Thelma Pauline Church

Thelma Pauline Church, daughter of Donald Roy Church and Fay Rhoda Heater, was born in Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia on October 24, 1924. She was the oldest child of three—Thelma Pauline Church, Donald Kenneth Church, and Garry David Church. She went by Pauline and is my husband’s 1st cousin 1x removed. Their nearest common relatives are Robert Church and Lucinda Murphy.

At the time of her birth, Pauline’s father (age 24) worked as a carpenter. Her mother Fay (age 19) was a telephone operator.

On April 19, 1930, Pauline and her family lived on Charles Street in Clarksburg. Her father paid a $25 monthly rent for the house they lived in. Pauline, age 5, was the only child in the family at this point. Her father, a welder at a carbon factory, was 25 and her mother 19 when they married. By 1931, the Church family had moved to a home at 139 Haymond Highway in Clarksburg. Sometime after this move, the family moved to Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York where brother Donald was born. 

By April 11, 1940, the Church family had moved back in Clarksburg, and lived in a home on Haymond according to the census record. There does not appear to be a Haymond Street in Clarksburg so I assume they lived on Haymond Highway. The address is 412 and is a different house than the one in 1930. The rent had not changed in 10 years—still $25 monthly. The highest grade Pauline’s father had completed in school was the 8th. He still worked as a welder at a carbon plant. The 1940 Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory listed the Church family living at 314 Maryland Avenue in Nutter Fort, a suburb of Clarksburg. Pauline was listed separately, as a student. She would have been 16 years old at the time.

Pauline, her mother Fay, and brother Donnie Church

On September 30, 1944, Pauline and John Edward Wiant, son of Harry Bantz Wiant and Florence Lawson, filed a marriage license application in Harrison County. They were married at Clarksburg by John E. Hanifan, a minister of the Methodist church, on November 4, 1944. 

John Wiant and Pauline Church marriage license (click to enlarge)

As far as I can tell, Pauline and John had one child, a son. Because I believe he is still alive, I will not share his name in this post.

The marriage did not work out and Pauline and John separated. When the census was taken in Clarksburg on April 1, 1950, Pauline was enumerated as 25 years old and separated. She was a lodger in the Denham Street home of Erma Radcliffe (age 63), working full time as a meat packer in a retail grocery store. Others living in the home were Loraine Heater (age 31) and Mary A. Stoneking (age 18). Both worked as a maid in a private home. Since Loraine’s last name was Heater, it is a good possibility she was a family member on Pauline’s maternal side but I have not determined that yet. Pauline’s son was not living with his mother. Instead, I found him living with his grandparents (Pauline’s parents), Donald and Fay Church, in Sardis, Harrison County, West Virginia, on April 24, 1950. He was three years old. They lived next door to Fay’s widowed mother Belle (Sandy) Heater and sister Edith. Pauline’s (ex-)husband John was living with his parents in the Grant District of Harrison County. He was enumerated as divorced and working as a truck driver in the strip coal mines. The 1950 Clarksburg, West Virginia City Directory shows that Pauline lived in a rental home at 128 Denham Street and that she worked as a clerk at the A&P grocery story, both reflected in the 1950 census record.

Pauline and her mother Fay

Pauline’s divorce was finalized by July 31, 1950, when she and Earl Ladonier Williams, son of Hobart Ladonier Williams and Mary Evaline Ash, filed a marriage application in Harrison County. Pauline and Earl, both 25 years old, were married on August 3, 1950, by the Rev. Philip W. Horne, a minister of the gospel, in Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia.

Earl Williams and Pauline Church Wiant marriage license (click to enlarge)

Sometime after they married, Pauline and Earl moved to Kansas City, Kansas. They were both listed in the Kansas City and County Census Records on March 1, 1956 and 1957, living at 633 Washington Boulevard in Kansas City. By 1959, they had moved to 729 Orville Avenue in Kansas City. They still lived there in 1960 and 1961. Earl worked as an assembler at Owens Corning Fiberglass while Pauline worked as a saleswoman at the Elko Camera Store. They lived there in 1963 as well. 

Pauline’s father, Donald Church, died in Clarksburg on November 10, 1983. He was buried at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Harrison County. Pauline was living in Kansas City at the time according to his obituary.

Pauline died in Kansas on September 22, 2010. She was buried beside her husband at Leavenworth National Cemetery (section 53-A, row 32, site 9) in Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas. Earl had served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

Photo used with permission of Dwaine Desselle, Find A Grave ID 48810583

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

References

• Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory, 1940.
• Earl Ladonier Williams and Pauline Thelma Wiant, Marriage License Application (July 31, 1950) and License (August 3, 1950), Harrison County, West Virginia.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64871405/pauline-t-williams: accessed 29 January 2023), memorial page for Pauline T Williams (24 Oct 1924–22 Sep 2010), Find a Grave Memorial ID 64871405, citing Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas, USA; maintained by GBern.O (contributor 46539202).
• John Edward Wiant and Thelma Pauline Church, Marriage License Application (September 30, 1944) and License (November 4, 1944), Harrison County, West Virginia.
• Pauline T. Williams, Kansas City Census, U.S., City and County Census Records, 1956.
• Pauline T. Williams, U.S., Veterans' Gravesites, ca.1775-2019.
• Pauline Thelma Wiant and Earl Ladonier Williams, West Virginia, Marriages Index, 1785-1971.
• Pauline Wiant, Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory, 1950
• Stone photo by Dwaine Desselle, Find A Grave ID 48810583.
• Thelma Pauline Church and John Edward Wiant, West Virginia, Marriage Index, 1931-1970 and 1786-1971.
• Thelma Pauline Church, Register of Births, West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.
• Thelma Pauline Church, West Virginia, Births Index, 1853-1969.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration
• U.S. Federal Census, Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia, 1930, 1940, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Grant, Harrison County, West Virginia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Sardis, Harrison County, West Virginia, 1950.
• Pauline T. Williams, Kansas City, Kansas, City Directory, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963.
• Donald Roy Church obituary, newspaper unknown, November 1983. 

Clothing for Matilda, a debt case

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

Greene County, Georgia Superior Court

On the twenty fifth day of December 1853, I promise to pay Lucy Whitlow or bearer fifty-five dollars for hire of woman Matilda. I also agree to give Matilda 3 suits of clothing, 2 summer and winter suits, 1 pair shoes and 1 blanket.

No. (3) Greene Superior Court March Term 1854
Lucy W. Whitlow vs. James L. Tarwater
Debt
Georgia, Greene County

To the Superior Court of said Greene County. The petition of Lucy Whitlow showeth that James L. Tarwater of the county aforesaid owes and detain from your petitioner the sum of fifty-five dollars besides interest. For that whereas the said James L. made his certain instrument in writing called a note without date but that the same was made and executed by said James L. on the twenty seventh day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-two his proper hand being thereunto subscribed and then and there delivered the said note to your petitioner which is now to the Court shown. Whereby the said James L. promised to pay your petitioner a bearer on the twenty fifth day of December eighteen hundred and fifty-three in figures 1853 the sum of money aforesaid for hire of woman Matilda and the said James L. thereby agreed to give said Matilda three suits of clothing, two summer and one winter suit, one pair of shoes and one blanket and your petitioner owns said James L. has not furnished said negro with said clothing, and that and shoe the same is of the value of ten dollars – yet the said James L. although so indebted and to pay the said sum of money often thereto afterwards requested hath not paid the same nor any part thereof but the same to pay both hitherto refused and still doth refuse to the damage of your petitioner one hundred dollars – wherefore your petitioner prays process may issue requiring the said James L. Tarwater to be and appear at the next Superior Court to be held in and for the county of Greene then and there to answer your petitioner in an action of debt.

Yelv P. King, Pet. Atty.

Georgia to the Sheriff of Greene County Greeting

Lucy M. Whitlow vs. James L. Tarwater
Debt

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 of debt as in default thereof the said court will process as to justice shall ascertain. Witness the Honorable Robert V. Hardeman Judge of said court this 29th day of December 1853.

Vincent Sanford, Clk.

Personally served J. L. Tarwater with a copy of the within writ this 3rd January 1854.
H. H. Watts, D. Sheff.

March Term 1854 Answer
September Term 1854 Judgment Confess.
I confess judgment to the plaintiff for the sum of fifty-five dollars with interest and cost with the liberty of appeal.

T. M. Cone, Def. Att.

$55.00 paid 
$2.77 interest

Whereupon it is considered and adjudged by this court that the plaintiff do receive of the defendant the sum of fifty-five dollars for his principal debt and the sum of two dollars and seventy-seven cents for his interest therein and the further sum of that behalf expended September 14th 1854.

Y. P. and E. L. King, Def. Atts.

Recorded 12th day of January 1855
Vincent Sanford, Clk.

No. (1) Greene Superior Court March Term 1855

James L. Tarwater vs. Lucy Whitlow
Case
Georgia, Greene County.

To the Honorable Superior Court of said county, the petition of James L. Tarwater shows unto said court that Lucy Whitlow of said county has damaged your petitioner in the sum of fifty dollars in this to wit that on the twenty seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, it was agreed and contracted between your petitioner and the said Lucy that in consideration that your petitioner would pay to the said Lucy the sum of fifty five dollars. She the said Lucy would hire to your petitioner for this year eighteen hundred and fifty three a negro woman named Matilda your petitioner also requiring to give said Matilda three suits of clothing, two summer and one winter suit, a pair of shoes and blanket and your petitioner owes that on the day and year first aforesaid he recorded his note on the terms and for the consideration aforesaid payable to said Lucy or bearer on the twenty fifth day of December eighteen hundred and fifty three and the said negro at the time aforesaid was delivered into the possession of our petitioner for the purposes aforesaid and your petitioner owns that he had well and truly kept and performed the aforesaid contract on his part but the said Lucy has not kept and performed said contract on her part but has broken it in this that after said negro went into the possession of your petitioner as aforesaid and during the year eighteen hundred and fifty three to wit on the first day of February of that year said Lucy took or caused to be taken out of the possession of your petitioner said negro and took her into her own possession and control and thereby deprived your petitioner of the services of said negro for the remainder of the year eighteen hundred and fifty three contrary to the terms force and effect of said contract and in breach and violation of the same to the damage of your petitioner in the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars and therefore he brings suit and prays process may issue regarding the said Lucy Whitlow personally or by attorney to be and appear at the next Superior Court to be held in and for said county on the second Monday in March next then and there to answer your petitioner in an action on the case.

Cone and Fuller
James L. Brown, Petts. Atty.

Georgia to the Sheriff of Greene County Greeting
James L. Tarwater vs. Lucy Whitlow
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 ascertain. 

Witness the Honorable Robert V. Hardeman Judge of said court this 19th day of January 1855.

Vincent Sanford, Clk.

Served Lucy Whitlow with a copy of the within writ by leaving the same at her place of abode February 21st, 1855.

T. F. Foster, Sheff.

March Term 1855 Answer
And now at this term of the court comes the defendant by her absences Y. P. and E. L. King and for answer saith that she is not guilty in manner and form as plaintiff hath hereof declared – against him and for further answer saith that she never promised and affirmed and contracted in manner and form as plaintiff hath alleged of all which he puts himself in the county.

Y. P. and E. L. King, Defs. Atty.

September Term 1855 appeal by consent

Reference

• Greene County, Georgia, Superior Court, Special Proceedings Records 1852–1856, familysearch.org. 

Nathan Lankford

Nathan Lankford, son of James Meriweather Lankford and Caroline B. Hobbs, was born 1856 in Georgia, most likely Greene County. He was the fifth child of seven—Mary T. Lankford, James C. Lankford, Emma S. Lankford, Emerette R. Lankford, Nathan Lankford, Laura J. Lankford, and Marion Lankford. Nathan would be my 3rd great-uncle with our nearest common relatives being his parents. His brother James is my 2nd great grandfather.

On July 25, 1860, the Lankford family lived in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. Nathan’s father was a stock trader with real estate valued at $1500 and a personal estate of $4000. Siblings Mary, James, and Emma were attending school at the time.

During the Civil War, Nathan’s father served in Company C of the Third Regiment Georgia Infantry (Dawson Grays), and then Company C of the Georgia State Troops Regiment. He enlisted in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia on April 24, 1861, mustering out in May 1865. 

On June 21, 1870, the Lankford family lived in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia. Nathan’s father was a farmer, his mother kept house, and at age 14, Nathan worked as a farm laborer. Only four of the Lankford children still lived at home—Emerette, Nathan, Laura, and Marion. Sometime before 1880, Nathan’s sister Emma died and was buried at Penfield Cemetery in Penfield.

On June 7, 1880, Nathan lived as a boarder in the home of Ed Birchmore (age 29) in the village of Maxeys, Falling Creek, District 234, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Ed was a wheelwright, “a craftsman who builds or repairs wooden wheels” according to Wikipedia. Other members of the household were Ed’s wife Jessie, who was keeping house, and his 11-month-old daughter Claud. At age 24, Nathan worked as a blacksmith, a common occupation at the time. I have found several Lankford’s who were blacksmiths. It appears Nathan stayed in Maxeys as I found him listed in the Georgia Property Tax Digest for the periods 1873-1877 and 1878-1882. He was listed below his father in the 1878-1882 tax digest. While there was only one entry for Nathan—the amount of tax on polls: $1—his father had four entries:

Value of household and kitchen furniture, pianos, and organs, etc. - $50

Horses, mules, hogs, sheep, cattle, and all other stock - $60

Aggregate value of whole property - $110

Amount of tax on polls - $1

Nathan married Mary Moore, parents unknown, in a ceremony performed by W. B. Campbell in Greene County on June 2, 1880. 

Nathan Lankford and Mary Moore marriage certificate

The Georgia Home Journal published a short article on October 26, 1883 sharing an occasion when Nathan helped his grandfather, Nathan Augustus Hobbs, repair a farm tool:

…Mr. N. Langford repaired a hoe the other day which his grandfather, Mr. Nathan Hobbs, has been using for fifty-six years. Mr. Hobbs is one of the oldest men in our county, being now in his ninety-fifth year. He is hale and hearty and works every day.

Nathan’s grandfather is my fourth great-grandfather who lived to be 99 years old. Sadly, Nathan Lankford did not have the luxury of time on this earth. For reasons unknown to me, he passed away in Penfield late June 1884. The Greensboro Herald published the following news article on June 27, 1884:

—Mr. Nathan Lankford died in Penfield last Tuesday. Mr. Lankford was an excellent young man, and his death is greatly regreted.

 

Nathan was just 28 years old at the time of his death. I have been unable to find his final resting place. Several of his family members are buried at Penfield Cemetery so it is possible he is buried there as well; however, his grave is unmarked if so. It really could be any Greene or Oglethorpe County cemetery though. Hopefully, someday I will find a burial record for him.

References

• Mr. N. Langford, Georgia Home Journal, Greenesboro, Georgia, October 26, 1883.
• Mr. Nathan Lankford died, The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, June 27, 1884
• Nathan Hobbs Obituary, The Constitution, Atlanta, GA., Monday, May 27, 1889.
• Nathan Lankford and Mary Moore, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828-1978.
• Nathan Lankford, Falling Creek, Maxeys, 1873- 1877 and 1878-1882; Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, Oglethorpe, 1793-1892.
• U.S. Federal Census, Falling Creek, District 234, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Penfield, Militia District 140, Greene County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.
• Wheelwright; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelwright. 

Martin, a free person of color

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

No. 7 Greene Superior Court                                     March Term 1858.

The State vs. Martin (a free person of color)
Assault with intent to commit a rape

State of Georgia, Greene County.
The grand jurors sworn chosen and selected for the county of Greene to wit: the undersigned by presentment in the name and behalf of the citizens of Georgia charge and accuse Martin a free negro in the employment of James B. Hart of said county with the offence of an assault with intent to commit a rape. For that the said Martin in the county aforesaid on the thirteenth day of January in the year eighteen hundred and fifty eight with force and arms in and upon one Jane Simpson, a female free white person of said county in the peace of God and said state then and there being did make and assault with intent then and there her the said Jane Simpson forcibly and against her will feloniously to ravish and carnally to know – contrary to the laws of said state the good order peace and dignity thereof Greene Superior Court March term 1858.
                                                                                                    Rowan H. Ward, Foreman

James T. Findley, David Leslie, Thomas Miller, Charles A. Davis, William Armour, Greene Moore, Benjamin E. Spencer, Roswell Hurlbert, James A. Thornton, William Tuggle Jun., Thomas Crawford, Samuel D. Durham, John Colclough, Benjamin F. Carlton, Archibald H. Perkins, Benjamin C. Alfriend, Thomas H. Smith, Joseph R. Parker, Jefferson F. Wright and Moses F. Foster.

Witness Jane Simpson Thornton (a Slave).

The Defendant before arraignment waives a copy of indictment and list of witnesses and agrees to go to trial upon the presentment. March adjourned Term 1858.
                                                                                                    Francis H. Cone
                                                                                                    Defendants Attorney

Proceedings of Greene Superior Court.

The defendant formally arraigned and pleads not Guilty. March Adj’d term 1858.
                                                                                                    William A. Lofton, Sol. Genl.

We the Jury find the Prisoner not guilty.
William Rowland Forman

State of Georgia, Greene County.
To all and singular the Sheriffs Constables and Coroners of this State.

Whereas at March Term 1858 the Grand Jury of said county did find a Special Presentment for the offence of assault with intent to Commit a Rape against Martin, a free person of color of said county. 

These are therefore to command you to arrest the said Martin and bring him before me that he may be dealt with as the law directs. Given under my hand and seal this March 11th, 1858.

William A. Lofton, Sol. General                                                Robert V. Hardeman   L.S.
                                                                                                    Judge Superior Court

Recorded the 29th of June 1858.

                                                                                                   Daniel B. Sanford (for)
                                                                                                   Vincent Sanford, Clerk, S.C.

March Term 1858 is continued in Book H. H. 

Martin was the property of Reuben Bennett.

Reference

• Court proceedings of Martin and Thornton, Greene County, Georgia, Special Proceedings Records 1856–1860; Greene, Georgia, United States records, Aug 5, 2018, images, FamilySearch.org.

Isaac James Athya

Isaac James Athya, son of Isaac Athya and Elizabeth McClelland, was born in Bellshill, Bothwell Parish, Lanarkshire, Scotland on January 10, 1884. It appears he went by Isaac in his early years but later started going by James. 

 

James was the 2nd of 10 children in the Athya family—Elizabeth “Lizzie” Athya, Isaac James Athya, Andrew Athya, Jeannie Wylie Athya, William McClelland Athya, Robert McClelland Athya, Mary Ann Galbraith Athya, John McClelland Athya, Margaret Athya, and Hugh Athya. 

Isaac Athya's birth register (click to enlarge)

James is my husband Charlie’s 1st cousin 2x removed with their nearest common relatives being James Athya and Jane Wylie. But it is a little more complicated that meets the eye. James was also the brother-of-law of my husband’s paternal grandfather, George Durie Athya. George married James’ sister Mary Ann Galbrath Athya, his 1st cousin, in 1918. George immigrated to America in 1920 and declared his wife Mary, who he left behind in Scotland, as the “nearest relative or friend in country whence alien came.” George married his 2nd wife, Bertha Edna Smith, on June 14, 1924. Ten days later, Mary immigrated to America declaring that she was 28 years old, single, and unaccompanied by a husband. I do not know when George and Mary divorced nor did my mother-in-law, Mary Athya Murphy.

In 1891, the Athya family lived in Bellshill. James’ father worked as a coal miner. James and his sister Lizzie were enumerated as scholars.

James enlisted as Isaac Athya at Glasgow on February 25, 1901, to serve with the 2nd Battalion, Cameron Highlanders. He was 18 years old, 5’ 6 3/4” tall, and weighed 126 pounds. James had a pale complexion, gray eyes, and brown hair. He attended the Presbyterian church. James had several scars that were noted as distinctive marks on his body—a scar on his left ear, one on his left shoulder blade, and one of the left side of his back. 

James’ military history sheet shows the time he and his battalion spent in several countries:

Country                        From                           To

Home (Scotland)           February 25, 1901       August 6, 1901

Gibraltar                        August 7, 1901            April 29, 1902

Crete                             April 30, 1902              March 9, 1903

Malta                             March 10, 1903            April 15, 1904

South Africa                   April 16, 1904              May 19, 1906

 

Military History Sheet (click to enlarge)

The 1901 Inverness, Scotland census was taken after James enlisted. It in fact shows he was an 18-year-old private with the Cameron Highlanders.

 

Isaac Athya in 1901 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

 

While in Malta and South Africa, James earned two certificates of education:

3rd class: October 16, 1903 (Malta)

2nd class: March 15, 1905 (South Africa)

He also passed a class of instruction related to mounted infantry that took place in Malta from May 1, 1903 to July 31, 1903.

 

James was discharged on May 19, 1906 with permission to remain in South Africa.

 

I found a Mr. J. Athya aboard the RMS Armadale Castle, traveling from Cape Town, South Africa to Southampton, England, arriving on June 29, 1907. My guess is this was James returning to Scotland. 

RMS Armadale Castle, unsigned, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

James married spinster Margaret “Maggie” Mennie Kirkwood at Fullarton Hall in Tollcross, Glasgow, County Lanark, Scotland on March 6, 1908. The service was performed by Rev. Ferguson after publication according to the forms of the United Free Church. His name was recorded as Isaac on the marriage register. James, age 24, lived at Gladstone Place in Bellshill at the time. Maggie, age 22, lived in Tollcross at 5 Dunlop Street. Maggie’s father was John Kirkwood, a fireman; her mother was Helen Peters. One of the two witnesses was Andrew Athya, James’ brother. The other was Ethel Cox. 

Athya-Kirkland marriage register (click to enlarge)

 

In the blink of an eye, Maggie was pregnant, giving birth to Andrew McClelland Athya on December 4, 1908 at Old Mill Road in Uddingston, District of Bothwell, County Lanark, Scotland. James worked as a coal minter. On June 22, 1910, James boarded the HMHS Garth Castle in London, England, alone, with the destination port being Cape Town, South Africa. Maggie, very pregnant at the time, and son Andrew boarded the Norman in Southampton, England on October 1, 1910 to join James in Cape Town. The two of them were listed on the manifest as Mrs. J. Athya & Master. Maggie and Andrew made it there in time for the birth of daughter Nellie Peters Athya, born in Benoni, South Africa on November 4, 1910. 

Maggie and Andrew on the 1910 ship manifest (click to enlarge)

 

In October 1912, Maggie, Andrew, and Nellie left Cape Town aboard the SS Demosthenes. They arrived in Plymouth, a city in Devon, England on October 22, 1912. The ship manifest listed their country of last permanent residence as South Africa and their country of intended future permanent residence as Scotland. Maggie’s occupation was recorded as “housewife.” James went back to Scotland himself at some point, however, I do not know when. He was living in Scotland in 1914.

SS Demosthenes (public domain)

 

Maggie, Andrew, and Nellie on 1912 ship manifest (click to enlarge)

World War I began on July 28, 1914, and within days (August 7), James was being examined by military doctors at Inverness. He declared his age as 30 years, 210 days and his occupation as miner. James was 5’ 10 ¼” tall, weighed 139 pounds, his chest measured 39 inches with a fully expanded girth. He had a range of expansion of 2 inches. James had two vaccination marks which he had received in infancy. He had “defective teeth” but was “fitted with efficient plate.” He had a fresh complexion, blue gray eyes, and dark brown hair. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of England. 

 

James enlisted with the British Expeditionary Force at Inverness on August 17, 1914, serving with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders Regiment. At the time, he lived at 624 Main Street in Tollcross, Glasgow, Scotland, worked as a gold miner, and was a member of the miner’s union. James was promoted to corporal on August 28, 1914. After spending 36 days in the military, James shipped out on September 21, 1914, arriving in France on September 22. James was wounded in action in October and admitted to No. 14 General Hospital in Boulogne, France with a gunshot shrapnel wound to his right foot. He was sent to England upon discharge after spending 11 days in the hospital. James was appointed acting sergeant on July 27, 1915. 

James and Maggie’s daughter Elizabeth “Lizzie” McClelland Athya was born at their Main Street home in Tollcross on May 23, 1916. James’ occupation was recorded as coal miner and in parentheses “Sergeant, 3rd Battalion, Cameron Highlanders.

 

At some point, James, who had gone by Isaac, apparently started using James. The British Army was concerned about the difference in names so sent a form letter to Maggie in June 1916 requesting she forward a copy of their marriage certificate for explanation as to the discrepancy. On July 18, 1916, the following was entered in his service record: 

With reference to attached correspondence re: Sgt. Athya this NCO states that his proper name is Isaac Athya, but has adopted James to save confusion with his Father who is of the same name. I am quite satisfied with the above NCO’s statement.

James was appointed as acting sergeant instructor of the gymnastic staff for the Cameron Highlanders on May 5, 1917. World War I ended November 11, 1918 and James was transferred to Class “Z” Army Reserve on demobilization on April 3, 1919. On May 25, 1919, James was notified he had been awarded the 1914 Star medal. He also received the British War Medal (1914-19) and Victory Medal. James was discharged on demobilization on March 31, 1920. At the time of his discharge, he was serving on the Army Gymnastics Staff of the 7th Reserve Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment.

1914 Star Medal Roll (click to enlarge)

In 1921, James lived with his parents, sister Mary, and brother John at 13 Mauldslie Place in Bothwell, Bellshill Parish, Scotland—separate from his wife and children. He was enumerated as Isaac, age 37 years and 5 months, married, and working as a boiler fireman at Wilsons and Clyde Coal Company.

 

James in the 1921 Scotland census living with his parents (click to enlarge)

 

Maggie lived with the three children—Andrew, Nellie, and Lizzie—in Tollcross where she was enumerated as the head of the household, age 36 years and 9 months, married, and working as a school cleaner for the Glasgow School Board. Andrew was 12 years old, Nellie (enumerated as Nellie K. Athya) 10 years old, and Lizzie 5 years old. A fifth person lived in the home as a boarder—a 25-year-old single female, born in Tollcross. Her name appears to be Jeannie McClelland Dow. She was a factory worker for McDicken, a tallow merchant. Tallow is “a rendered form of beef or mutton fat, primarily made up of triglycerides” … “used mainly in producing soap and animal feed” according to Wikipedia.

 

Maggie and kids in the 1921 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

 

James and Maggie were enumerated together in the 1921 Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, electoral register. The record lists their address as 624 Tollcross Road. He was listed as Isaac Athya and she as Mrs. Margaret Athya.

All three of James’ children left Scotland as adults, going to Canada and Australia. 

James’ sister Jeannie Athya Law died at the age of 45 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada on June 15, 1933. She was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Brantford.

His daughter Nellie married Ernest Gilbert Denton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Denton, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada on June 12, 1935. James and Maggie lived in Glasgow. The wedding was billed as a quiet event in the engagement announcement published in The Expositor in Brantford, Canada on May 29, 1935. Since I did not find a ship manifest for James and Maggie that year, it’s possible they did not make the trip to Canada for the wedding. They did, however, travel to Canada aboard the “Nova Scotia,” departing from Liverpool, England on March 19, 1949. The ship manifest recorded James’ name as James Isaac Athya and noted that he was a shoemaker. He and Maggie lived at 55 Bain Street in Glasgow.

 

James and Maggie on the 1949 ship manifest (click to enlarge)

 

James’ was listed as a leather merchant in the 1949 British phone book. The book recorded his address as 320 Gallowgate which is apparently in Glasgow. This is a different address than recorded on the ship manifest above. The same address was used by James’ son Andrew on a 1932 ship manifest when he traveled from Melbourne, Australia to England.

James in the 1949 British phone book

 

In March 1960, James’ son Andrew married Mary “Molly” Agnes Gibbs, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. George Gibbs in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. James and Maggie lived in Glasgow, Scotland. 

James died from a cerebral arteriosclerosis (stroke) at Lightburn Hospital in Glasgow on December 20, 1969. He was a retired leather bag shopkeeper. He still lived at the Bain Street home at the time of his death. Unfortunately, his death certificate does not provide the location of his final resting place. 

Partial entry on James' death certificate (click to enlarge)

References

• Andrew Athya, UK and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
• Cerebral Arteriosclerosis, BrainFacts.org; https://www.brainfacts.org/Diseases-and-Disorders/Neurological-Disorders-AZ/Diseases-A-to-Z-from-NINDS/Cerebral-Arteriosclerosis. 
• Demosthenes (ship) image, contributor(s): Exchange Studios, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:StateLibQld_1_115364_Demosthenes_(ship).jpg. 
• Denton-Athya, The Expositor, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, July 8, 1935.
• Elizabeth McLelland Brillinger obituary, The Expositor, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, May 15, 2003.
• Engagement Announced, The Expositor, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, May 29, 1935.
• Ernest Gilbert Denton and Nellie Peters Athya Certificate of Marriage, Brantford, Canada, June 12, 1935.
• Isaac Athya, British Army WWI Service Records, 1914–1920.
• Isaac Athya, Census 098/33/13, page 13 of 18, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Isaac Athya, Census 625/1 12/1 24, page 24 of 60, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Isaac Athya, Census 625/3 11/26, page 26 of 31, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Isaac Athya, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1857-1962.
• Isaac Athya, Statutory Registers Births 625/1 45, National Records of Scotland, 1884.
• Isaac Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 997, National Records of Scotland, 1969.
• Isaac Athya, UK, Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner Soldier Service Records, 1760-1920.
• Isaac James Athya, UK and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
• J. Athya, UK, World War I Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920.
• James Athya (1949), British Phone Books, 1880-1984.
• Maggie Athya, UK and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
• Maggie K. Athya, Census 644/19 26/25, page 25 of 28, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Mr. J. Athya, UK and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960
• Mrs. John D. Law obituary, The Expositor, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, June 16, 1933.
• Photo of RMS Armadale Castle, unsigned, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RMS_Armadale_Castle.png.
• SS Demosthenes, 1912; UK Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
• Statutory Registers Births 625/1 673, Andrew McClelland Athya, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Statutory Registers Births 644/19 440, Elizabeth McClelland Athya, National Records of Scotland, 1916.
• Statutory Registers Marriages 652/1 34, Isaac Athya, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Tallow; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallow. 
• Wedding Bells, Athya-Gibbs, The Expositor, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, March 23, 1960.

Louisana, Jack, and Greene

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

Louisana, property of Joseph N. Raden

The Georgia Temperance Crusader, Penfield, Georgia, February 18, 1858

Will be sold, in the city of Greenesboro, on the 1st Tuesday in MARCH next, within the legal hours of sale, the following property, to-wit:

1 negro girl, Louisana, about 10 years old, of black complexion: levied on as the property of Jos. N. Raden, to satisfy sundry Justices’ Court fi.fas. from the 148th dist. G. M. in favor of James M. Lankford vs. Joseph N. Raden; Armstrong & Wilson vs. Joseph N. Raden; A. B. Phelps vs. Joseph N. Raden; William N. Williams vs. Joseph N. Raden, and James R. Sanders vs. Joseph N. Raden. Levy made and returned to me by Levi Mays, constable.

Jan. 14, 1858 C. C. Norton, D. Sh’ff. 

Jack and Greene, property of Mary Ann H. Findley

The Georgia Temperance Crusader, Penfield, Georgia, January 21, 1858

Administrator’s Sale.

Will be sold on the first Tuesday in February next, before the Court House in Greenesboro’ between the legal hours of sale, two negroes, viz: Jack about 17 years old and Greene about 18 years old. Sold as the property of Mary Ann H. Findley dec’d, under an order of the Court of ordinary of Greene county. Terms cash.

S. M. Findley, Adm’r.

Greenesboro, Ga, December 7th, 1857.

Mattie Ellen Arthur

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.

Mattie Ellen Arthur, daughter of George Hugh Arthur and Mary Caroline S. Johnson, was born in Greene County, Georgia on October 13, 1874. She was the oldest child of 10—Mattie Ellen Arthur, Anna Belle Arthur, William “Henry” Arthur, Sarah Elizabeth “Bessie” Arthur, Julia “Agnes” Arthur, John “Johnnie” Gordon Arthur, Maggie Love Arthur, Mamie Arthur, Georgia “Lucile” Arthur, and one unknown child. Mattie’s connection to me is aunt of wife of nephew of husband of 2nd great-aunt. You can see the path below. 

Note: Carroll Harvey Lankford is my grandfather, not father. 

On June 5, 1880, the Arthur family lived in the 138th District of Greene County. Mattie’s father was a farmer while her mother kept house. Mattie’s maternal grandmother Caroline Ellen Johnson, a 54-year-old widow, lived in the home. Brother William was enumerated as Infant Arthur, age 8/12, born in August. 

It’s possible the unknown child was an infant daughter named Mary Frances Arthur, born November 2, 1893 and died in infancy, but I can’t confirm that at this point. The spring of 1895 was a tragic time for the Arthur family. On March 15, 1895, the Oglethorpe Echo reported the news that Mattie’s great-aunt died at the Arthur home:

Died, at the resident of her nephew, G. H. Arthur, last Thursday morning, March 7th, Miss Mary Ann Hogg, after a protracted illness. She had been blind for several years. She was seventy seven years old and oldest daughter of the late Hugh T. Hogg.

The family suffered another loss when Mattie’s infant sister Mamie died on April 23, 1895. Mattie’s mother was apparently very sick during this time as well. The Oglethorpe Echo published two news articles announcing the child’s death and mentioned her mother’s illness:

April 26, 1895. We were sorry to hear of the death of the child of G. H. Arthur last Tuesday morning and also of the extreme illness of Mrs. Arthur. We extend our sympathy to the family in their sad affliction and hope for Mrs. Arthur’s speedy recovery.

May 3, 1895. We take this method in behalf of the people along the river to extend our sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Arthur and brothers and sisters in the death of sweet little Mamie. Yes, indeed she was a sweet and lovely child.

Oglethorpe Echo, April 26, 1895

On June 7, 1900, Mattie (age 25) lived with her family in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Mattie’s father worked as a farmer, as did her brother Henry. Agnes, John, and Maggie were attending school. Mattie’s mother was enumerated as having had 10 children, 8 of which were living. And in fact, all 8 were living at home. Caroline E. Johnson, Mattie’s maternal grandmother, lived in the home as well. 

On April 16, 1910, the Arthur family lived on North Main Street in the town of Maxeys, located in the Falling Creek District of Oglethorpe County. Her father was now running a boarding house and had five boarders living in the home—John B. Witcher, A. G. Thaxton, T. B. Kimsey, Robert Marable, and Charlie Sherrer. Five of the eight children were still single and lived at home—Mattie (age 35), Anna (age 32), Bessie (age 27), and Maggie (age 18). Bessie, the only of the Arthur children working, was a dressmaker at home. All the boarders worked—John was a house contractor, A. G. Thaxton a house carpenter, T. B. Kimsey a public-school teacher, Robert a department store salesman, and Charlie a dry goods store bookkeeper. 

Mattie’s mother died suddenly in Maxeys on October 20, 1915. The Oglethorpe Echo published the following death notice on October 22, 1915:

Announcement of the sudden death of Mrs. George Arthur, of Maxeys, Wednesday was indeed sad news to her many friends over the county. She was in apparently her usual health up until a few hours before her end came when she was taken with something like acute indigestion. She was a woman beloved by all who knew her, a true Christian, a true wife and a fond mother. She is survived by her husband and eight children. Her remains were laid to rest a Bairds church, of which she was a member, yesterday.

On January 3, 1920, 46-year-old Mattie, sisters Anna and Bessie, and brother John all lived with their widowed father in the same North Main Street home in Maxeys. Her father still ran the boarding house and John worked as a department store salesman. The three daughters were not enumerated as working but one would assume they were helping their father maintain the boarding house. As in 1910, there were five boarders, although different people now—Susie Jackson was a department store saleswoman, E. F. Campbell a general merchandise salesman, Sidney Callahan a dentist, John Copeland a bank cashier, and Ramond Winters a bank assistant cashier.

Mattie’s father died in Maxeys on September 20, 1924. His death certificate states the cause of death was “dropped dead sudden, supposed to be rheumatism of the heart” or rather rheumatic heart disease caused by rheumatic fever. George was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown. The Oglethorpe Echo published the following death notice on September 26, 1924:

Our little town (Maxeys) was again brought to sadness last Saturday morning at 8 o’clock by the sudden death of Mr. George H. Arthur. He had been in declining health for some weeks but he was about his daily duties Saturday morning, expressing himself as feeling better. He went up town, did some buying for the boarding house and on going home and delivering the purchase and coming into the back porch was seized, falling to the floor and in a minute was dead. His death ends a long and useful life. He was in his seventy third year; was raised and lived in this community all his life and had the utmost respect of everybody who knew him. For sixteen years he had been running a boarding house here. His wife preceded him to the grave three years ago. His body was tenderly put away at the Bairdstown cemetery Sunday afternoon after services by Rev. Carswell. His children who yet remain are Mrs. N. J. Burgess, Henry and John, Misses Mattie, Annie, Bessie and Lucille.

Mattie’s brother Henry died on December 2, 1925 following appendix surgery. The Oglethorpe Echo reported the following on December 11:

A very sad occasion was the burial here (Bairdstown) last Thursday of Mr. Henry Arthur. He died at St. Mary’s hospital after undergoing an operation of appendicitis. He leaves a large family of children to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

On April 2, 1930, Mattie, Anna, and Lucile lived in Maxeys, on the east side of Railroad Street. Mattie, the head of the household, owned the home which was valued at $1000. She was enumerated as a boarding house keeper and her sister Lucile as a boarding house helper. If the house they lived in was in fact a boarding house, there were no boarders living there at the time the census was taken. The house appears to be different than the one she lived in with her parents.

On April 29, 1940, Mattie, Anna, and Lucile continued to live together in Maxeys, only now Anna was the head of household. Neither Mattie nor Lucile was employed outside of the home. Anna worked as a cook in the school lunchroom. All three women were single.

Mattie’s brother Johnnie died at his home in Orlando, Orange County, Florida on December 9, 1946. He was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery following a December 12 funeral service officiated by Dr. John D. Mell, Rev. D. M. Joiner and Rev. Slay. 

Mattie, age 74, died in Clarke County, Georgia on October 20, 1948 after having a stroke. She was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery with her parents and siblings following a graveside service officiated by Revs. Duvall, Johnny Barrett and Slay. Mattie was survived by five sisters and two brothers. According to her obituary, she “had lived for 41 years in Maxeys, where she was loved by all who knew her.”

References

• Announcement of the Sudden Death of Mrs. George Arthur, Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, October 22, 1915. 
• Death of G. H. Arthur child, Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, April 26, 1895.
• Death of George H. Arthur, Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, September 26, 1924.
• Death of Mary Ann Hogg, Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, March 15, 1895.
• George Hugh Arthur, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Standard Certificate of Death no. 28225.
• Henry Arthur burial, Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, December 11, 1925.
• Mattie E. Arthur, Georgia, U.S., Death Index, 1919-1998.
• McRee Jr., Fred W., Oglethorpe County, Georgia Deaths 1874-1938.
• Miss Mattie Ellen Arthur obituary, Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, October 28, 1948.
• Miss Sarah Elizabeth (Bessie) Arthur obituary, Oglethorpe Echo, February 4, 1965.
• Mr. Johnnie Gordon Arthur was found dead, Oglethorpe Echo, December 19, 1946.
• U.S. Federal Census, Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Falling Creek, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1910, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Maxeys, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1930, 1940.

Richard, Jane, Abram, Milley, and Cheney

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

Extracts from Penfield Baptist Church Minutes, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia:

Penfield, June 4th 1848.
A conference was called for the purpose of receiving members, - bro. Davant presiding as moderator. Bro. W. H. Davis was appointed Clerk pro. tem. Richard, a servant man, belonging to Mrs. Hubbard, and Jane, a servant woman belonging to Mrs. Linton, were received upon the relation of satisfactory experiences. 

W. H. Davis, Clk. pro. tem.

June 4, 1848 minutes from the Penfield Baptist Church (click to enlarge)

Penfield, Sep. 4th 1848.

The African church met in conference. Brother U. Matthews was requested to preside in place of the absent Pastor. The door of the church was opened and the following individuals presented letters of dismission from other churches and were received as regular members. Brother Abram, a servant of Mrs. Cox, and sister Milley, a maid servant of T. J. West presented letters from Baird’s Church and sister Cheney, a maid servant of Prof. Sanford a letter from Greensboro. The church then adjourned. 

W. Morgan Clk.

September 4, 1848 minutes from the Penfield Baptist Church (click to enlarge)

Reference

• Penfield Baptist Church Minutes, 1839-1892, Mercer University Libraries.