicle. He was knocked over about 10 feet from the blow, suffering a dislocated right shoulder. On August 16, 1864, John was taken prisoner at Deep Bottom, Virginia. He was sent to Point Lookout Prisoner of War Camp in Maryland, exchanged on November 1, and paroled on November 15 to be sent home. 

John’s wife Sarah died during childbirth at the age of 33 on May 10, 1867. Their infant son, Enoch Stacks, died two months later on July 23, 1867. Both were buried at Shadnor First Baptist Church Cemetery in Union City, Fulton County, Georgia. 

On August 2, 1870, John and his remaining four children—James, Mary, Martha, and Andrew—still lived in Fayetteville. John had the help of a 36-year-old female named Nancy Ewing, who lived and worked as a domestic servant in the home. John, a farmer, had real estate valued at $500 and a personal estate at $175. His son James worked as a farm laborer. The children ranged in age from 15 to 8.

John took a second wife, a widow named Sarah Elizabeth “McEachen” Cook, on November 9, 1873 in Fayette County. She had previously been married to Mr. H. T. Cook who had died in 1862 while in the Confederate service. Sarah and Mr. Cook had one child who died shortly after his father. I will note here that Sarah’s name shows up in the paper trail as both Sarah and Elizabeth so I’ll list her as “Sarah Elizabeth” going forward. 

John Stacks and Sarah Elizabeth McEachen marriage certificate

Sarah Elizabeth gave birth to an infant daughter, born and died on August 16, 1874. She was buried in the Stacks family plot at Shadnor First Baptist Church Cemetery

On June 1, 1880, John and his family lived in Red Oak, Campbell County, Georgia. By this time, only Andrew (age 17) was living at home. John worked as a farmer with 35 acres of tilled land and 15 acres of woodland. His farm was valued at $1,000 and farming implements and machinery at $200. John had livestock valued at $200 which he had spent $50 building fences for. He purchased $190 worth of fertilizer and paid $100 for farm labor wages that year. John was probably assisted on the farm by a 17-year-old male named Steward Henderson who was enumerated as mulatto with the occupation of labor. Andrew’s birthplace was enumerated as Alabama instead of Georgia in this census record. At this point in my research, I haven’t found a paper trail connecting John to Alabama so perhaps the enumerator mislabeled the birthplace for Andrew and Steward. I can’t confirm that though. Andrew, only 20 years old, died on March 24, 1883. He was buried in the Stacks family plot at Shadnor First Baptist Church Cemetery. John suffered from the effects of the injuries he received during the war which had rendered him unable to perform ordinary manual labor the rest of his life. He applied for a confederate pension in Campbell County on May 31, 1889 and was allowed a yearly pension of $50 from 1889 until his death in 1913.

On July 3, 1900, John and Sarah Elizabeth still lived in Red Oak. They had been married for 36 years. John was still farming and owned their home, classified as a farm, free and clear. Sarah Elizabeth was enumerated as having had one child who was not living. Both John and Sarah Elizabeth were able to read and write. 

On May 4, 1910, John and Sarah Elizabeth still lived in Red Oak, along the Atlanta and West Point Rail Road. John’s son James and his family, including 10 children, lived next door. At age 81, John worked as a farmer on a general farm. Like the 1900 census record, they were enumerated as having been married for 36 years.

John died in Campbell County, Georgia on May 31, 1913. He was buried with his first wife and children at Shadnor First Baptist Church Cemetery in Union City. 

Sarah Elizabeth applied for a widow’s pension after his death. 

The application included an affidavit where she swore she was left with no land, livestock, money, income, or savings when John died. An annual return filed by his son James with the Campbell County Court of Ordinary in 1914, however, showed John had assets worth $2,008.55 at the time of his death:

Cash in Fairburn Banking Co. - $1664.00

Cash on hand at death of John J. Stacks (after paying for Coffin, Tombstone, Burial expenses for said John J. Stacks) - $170.00

Received from sale of 1 cow (private sale) - $30.00

Received from sale of Brace & bits (private sale) - $1.25

Received from sale of Grindstone (private sale) - $1.00

Received from sale of Cotton seed (private sale) - $21.16

Received from sale of Buggy (private sale) - $10.00

Received from sale of rent from H. C. Willims [sic] - $30.00

Received from sale of wood from H C. Willims - $5.25

Received from sale of wagon from H. C. Willims - $21.00

Received from rent from H. C. Williams - $30.00

Received from estate from unknown source - $24.89

Total - $2008.55

After paying out an inheritance to his wife Sarah Elizabeth and children, along with his debts, there was a balance of $75.15. Sarah Elizabeth received $1023.06 cash, one cow and calf worth $40, household and kitchen furniture, and 10 acres of land in the southwest corner of lot No. 127. His children Mary, Martha, and James each received $250. James received $25 for executor fees, $29.85 for probate expenses, $3.70 to publish notices in the Campbell News, and $23.18 from King Hardware. A total of $14.83 was paid to the Campbell County tax collector for John’s property.

Since the cemetery is less than a half hour from Randy’s home, we took the opportunity to visit his gravesite today, one veteran to another—John a veteran of the Civil War, and Randy, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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Stacks family plot

References

• Atlanta and West Point Railroad; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_and_West_Point_Railroad. 
• Jno. J. Stacks and Elizabeth McEachern marriage certificate, State of Georgia, Fayette County, November 1873.
• John J. Stacks, Campbell County Court of Ordinary-Annual Returns: Fulton County, Georgia.
• John J. Stacks, Georgia, U.S., Confederate Pension Applications, 1879-1960.
• John J. Stacks, U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles.
• John J. Stacks, U.S., Civil War Prisoner of War Records, 1861-1865.
• U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, District 499, Campbell, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 499, Campbell County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Fayette County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Fayetteville, Fayette County, Georgia, 1860, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Red Oak, Campbell County, Georgia, 1900, 1910.

Robert Church

Robert Church, son of Henry Church and Rebecca Longwell, was born on November 16, 1850 in Monroe County, Ohio or Wetzel County, Virginia (West Virginia became a state in 1863). Records are inconsistent as to where Robert was born. Some record his birth taking place in Ohio, while others in Virginia/West Virginia, and one specifically in Wetzel County. I’ll note what the paper trail shows as I write this sketch so you can see for yourself.

Robert was one of at least eight children—Joseph Church, William Henry Church, Daniel Church, Robert Church, Samuel Church, Sarah Church, Martha Church, and George Church. He also had an adopted brother named Dallaven Longwell. Robert is my husband’s great grandfather with their nearest common relative being Dessie Church, Robert’s daughter and my husband’s grandmother.

One month before Robert’s birth (October 9, 1850), the census enumerator found his parents living in the Ohio Township of Monroe County in the state of Ohio. His mother Rebecca would have been nearing the end of her pregnancy that day. There were three children living in the home at the time—Joseph (age 13), William (age 3), and Sarah (age 10 months). The Robert Longwell family lived next door. I believe this is Rebecca’s family but more research needs to be done to confirm this. 

On July 30, 1860, Robert’s family lived in the Sardis community within the Ohio Township of Monroe County, Ohio. In this record, Robert’s birthplace was recorded as Ohio. Robert’s father was a farmer with a personal estate valued at $500. Three of the four children were attending school—William, Robert, and Martha. 

Sometime after the 1860 census was taken, Robert’s family moved to West Virginia. When the census enumerator visited their home on August 16, 1870, they were living in the same home as Robert’s uncle Samuel Church and his wife Sarah in the Burton community of the Church Township of Wetzel County. Robert’s birthplace was recorded as Virginia by the enumerator. Robert’s father worked as a farmer. He had real estate valued at $1000 and a personal estate of $400. Coincidentally, his uncle Samuel had real estate valued at $1000. I’m not sure what that means. Were they co-owners of the house or was there another house somewhere? Samuel had a personal estate of $200. At age 17, Robert could read but not write. Neither his mother Rebecca or aunt Sarah could read or write. Martha and George were the only two in the home attending school. There was a three-year-old boy named Josiah recorded underneath Samuel (age 54) and Sarah (56). I’m not sure who Josiah’s parents were at this point in my research. Samuel was 54 and Sarah 56 so would they have a three-year-old at this stage in life? Or did he belong to someone else? This household wasn’t the only Church family in the neighborhood. A young couple named Henry and Margaret Church, ages 24 and 18 respectively, lived next door. The Richard and Eliza Church family lived next door to them. More research needs to be done here as well to determine how these people fit in.

Robert obtained a license to marry Lucinda Murphy, daughter of John Murphy and Joanna Ullom, on March 29, 1876 in Wetzel County. They were married on April 2 by G. W. Parriott at the home of Lucinda’s parents. Robert was 23 and Lucinda 18. The clerk recorded both Robert and Lucinda’s place of birth as Wetzel County, Virginia, where they both lived at the time. Thirteen children were born to this union—George Church, Samuel C. Church, James Benton Church, Jennie F. Church, Anna B. Church, Dessie Church, Charles Cleveland Church, Martha Church, William Henry Church, Donald Roy Church, Presley Church, and two unknown infants.

Robert and Lucinda's marriage license (ca. 1876, click to enlarge)

The newlyweds were quick to start their family and already had a three-year-old when the census was taken on June 5, 1880. Robert, Lucinda, and their son George lived in the Church District of Wetzel County. Robert worked as a farmer while Lucinda kept house. In this record, Robert’s birthplace was recorded as Ohio. They lived next door to Robert’s parents, Henry and Rebecca Church, along with brother George, and adopted brother Dallaven Longwell. Robert’s brother William and his family lived on the other side of his parents. Robert and Lucinda lived in Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia in 1889 when daughter Dessie was born.

Robert and Lucinda (Murphy) Church

On June 9, 1900, Robert and his family still lived in the Church District of Wetzel County. Robert owned the home, classified as a farm. This record shows his birthplace as West Virginia. Robert and Lucinda had been married for 22 years. During that time, Lucinda had given birth to 11 children, 10 of which were living and nine in the home that day. Robert worked as a farmer, with three of the boys—Samuel, James, and Charles—working as farm laborers. With the exception of the younger children—Martha, Henry, and (Donald) Roy—all could read and write. Robert’s father died in Wetzel County on April 16, 1904. He was buried at Thomas Chapel Cemetery in Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia.

On April 28, 1910, Robert and his family lived in the Clay District of Wetzel County. Robert, now 58 years old, owned the general farm he worked and lived on. Lucinda was shown as having had 13 children, 10 of which were living, however only one new child shows up on the record, Presley (age 10). Dessie worked as a servant for a private family. Henry worked as a farm laborer on the home farm. In this record, Robert’s birthplace was recorded as West Virginia. I have yet to determine when Robert’s mother died. 

On January 14, 1920, Robert, Lucinda, Donald (age 20), Presley (age 18), and Charles (age 27) lived in the Clay District of Wetzel County. He was a farmer on a general farm. Robert’s birthplace was recorded as West Virginia. His daughter Dessie rented the home next door where she lived with her husband Charles H. (Homer) Murphy and son Ralph. 

On April 2, 1930, the Church home was the first one the census enumerator visited in the Clay District of Wetzel County. Long gone were the sounds of children with only Robert, Lucinda, and their 30-year-old son Charles (enumerated as Charley) living in the home. Robert owned the home, valued at $1200 and classified as a farm. When Robert obtained their marriage license in 1876, his age was recorded as 23. In this census record, it was 27. Robert’s birthplace was recorded as Ohio. Robert, Lucinda, and Charles were all able to read and write. 

Robert, Lucinda, and grandson Earl Murphy (ca. 1930)

In November 1932, Robert (age 82) became ill from an unknown (to me) illness and died at home from complicaitons on the 29th. His obituary, published in the Wetzel Democrat on December 8, noted that he “… was a lifelong resident of this community …” and that he was “… born near this city … .” Robert was buried at Thomas Chapel Cemetery following a service performed by the Rev. Elsmon held at the Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church. 

When Robert’s daughter Dessie died in November 1940, the informant, her brother Presley, listed their father’s birthplace as Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia. As mentioned at the beginning of this sketch, you can see how the paper trail documenting Robert’s birthplace is confusing. If I had to bet on it, I would say he was born in Monroe County, Ohio since that’s where his parents lived one month before his birth. But, of course, I can’t confirm that at this time. 

Robert was a descendent of Henry “Old Hundred” Church for whom the town of Hundred was named.

References

• Dessie Murphy, Certificate of Death no. 15476, West Virginia State Department of Health.
• Marriage License, Robert Church and Lucinda Murphy, March 29, 1876.
• Personal visit to Thomas Chapel Cemetery, Littleton, West Virginia.
• Robert Church obituary, Wetzel Democrat, December 8, 1932.
• Robert Church, West Virginia, Deaths Index, 1853–1973.
• U.S. Federal Census, Church District, Wetzel County, West Virginia, 1870, 1880, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Clay District, Wetzel County, West Virginia, 1910, 1920, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Ohio, Monroe County, Ohio, 1850, 1860.