Henry Allen Jones

Henry Allen Jones, son of Henry Clayborn Jones Jr. and Martha B. McCarty, was born in Between, Walton County, Georgia on April 25, 1884. He was the oldest child of six—Henry Allen Jones, James Marshall Jones, William “Troy” Jones, Pearl Elizabeth Jones, Charles “Charley” Wesley Jones, and Mary Etta Jones. He is my 1st cousin 2x removed with our nearest common relatives being Henry Clayborn Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Tuck, my 2nd great grandparents. 

Henry and his third wife Lena

On June 21, 1900, Henry and his family lived in Between, a town in the Vinegar Hill District of Walton County. His parents had been married for 17 years and his mother enumerated as having had five children, all of which were living. Henry and his brother Troy worked as farm laborers; his father was a farmer.

A Jones family reunion was held in Walton County about 1908 and the photo below was taken that day. I believe Henry is number 39 in the back row. My grandmother, Floria Mae Burnette, is number 17.

Jones family reunion photo, ca. 1908 (click to enlarge)

On July 20, 1902 when Henry was 18, he married Vallie Dee Evans, daughter of Charles Thomas Evans and Judith Harden Locklin, in Walton County. 

Marriage license for Henry and Vallie (click to enlarge)

Henry and Vallie had two daughters together, Eula born in 1904 and Clara born in 1908. After discovering that Vallie had been having an affair for two months with a man named Otis E. Ogletree, the couple separated on August 4, 1909. Henry was granted custody of the children. I have been unable to find a divorce decree, but it probably occurred in 1910. 

Walton County Court minutes (click to enlarge)

On April 15, 1910, I found Henry and daughters Eula and Clara living in Between, next door to his parents and siblings Troy, Pearl, and Charles. Henry was enumerated as Allen H. Jones. The census enumerator recorded him as married once (M1) for seven years. This leads me to believe the divorce took place after April 15. I was unable to find Vallie in the census records. Henry worked as a farmer on a general farm, which he rented. Eula was attending school but not her sister Clara.

Henry married Bessie Imogene Geiger, daughter of John Louis Geiger and Mary Hargrove, in Walton County, on November 5, 1911. 

Marriage certificate for Henry and Bessie (click to enlarge)

Their son John Ralph Jones was born on January 9, 1913. Sadly, Bessie died on March 15, 1915, most likely in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia. She was buried at Bay Creek Cemetery in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia.

Henry married Lena Emiline Cook, daughter of Benjamin Cook and Margaret Webb, about 1918, most likely in Walton County. Together they had two children—Louise Jones born about 1919, and Gladys Evelyn Jones born about 1923. 

When Henry registered for the World War I draft in Walton County on September 12, 1918, he lived at RFD #6 in Monroe. He worked as a farmer for his father, H. C. Jones, of the same address. Henry’s wife Lena was listed as his nearest relative. He was described as having brown eyes and black hair; he was of medium height and build.

On January 2, 1920, the Jones family lived on Federal Highway in the town of Between. Henry worked as a farmer on a general farm and Lena was a housekeeper. Henry, Lena, and Clara were able to read and write. Ralph, age 6, was not attending school yet. Daughter Louise, whose age was enumerated as 1/52, was a newborn at one week old. On a side note, I can track all of Henry’s children except for Louise so wonder if perhaps she died in infancy. The Jones family lived next door to Henry’s parents and siblings Troy, Pearl, Charley, and Mary.

Henry’s father died at home in Between on February 9, 1921 of acute indigestion, contributed by gall stones. His sister Pearl died on August 30, 1921 of pellagra, a “disease caused by a lack of the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3)” according to Wikipedia and appendicitis. Both were buried at New Hope Methodist Church in Between.

By April 16, 1930, Henry, wife Lena, and children Clara, John, and Gladys had moved to Panthersville, DeKalb County, Georgia where they lived on Orphans Home Road. The home, a rented farm, did not have a radio. The census record shows that Henry was 32 and Lena 23 when they married. Henry, Lena, Clara, and John were all able to read and write. Henry worked as a truck driver and Clara a laborer, both in the laundry industry. Henry’s son John worked as a laborer on a general farm. Sometime after the 1930 census was taken and before 1935, the family moved to a farm on Glenwood Road in Panthersville. 

On April 2, 1940, Henry and his family still lived on Glenwood Road. The farm, which he owned, was valued at $2500. He was enumerated as H. Allen Jones, age 54, and had an 8th grade education. Henry worked as a truck driver and had worked 48 hours the week prior to the census being taken. He had an income of $1000. His 28-year-old son John lived in the home. John, enumerated as Ralph, worked as a helper in an auto garage. Henry’s 17-year-old daughter Gladys still lived at home as well and was attending school. Two males, one named Earl L. Knight (age 19), and the other Charles R. Knight (age 17), lived in the home and were enumerated as Henry’s grandsons. Both were sons of Henry’s daughter Eula and her first husband, Earl Lester Knight Sr., who died in 1928. Eula remarried and moved to Monroe, Union, North Carolina with her new husband Herman L. Brooks. Earl and Charles had both been living in the home since 1935. Henry was listed as the person who would always know his address when his son John registered for the World War II draft in 1945. The registration card shows that Henry lived at #1 Decatur in DeKalb County at the time. 

Henry died on September 3, 1946 at the age of 62 at his Glenwood Road home in Decatur. He was buried at Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Decatur. Henry was survived by his wife Lena; daughters Eula, Clara, and Gladys; son John; mother Martha; sister Mary; brothers James, Charles, and Troy; and four grandchildren.

Photo used with permission of Tony Sills, Find A Grave member 47008815

Based on the tombstone engraving, he may have gone by his middle name, Allen.

References

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27903041/lena-emiline-jones: accessed 01 April 2023), memorial page for Lena Emiline Cook Jones (6 Aug 1895–7 May 1969), Find a Grave Memorial ID 27903041, citing Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Tony Sills (contributor 47008815).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/89104725/vallie-dee-jones_wimberly_huguley: accessed 02 April 2023), memorial page for Vallie Dee Evans Jones Wimberly Huguley (17 Jun 1887–Jun 1964), Find a Grave Memorial ID 89104725; Burial Details Unknown; maintained by Sarah Locklin Taylor (contributor 46921363).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27903213/henry-allen-jones: accessed 02 April 2023), memorial page for Henry Allen Jones (25 Apr 1884–3 Sep 1946), Find a Grave Memorial ID 27903213, citing Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Tony Sills (contributor 47008815).
• H. C. Jones, Standard Certificate of Death no. 5161, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1921.
• Henry Allen Jones, 62, Succumbs in Decatur, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 4, 1946.
• Henry Allen Jones, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Henry Allen Jones and Vallie Dee Evans, Georgia, Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Henry Jones and Bessie Imogene Geiger, Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Henry Allen Jones, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• John R. Jones, U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935–2014.
• John Ralph Jones, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Lena Cook Jones, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 8, 1969.
• Pearl Jones, Standard Certificate of Death no. 24245, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1921.
• Pellagra; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellagra. 
• Personal visit to New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery, Between, Walton County, Georgia.
• Superior Court Minutes, Walton County, Georgia, 1909.
• U.S. Federal Census, Between, Walton County, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Panthersville, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Vinegar Hill, Walton County, Georgia, 1900, 1910. 

Cinthia, Samuel, and Cephas - property of Lemuel Shipp

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

The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, March 11, 1854

Administrator's Sale.

Will be sold, before the Courthouse door in Greenesboro', Greene County, on the first Tuesday in April next, agreeable to an order of the Honorable Court of Ordinary for said County, three likely young NEGROES, viz. Cinthia, a girl, about eighteen years of age, and her boy Samuel, about two years old; and Cephas, a boy sixteen or seventeen years old. All young and likely, and sold as the property of Lemuel Shipp, deceased, for the benefit of the heirs of said deceased. Terms on the day of sale.

ISAAC A. WILLIAMS, Adm'r.

February 25 8 6t

Ralph Millard Epps

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.

Ralph Millard Epps, son of Oscar Swain Epps and Nellie Lou Epps, was born in Madison County, Georgia on May 10, 1925. He was the 5th child of 6—Nezzie L. Epps, Louise Epps, Robert L. Epps, Stella Mae Epps, Ralph Millard Epps, and Martha Epps. He is my uncle, husband of my aunt Floria “Lucile” Lankford. We have no common relative. 

On April 3, 1930, the Epps family lived on Park Avenue in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. The home, a rental, was valued at $800. Ralph’s widowed uncle Luther Epps and his children, a daughter named Wreatha and a son named Wesley, lived in the home as well. Everyone employed outside of the home worked at the cotton mill. Ralph’s father was a picker, sisters Nezzie and Louise spoolers, uncle Luther a carder, and cousin Wesley a quill cleaner. None of the children were attending school. Ralph’s parents, siblings Nezzie, Louise, and Robert, and cousins were able to read and write. By 1935, the family had left Athens and moved to Penfield, Greene County, Georgia.

On April 23, 1940, the census enumerator found the Epps family still living in Penfield. Ralph and his sister Martha were both attending school. His brother Robert, now married to Viola, lived in the home as well. Robert and Viola had a seven-month-old son named Robert Epps Jr. Ralph’s father worked as a farmer; his mother and brother Robert both worked as farm laborers.

Ralph’s World War II registration card, dated May 21, 1943, shows he was 18 years old and lived in Union Point when it was filled out. Ralph listed his father as the person who would always know his address and that he was employed by J. T. Conger in Penfield. 

WWII registration card

Ralph married my aunt, Floria “Lucile” Lankford, daughter of Carroll Harvey Lankford and Floria Mae Burnette, on June 18, 1944 in Union Point, Greene County, Georgia. The ceremony was performed by Mr. B. D. Watson and witnessed by Ruth Wray and Elmer Harrington. They had three children together—Linda Lucile Epps, Nancy Wanda Epps, and a third daughter whose name I will not share here because she is living.

Ralph and his wife Lucile (Lankford) Epps

Ralph enlisted with the U.S. Army at Fort McPherson in Atlanta on July 12, 1944. His enlistment record shows he had a grammar school education. He was admitted to a station hospital in April 1945 with a case of dysentery. Ralph was discharged from the Army on August 29, 1946 with the rank of Private First Class.

On April 24, 1950, Ralph, Lucile, Linda, and Nancy lived in Penfield. Ralph worked as a tractor driver on a farm. He had worked 55 hours the week before the census was taken. The census enumerator did not record an occupation for Lucile so we can assume she was a housewife. They lived three houses from the James E. George family, who connects to our Lankford and Hobbs families. At some point after the 1950 census was taken, the Epps family moved to Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, about six miles from Penfield.

In September 1969, my grandma Lankford was diagnosed with cancer which led to her and grandpa Lankford moving from their home in Penfield to a nursing home. They hated it there so Ralph and Lucile welcomed them into their home where Ralph was able to help Lucile take care of them. When my grandparents needed money to pay medical expenses, my father hired a local lawyer to transfer their Penfield property from grandma’s name to Ralph’s, who then sold the property in lots to pay grandma’s medical expenses. Grandma lost her battle with cancer on March 3, 1970 and was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery, just down the road from the Epps home. The photo below was taken the day of her funeral.

Ralph Epps, his brother-in-law Sam Lankford, nephew Michael Lankford,
brother-in-law Clark Lankford, and father-in-law Carroll Lankford

Grandpa lost his will to live after grandma died and told Ralph he was ready to join her “up on the hill” on a visit to her grave. He died from a stroke on May 7, 1970 a few days later and was laid to rest beside her at Bairdstown Cemetery.

In addition to driving a tractor on a farm (per the 1950 census), Ralph worked for Mary Leila Cotton Mills and Union Manufacturing Company during his lifetime. He and his family attended Bairds Baptist Church there in Bairdstown. I remember going to a homecoming with the Epps family at the church once when I was younger. I have very fond memories of visiting the Epps home which was in a very rural area. It was quiet and peaceful. The home had big rooms and a long front porch, at least from what I remember. His third daughter and I are the same age and I once spent a week there when I was a teenager. Growing up in Atlanta, it was a bit of culture shock for me, but I remember having a good time. 

Ralph at my daddy's retirement party

Carroll and Floria Lankford had eight children and every September held a family reunion at their homeplace in Penfield to coincide with grandpa’s birthday. The reunion was moved to Ralph and Lucile’s after the death of my grandparents. 

Lankford siblings left to right: Carroll Jr. (Sport), Grover, Betty,
Lucile, Sam, Liz, Clark, and Alice (photo taken at the Epps homeplace)

Ralph died in Greene County, Georgia at the age of 70 on October 4, 1995. He was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery on October 6 following a graveside service officiated by Rev. John Lance. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

References

• Personal information provided by family members.
• Personal visit by Denise Murphy to Bairdstown Cemetery.
• Ralph M. Epps obituary, Athens Banner-Herald, Athens, Georgia, October 6, 1995.
• Ralph M. Epps, Georgia Deaths, 1919-98.
• Ralph M. Epps, U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946.
• Ralph M. Epps, U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010.
• Ralph M. Epps, U.S., World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1942-1954.
• Ralph Millard Epps, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.
• U.S. Federal Census, Athens City, Militia District 216, Clarke County, Georgia, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Danielsville, Madison County, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia, 1940, 1950.
• U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007. 

John, a runaway - property of James Smith

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

The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, August 26, 1854

$250 Reward.

Ranaway from the Plantation of James Smith, about six miles South West of Greenesboro', on the 15th of April last, a Negro man, by the name of John,—about thirty-three years old, black complexion, stout built, and about six feet high. A scar over the left eye, and one on the corner of the right eye; rather slow spoken, and commonly wore a goatee. I will give the above reward for proof to conviction that John was enticed away by a white man; and $25 for the apprehension and confinement of said boy, so that I can get him again.

JOHN W. M'CRARY.

Aug. 26, 1854 33-tf

Eunice Maude Holland

Eunice Maude Holland, daughter of Marion Scott Holland and Frances Eleanor Williamson, was born in Anderson, Anderson County, South Carolina on December 28, 1897. She was the 9th of 11 children—Minnie Lee Holland, John William Holland, Isom Todd Holland, Arthur “Brown” Holland, Sula Bell Holland, Emma Eldora Holland, Nannie Amanda Holland, Nancy Irene Holland, Eunice Maude Holland, Andrew Holland, and Julian Clair Holland. She went by Maude and is my 1st cousin 2x removed. Our nearest common relatives are Leroy Thomas Holland and Amanda Elizabeth Scott, my 2nd great grandparents.

(Photo provided by Dan Snipes: Blair Snipes (her nephew), Maude, and unknown child.)

On June 1, 1900, the Holland family lived in the Honea Path Township of Anderson County. Maude’s father was a farmer and brothers John and Isom both farm laborers. They owned the farm they lived on. Her mother was enumerated as having had 11 children, 9 of which were living. As far as I can tell, Nannie Amanda Holland and Andrew Holland were the two siblings that did not survive. Seven of the nine Holland children were still living in the home. Eunice was two years old, second to youngest.

The Holland family still lived in Honea Path when the census was taken on April 28, 1910. Maude’s father worked as a farmer on a general farm. Brothers Isom and Brown worked on the home farm. Everyone in the home was able to read and write. Maude, Irene, ad Julian were the only family members attending school. Maude’s parents had been married for 29 years. Her mother Frances died in Anderson on December 11, 1912, and was buried at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in Belton. Maude was 14 years old.

Maude married Nelson Miles Davis, son of William Leavells “Lev” Davis and Mary E. Gardner, in Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina on October 18, 1916. The wedding was performed by J. E. Crim, a Baptist church pastor. Maude was 19 years old and Nelson 17, although according to their marriage license, Maude was 21 and Nelson 19.

Marriage license (click to enlarge)

Maude's husband, Nelson Gardner Davis
(photo shared by Dan Snipes)

Maude was pregnant by the end of the year and gave birth to their first child, a son they named Harold Gardner Davis, in Belton, Anderson County, South Carolina on August 8, 1917. As noted earlier, Gardner was his father’s middle name and his paternal grandmother’s surname. At the time, Maude was a housewife and Nelson worked in a cotton mill.

On February 19, 1920, Maude, Nelson, Harold, and her widowed mother-in-law Mary lived in Belton. Nelson worked as a carpenter and was the only person in the home who was working. A second son named Charles Clair Davis was born in Belton on January 5, 1924. Maude’s father Marion died in Anderson on February 5, 1929. He was buried beside Frances at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in Belton.

On April 1, 1930, Maude, Nelson, and the boys continued to live in Belton. They owned their home which was located on Church Street and valued at $1000. The census enumerator noted that Maude was 19 and Nelson 18 when they married, different than noted above. Maude worked as a seamstress, making dresses. Nelson was a carpenter, building houses.

I have been unable to find Maude and her family in the 1940 census, however, Nelson’s World War II registration card dated February 16, 1942 shows they still lived in the Church Street house in Belton. Nelson worked for Charlie Koon of Ware Sholes Lumber Company in Greenwood, South Carolina. Their son Charles entered the military on December 3, 1943. He served in the U.S. Army, 226th Ordnance, 33rd Infantry Division. 

Maude and Nelson were still living on Church Street in Belton when the April 12, 1950 census was taken. Nelson worked as a maintenance man at a cotton mill. Their son Charles, his wife Elsie, and daughter Eleanor lived in the home as well. Charles worked as a carpenter at a cotton mill and Elsie a boxer at a garment mill. Their granddaughter Eleanor was two years old.

Maude and Nelson were still living in Belton on December 20, 1970 when Nelson died from a cerebral hemorrhage due to hypertension. He was buried on December 21 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Belton. Maude remained in Belton until her death at home on April 10, 1994 at the age of 96. She was buried beside Nelson at Garden of Memories Cemetery. She was survived by sons Harold and Charles, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral service was performed by the Revs. Carroll Plemmons and Eric Davis.

Maude and Nelson were members of the Bethany Baptist Church. She played the piano by ear.

Maude playing the piano
(photo shared by Dan Snipes)

References

• Charles C. Davis, U.S., World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945.
• Eunice Maude Davis and Maude E. Holland, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
• Harold Gardner Davis, Certificate of Birth 27837, State of South Carolina, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health, 1917.
• Maude Davis obituary, Anderson Independent-Mail, Anderson, South Carolina, April 11, 1994.
• Maude H. Davis, Social Security Death Index.
• Maude Holland and Nelson Miles Davis, South Carolina, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1907-2000.
• Nelson G. Davis, newspaper unknown, December 1970.
• Nelson Gardner Davis, Certificate of Death 70 019797, State of South Carolina, Board of Health, 1970.
• Nelson Gardner Davis, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.
• Personal memories of Dan Snipes, shared with Denise Murphy on February 20, 2004.
• Personal visit to Garden of Memories Cemetery, Belton, South Carolina.
• U.S. Federal Census, Belton, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1920, 1930, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Honea Path, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1900, 1910.

Hall, a shoemaker, and Toney - property of James R. Rankin

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

The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, December 18, 1852

Guardian's Sale.

On the first Tuesday in January next, will be sold, agreeable to an order of the Court of Ordinary of Greene County, before the Courthouse door in Greenesboro', one Negro Man, named Hall, 36 years old, a good coarse Shoemaker, and quite handy with other tools. Also, Toney, 38 years old. Sold as the property of James R. Rankin.

MILES G. BROOM, Guardian.

Nov. 16 47 6t 

Florence Anna Athya

Florence Anna Athya, daughter of John Athya and Catherine Bell, was born on December 28, 1868 in the Parish of Cathcart, Renfrew County, Scotland, specifically the village of Langside. Florence was the 10th child of 13—Ada Athya, John Athya, Kate Athya, Christina Emily Athya, Alice Athya, Helen Athya, Jane Bigland Athya, Edwin Athya, Maria Watson Athya, Florence Anna Athya, Charles A. Athya, George Howard Athya, and Harriet Sanderson Athya. Her parents had been married for 16 years when she was born. Florence is my husband’s 1st cousin 3x removed with their nearest common relatives being Isaac Athya and Janet Graham. Isaac and Janet are my husband’s 3rd great grandparents.

Birth record (click to enlarge)

The Athya family lived at Kirklinton in Cathcart when the 1871 census was taken. Florence’s father was a grain merchant and her brother John Athya Jr. a grain clerk. If not already, John Athya’s grain business would eventually operate in America. The business was likely doing well and the family lived comfortably in what appears to be a large home. This would have been appropriate considering there were 16 people living there. The census record confirms its size showing it consisted of 15 rooms with one or more windows. Three of the people living in the home were domestic servants—Agnes Strathearn, Margaret Peddie, and Lilias Forgie. Florence was two years old at the time but not the baby of the family. That position was reserved for her five-month-old brother, Charles. Kate, Christina, Alice, Helen, Jane, and Edwin were enumerated as scholars so were attending school.

1871 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

Just two years later, tragedy struck the home with the death of Florence’s 16-year-old sister, Kate, from scarlatina on December 31, 1872. The family still lived at Kirklinton at that time.

By the time Florence was 9, she was attending the Carlton Institution for the Education of Young Ladies and Junior Boys, advertised as being “strong in Music, Languages, and Science.” The school was located at 5 Dixon Avenue in the Queen’s Park section of Glasgow. During the 1876–1877 session, Florence placed 3rd in an arithmetic competition.

By 1881, the Athya family had moved to Liverpool, England, living at 32 Oxford Street. Twelve-year-old Florence was enumerated as a scholar. Fifteen people lived in the home; all were family except two women enumerated as general servants—Marion McDougal and Mary Price. Florence’s father John was a corn merchant, as was her brother John Jr. Her sister Ada worked as a music teacher and brother Edwin as a shipowner’s clerk. The younger children, Maria, Florence, Charles, George and Harriet, were scholars.

1881 England census (click to enlarge)

Now attending Bedford College in Liverpool, Florence received a mark of distinction in Zoology in 1884. In 1886, she received another mark of [high] distinction and was “the only local girl candidate who obtained senior second-class honours at the last Cambridge location examinations.” She also received a prize in the Latin category that year. In July 1887, Florence passed a matriculation examination to enter London University. Of course, I had to look matriculation up having no clue what it meant. According to Wikipedia, “matriculation is the formal process of entering a university, or of becoming eligible to enter by fulfilling certain academic requirements such as a matriculation examination.” Learn something new every day. 

By 1891 and with college behind her, Florence had moved to Llanllwchaiarn in Wales where she worked as a governess. She lived in the home of Sarah E. Thomas, a teacher of music, at Blaenwern House located at 10 Picton Terrace, about 100 miles from the Carmarthen Bay. Others in the home included Sarah’s sisters, Ethel (age 14) and Mabel (age 12), and a domestic servant named Sarah Jones.

1891 England census (click to enlarge)

Florence moved back to Liverpool and was appointed mistress of one of the new technical schools in Heanor, England in June 1894. On May 5, 1895, Florence and her sister Harriet received confirmation by Bishop Royston at the St. John the Baptist Church of England at Toxteth Park in Lancashire. Florence had received 1st communion on April 14. She lived at 109 Park Road in Liverpool.

Confirmation (click to enlarge)

In April 1896, Florence “satisfied the Masters of the Schools” at Somerville College. She was appointed head mistress of the Southport Municipal Secondary School for Girls on Scarisbrick New Road in Southport, England in July 1899.

Head mistress appointment (click to enlarge)

In 1901, Florence lived in the town of Sheffield in Yorkshire County, England in a house located at Bromsgrove Terrace. The head of the household was Isabella Comer Fotley. Others living in the home were Elisa Hedwig Behrend and Jane Hall. Florence, Isabella, and Elisa were all teachers. Jane was a domestic servant.

1901 England census (click to enlarge)

In 1907, controversary arose when Florence was being considered as head mistress of the Secondary School for Girls. She was eventually confirmed after several meetings to discuss. The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser of Manchester, England reported the news of the controversary on June 21, 1907:

School Appointment: Breeze at Southport. Quite a breeze took place yesterday among members of the Southport Education Committee in respect of a recommendation to the Council to appoint Miss Florence Athya, M.A. (Dublin), of the Cheltenham Grammar School, as head mistress of the new secondary school for girls. One of the candidates was Miss Vance, head teacher of St. Andrew’s School, and Councillor Paton said that from comments he had heard outside he believed Miss Vance had not been properly treated, and moved an amendment that the Council be recommended to appoint Miss Vance.

Mr. J. B. Foggitt seconded, on the ground that Miss Vance had been a great educational success in the town.

Professor Muir, Liverpool University, a co-opted member, said it was surprising that voting by ballot in a private committee had been reported in the local Press, accompanied by statements which grossly misrepresented what took place. It was an unfortunate suggestion that the votes of co-opted members were of less value than those of other members.

Mr. Paton denied that he had ever suggested that Alderman Griffiths, the chairman, had set one portion of the committee against the other, and the chairman remarked that it was scandalous the way the claims of these two ladies had been discussed since the appointment was made, and the situation had arisen because some gentleman had disregarded the rules of fair play. The General Purposes Committee allowed Miss Athya to conclude she had been appointed.

The Chairman warmly dissented from a statement by Mr. Foggitt that he had the greatest difficulty in finding a proposer for Miss Athya, and ultimately the committee confirmed the appointment by the General Purposes Committee of Miss Athya, which will now come before the Town Council for confirmation.

The Manchester Evening News of Manchester, England reported the resolution on July 10, 1907:

At last night’s meeting of the Southport Town Council an amendment rescinding the appointment of Miss Florence Anna Athya as headmistress of the new secondary school of girls was defeated by 17 votes to 14.

An interesting event took place at the Secondary School for Girls in December 1910. The Ormskirk Advertiser of Ormskirk, Lancashire, England reported the event on December 15, 1910:

Secondary School for Girls, Exhibition of Work. A very interesting exhibition of work was held at the Girls’ Secondary School, on Monday afternoon, and many ladies availed themselves of Miss Athya’s invitation to be present. The work was exhibited in the gymnasium of the school, and was all done by the schoolgirls, at home, for a Christmas gift to the infirmary. Each of the 232 girls contributed a garment, or dolls, or toys, and the collection was such as would gladden the heart of any institution. There were shawls, knitted and crocheted, bedsocks, bedroom slippers, dressing jackets and heaps of other useful and pretty things, and garments for children were also wonderful. There was a lovely collection of dolls, many baby dolls in long clothes, and some in character, a Red Cross Nurse, Grace Darling, Little Red Riding Hood and a Pierrot being conspicuous. Dolls cots and beds, all complete, with lace frilled pillows, sheet, button stitched blankets, and lace trimmed quilts, and most of them with a tiny nightdress case, were beautifully made. Teddy bears, of various sizes, had also been dressed, and one tiny teddy boasted a knitted suit of brown and a brown cap and tassel. A larger one was resplendent in scarlet cape and hood. There were many other toys and plenty of scrapbooks nicely filled. The exhibition was a fascinating one, and the things will delight the hearts of those for whom they are intended. Quite a number of drawings done by the girls were displayed on the walls, and proved to many of the visitors quite an interesting as the needlework. The specimens of brushwork and snapshot paintings were well worth studying. The snapshots included drawings done from memory, after from a half to one minute’s observation. Others were sense snapshots, drawn after feeling the object with eyes shut, and others again after smelling, tasting, or hearing. There were many botanical drawings, and some most interesting studies from the life. A girl’s head was beautifully drawn, and another study, by the same young artist, was very good. Some of the drawings by the younger girls were quaint, and many were clever. Some illustrations of Guy Fawkes’ celebrations were funny, and there was a most-amusing one of Brer Rabbit, a really clever little sketch. The exhibition was open for an hour or two only, but there was material enough to interest for, at least, a day.

In 1911, 42-year-old Florence lived as a lodger in a home located at 69 Promenade in Southport, England, a seaside town. As far as I can tell, the home was a large row house of some sort with several other people living at the same address. The census record shows that Florence was still head mistress at the Secondary School. 

1911 England census (click to enlarge)

By 1924, Florence had moved to another home in Southport, living at 30 Moss Lane. This home appears to be more of a traditional single-family home with four bedrooms. By 1926, I believe Florence had retired from her head mistress position and spent some of her time traveling. On September 25, 1926, she departed England aboard the Ulysses, part of the Blue Funnel Line, traveling first class to Sydney, Australia. 

Ulysses passenger list

Ulysses (ship) Steamship, State Library of Queensland
(see page for author, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

I do not find Florence returning to England until 1928 when she traveled aboard the SS Chitral, departing Australia and arriving in London on March 10. That does not mean she stayed there all that time; it is just I do not find her on any other passenger list. The 1928 passenger list recorded the “Country of last Permanent Residence” as New Zealand, but again, I do not find a record of her traveling there.

SS Chitral passenger list (click to enlarge)

Florence, age 71 and enumerated as a retired teacher, was still living in the Moss Lane house in Southport in 1939. Bertha Garlick, a 61-year-old maid servant, lived in the home with her.

1939 England census (click to enlarge)

On January 19, 1953, Florence died in Newton, Lancashire, England at the age of 84. Her body was cremated on January 24 and buried in Liverpool. A death notice was published by The Daily Telegraph in London on January 23, 1953:

Athya.—On Jan. 19, at a nursing home. Florence Anna Athya, of 30, Moss Lane, Southport (formerly Head Mistress of the High School for Girls, Southport). Service and cremation at Anfield Crematorium on Saturday, Jan 24, at 12 noon. Inquiries to Boothroyds Ltd., tel. Southport 4145.

Death notice

The Register of Cremations recorded her cause of death as cerebral softening general arteriosclerosis. The name of the nursing home she died at was Haydock Lodge. 

Register of cremations (click to enlarge)

Florence’s will was probated on March 9, 1953 in Liverpool. The National Probate Calendar listed her as a spinster. 

National Probate Calendar

The Guardian in London published a list of recent wills on May 16, 1953 and listed her as a former head mistress.

 References

• Cambridge Local Examinations: Lancashire Students in the Merit Classes, Liverpool Mercury, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, April 5, 1884.
• Census, Civil Parish Cathcart, Scotland, 1871.
• Census, Lancashire, Southport, North Meols, England, 1911.
• Census, Liverpool, England, 1881.
• Census, Llanllwchaiarn, Cardiganshire County, Wales, 1891.
• Census, Sheffield, Yorkshire County, England, 1901.
• Census, Southport, England, 1939.
• County Borough of Southport, Secondary School for Girls, The Guardian, London, England, June 28, 1919.
• Deaths, North British Daily Mail, January 1, 1873.
• Deaths, The Daily Telegraph, London, England, January 23, 1953.
• Education, Glasgow Herald, Glasgow, Scotland, June 23, 1877.
• England and Scotland, Select Cemetery Registers, 1800-2016.
• England and Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995.
• Florence Anna Athya, Statutory Registers Births 560/12, National Records of Scotland, 1869.
• Florence Athya, Census 560/7/12, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• Florence Athya, England and Wales, Girls’ Day School Trust Records, 1873-1950.
• Florence Athya, Liverpool, England, Church of England Confirmations, 1887-1921.
• Heanor, The Derby Mercury, Derby, Derbyshire, England, June 6, 1894.
• Kate Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 560/1, National Records of Scotland, 1873.
• Local News, Bedford College, Liverpool Mercury, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, December 22, 1886.
• Local University Notes, Liverpool Mercury, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, July 14, 1887.
• Matriculation; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matriculation. 
• Recent Wills, The Guardian, London, England, May 16, 1953.
• Rightmove, 30, Moss Lane, Churchtown, Southport, Merseyside PR9 7QR; https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/details/england-39735408-89086257?s=d415b8421324a1827cada6ac6a57366d6783d35e120aff5013f2fef55a6386f9#/.
• School Appointment, Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, Manchester, England, June 21, 1907.
• Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950.
• Secondary School for Girls, Exhibition of Work, The Ormskirk Advertiser, Ormskirk, Lancashire, England, December 15, 1910.
• Secondary School for Girls, The Guardian, London, England, November 16, 1918.
• Southport County Borough Education Committee, The Guardian, London, England, July 20, 1918.
• Southport Town Council Meeting, The Manchester Evening News, Manchester, England, July 10, 1907.
• The Carlton Institution, Glasgow Herald, Glasgow, Scotland, August 11, 1880.
• UK and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
• UK and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
• UK, City and County Directories, 1766-1946.
• Ulysses (ship) Steamship, State Library of Queensland; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Funnel_Line#/media/File:StateLibQld_1_121348_Ulysses_(ship).jpg. 
• University Intelligence, The Guardian, London, England, April 6, 1896. 

James McCluney Davison Sr., owner of 23 slaves

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

James McCluney Davison Sr. was born 1806 in Ireland. After immigrating to America, date unknown, he married Mary Ann Southerland in Greene County, Georgia on January 14, 1833. Mary died about 1849 after having had four children by 1845. James married his second wife, Margaret Moore, on July 6, 1852 in Greene County and they had four children by 1860. James died suddenly on July 7, 1860 in Griffin, Georgia. His body was returned to Greene County and he was buried at Woodville Cemetery in Woodville. James’ considerable estate was probated in Greene County. One page in the extensive estate record includes an inventory of 23 slaves owned by James at the time of his death. 

An Inventory, or list of Articles, Goods, Chattels Belonging to the Est. of J. M. Davison late of Said County deceased, appraised by the Undersigned on Monday, Oct. 1, 1860.

Rhea - Blank - " " " " "

Tom - Do - " " " " "

1 Aaron - Negro Man - 1400.00

2 Albert - Negro Man - 1500.00

3 Jim - Negro Man - 1200.00

4 Anthony - Negro Man - 500.00

5-6 & 7-8 Abbey & 3 children - 1800.00

9, 10, 11 & 12 - Ned-Sarah + 2 children Adaline & Jo - 2000.00

13 Toby - Negro Boy - 1300.00

14 Matilda - Negro Girl - 1000.00

15 Jepe - Negro Boy - 700.00

16 Anna - Negro Woman - 200.00

17 Winney - Negro Woman - 1000.00

18 & 19 Patsey & child - Woman - 1400.00

20 Fain - Woman - 200.00

21 Charlotte - Girl - 1200.00

22 Nancy - Girl - 1200.00

23. Jonas - Negro Man - 400.00

 - 17,000.00

Below is a copy of the 1860 U.S. Federal Census Slave Schedule taken a month before James’ death.

As administrator of the estate, James’ son, James M. Davison Jr., requested to the courts that it would be in the best interest of the estate to “… keep the negroes belonging to said estate together for the time being, or present year, and with them or such portion, as may be deemed necessary – to work, and carry on, the Plantation or farm, belonging to said estate in this county – during the present year, for the benefit of said estate … .”

References 

• Death of James Davison, Sr., Planters’ Weekly, Greenesboro, Georgia, July 11, 1860.
• James M. Davison, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742-1992.
• U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedule, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.