Vassie Verlin Lankford

Vassie Verlin Lankford, daughter of Oscar Olan Lankford and Joanna “Anna” E. Pace, was born March 17, 1901 in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She was the second of three children born to Oscar and Joanna—Loy Olen Lankford, Vassie Verlin Lankford, and an unnamed infant. She went by Verlin and is my 3rd cousin 3x removed. Our nearest common relatives are Nathan Lankford and Marion Caldwell (married about 1790 in Rutherford County, North Carolina), my 5th great grandparents.

On May 11, 1910, the Lankford family lived at Lawrenceville and Decatur Roads in the Berkshire District of Gwinnett County. Verlin’s grandparents, John Bailis and Clara A. (Minor) Lankford and uncle John Marcus “Mark” Lankford lived next door. Verlin’s father was a farmer on a general farm. Her parents had been married for 12 years. Her mother was enumerated as Anna, the mother of three children, two of which were living.  

Verlin married Walter Augustus Carroll, son of John Thomas Carroll and Lovely Ann Loucecily McCurdy, on April 26, 1919 in Fulton County, Georgia. Her first name was spelled “Verland” on the marriage license. Verlin and Walter were blessed with four children—John Walter Carroll, James “Eugene” Carroll, Betty Anne Carroll, and Mildred “Charlotte” Carroll. 

On January 26, 1920, Verlin and Walter lived with his parents and brother Mark in the Berkshire District. Walter worked as an automobile machinist. Verlin was 18 and Walter 19 years old. By 1925, the couple had moved to a house located at 67 Lowry Street in Atlanta. Walter had changed jobs and now worked as a roofer. 

On April 3, 1930, the Carroll family (Verlin, Walter, John, Eugene, and Betty) lived in a home located on Trinity Place in Decatur. Verlin and Walter owned the home, valued at $4500. The census record shows they also owned a radio. Walter worked as a policeman for DeKalb County. John and Eugene were both attending school. 

About 1935, Walter became a policeman for the city of Decatur in DeKalb County, Georgia. This was reflected in the 1936 Atlanta, Georgia City Directory, showing they had moved to a house on Lockwood Terrace in Decatur.

On April 13, 1940, Verlin, Walter, son John, and daughter Betty still lived in the Lockwood Terrace home. Verlin was enumerated as “Verlyn.” Her name would be spelled the same way in daughter Charlotte’s 2021 obituary. Betty’s age was inaccurately enumerated as one year old, with the fifth grade being the highest completed. Walter was a city policeman. 

When Verlin’s husband Walter registered for the World War II draft on February 16, 1942, he recorded Lockwood Terrace as his home address. Verlin was recorded as the person who would always know Walter’s address. Walter worked for G. S. Swords at Decatur’s City Hall.

Walter's World War II registration card

Verlin died at home on December 1, 1943. She was buried at Decatur Cemetery on December 3 following a service at Trinity Chapel officiated by Rev. George M. Acree. Verlin was provided an honorary escort by the Decatur Police Department. She was survived by her husband, sons John and Eugene, daughters Betty and Charlotte, parents, and brother Loy.

Photo used with permission of Joe Stoner, Find A Grave ID 47793749

Sadly, Verlin’s husband Walter died on New Year’s Eve 1944 leaving their four children orphans. At the time, John (24) was living in Houston, Texas, and James (22) in the military. Walter’s obituary noted that their son Sgt. Eugene Carroll was serving “with Gen. Patton’s Army during all the invasions” of World War II when Verlin died but was home on leave when Walter died. Both underage at 15 and 14 respectively, Charlotte and Betty were still living in Georgia. Charlotte’s 2021 obituary notes that she “left Decatur and moved to live with her aunt in Houston, Texas, but soon came back to Georgia to be raised by her aunt in Avondale Estates, Georgia and finished school in Decatur.” I do not find a record to show that Betty also moved to Houston. It appears she was attending Decatur High School in 1945 so if she did move, like Charlotte, she did not stay long. Betty would eventually move to Houston though where she lived a full and happy life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and educator.

References

• Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1925, 1936.
• Betty Murdock obituary; https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/betty-murdock-obituary?id=48908342. 
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/77419565/vassie-verlin-carroll: accessed 23 June 2023), memorial page for Vassie Verlin Lankford Carroll (17 Mar 1901–1 Dec 1943), Find a Grave Memorial ID 77419565, citing Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Larry Wynn (contributor 47256286).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/252692650/mildred-charlotte-smithmier: accessed 26 June 2023), memorial page for Mildred Charlotte Carroll Smithmier (27 Jul 1930–29 Sep 2021), Find a Grave Memorial ID 252692650, citing Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Sujava (contributor 47686977).
• Funeral Notice, Mrs. Walter A. Carroll, The Atlanta Constitution, December 2, 1943.
• Mrs. Walter A. Carroll obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, December 3, 1943.
• Obituary of Mildred Charlotte Smithmier, Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home; https://charlottememorial.com/tribute/details/5135/Mildred-Smithmier/obituary.html. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Avondale Estates, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1910, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Militia District 531, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1880.
• Verland Lankford and Walter A. Carroll, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• W. A. Carroll, Decatur Officer 9 Years, Is Dead, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 1, 1945.
• W. A. Carroll, U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1898–1929.
• Walter Augustus Carroll, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947. 

Orra (servant of Mr. Watson) and Sandy (servant of T. G. Janes)

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

Shiloh Baptist Church Minute Extracts

Shilo 30th August 1840

Church met in conference for the benefit of the black Brethren. Bro. William Geer moderator opened a door for the reception of members when Orra servt to Mr. Watson came forward and was recd. The Clerk notified the Church that a letter had been recd for Sandy servt to Br. T. G. Janes in consequence of his absence the case was postponed until the next conference resolved that Baptisms take place on next Sabbath at our regular meeting no other business conference then adjourned.

E. C. Shackelford, Ch. Clk.

Shilo 6th November 1840

Sabbath morning 6th Nov met at the water when the ordinance of Baptism was administered by Bro. Harris and Orra servt girl to Mr. Watson was Baptised. 

E. C. Shackelford, Ch. Clk.

Shiloh Baptist Church, Greene County, Georgia (ca. 2002)

Notes: 

• Click images to enlarge.
• Brother T. G. Janes is most likely Thomas Gresham Janes.

Reference

• Shiloh Baptist Church Minutes from 1839 to 1959, image 31; https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C34J-3QFW?i=30&cat=193117 and image 32 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C34J-3QDZ?i=31&cat=193117 (free registration required). 

John Durie

John Durie, son of James Durie and Jane Liddell Braidwood, was born in Clyde, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on December 9, 1860. He was the seventh of nine children—Mary Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, George Durie, Jemima Durie, Andrewina Durie, John Durie, Robert Durie, and Jane Durie. He is my husband’s 1st cousin 2x removed with their nearest common relatives being his parents, my husband’s 2nd great grandparents. His sister, Jemima Durie, is my husband’s great grandmother. 

On April 7, 1861, John and his family lived at 62 Brown Street in Clyde, St. George civil parish, Glasgow, Scotland. His father was an engine smith, making parts and repairing engines, much like what a blacksmith did. John was just three months old when the 1861 Scotland census was taken. Other siblings in the home at the time were Mary (11), Elizabeth (10), George (8), Jemina (4), and Andrewina (2). I believe his sister Agnes, born about 1851, was most likely dead. Mary, Elizabeth, and George were scholars. One week after the census was taken, John’s sister Andrewina contracted dothinenteritis, also known as typhoid fever. She suffered from the disease for six weeks, as well as from “water in head” for two weeks, before her death at home on May 26, 1861. Andrewina was buried at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow. The family suffered another loss when John’s sister Jane died of croup at their home located at 22 Pitt Street in Blythswood, Glasgow, Scotland on November 6, 1866. 

John (10) and his family were still living at the Pitt Street home in Blythswood in 1871. Other siblings in the home at the time were Mary (21), Elizabeth (20), George (18), Jemima (14), and Robert (8). His father was now an engine fitter, a job where he was “mainly responsible for properly fitting the engine and other electrical parts required in the engine room of a ship” according to Marine Insight. Mary and Jemima worked as warehouse girls, George an iron turner, and both John and Robert were scholars. There were two rooms in the house with one or more windows. 

John was not living with his parents in 1881. I did find a John Durie, age 21, living as a lodger in the Govan District of Glasgow, Scotland. This John was born in Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Scotland and worked as a clerk. I found one other John, age 21, living in Crichton, Midlothian, Scotland. This John was born in Edinburgh. He worked in a general lab. My guess is the John living in Govan is the correct person.

John married Annie Frew, daughter of Alexander Frew and Jane Stevenson, at 5 Belmont Street in Hillhead, a community located in the district of Partick, Glasgow, Scotland, on December 30, 1881 after banns according to the forms of the Free Church of Scotland. John worked as a house joiner (journeyman) and Annie an envelope maker. Both John and Annie lived in Glasgow at the time. John and Annie’s fathers both worked as engine fitters (journeymen).

Marriage record for John Durie and Annie Frew

I can document three children born to this couple—James Durie, Jane Frew Durie, and Annie Durie. James was born January 9, 1883 and Jane on December 4, 1884, both at 194 Main Street in Anderston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. In both cases, John worked as a joiner/journeyman. 

James Durie birth record

Jane Frew Durie birth record

Sadly, Jane died from gastroenteritis at 139 Garscube Road in Milton, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on September 2, 1885. She had been ill for seven days when she died. Her maternal grandfather, Alex Frew, was the informant on the death record. Jane was buried on September 4 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

Jane Frew Durie death record

Based on census records, John’s sister Annie was born in England about 1890. Unfortunately, I have found no records documenting a move to England but do know there were other families that lived there for a while. In 1891, John and son James (8) lived with his parents (James and Jane Durie) in Glasgow, Scotland. The census enumerator recorded him as being married but if that was the case, Annie was not living in the home. John worked as a house joiner and his son James was a scholar. His father James worked as a marine engine fitter.

Scotland census record, 1891

John, son James (18), and daughter Annie (11) lived with his parents in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland in 1901. The census record enumerated him as being married but, again, Annie was not living in the home. I have searched for Annie, but her paper trail has gone cold, at least for me. John worked as a joiner, his son James worked as an engine fitter’s apprentice, and daughter Annie was a scholar. This census record is the only record I find her the daughter Annie listed on.

Scotland census record, 1901

John’s father James (74) died of a cerebral hemorrhage at 33 McIntyre Street in Anderston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on December 13, 1902. He was buried on December 16 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

John’s second marriage was to Annie Callan Barrie, daughter of Thomas Barrie and Catherine McFarlane. Their wedding took place on September 11, 1907 at 35 Hutcheson Street in Blythswood, Glasgow, Scotland, by declaration in the presence of James Forsyth Draper and Agnes Callen Livingston. John was listed as a widower so while I could not find a death record for his first wife Annie (Frew) Durie, this record tells me she had died, date unknown. John lived at 33 McIntrye Street in Glasgow and Annie lived at 42 Stewartville Street in Partick. John moved into the Stewartville Street home where he lived the rest of his life.

Marriage record for John Durie and Annie Callan Barrie

John and Annie’s daughter Catherine was born prematurely on February 20, 1908 at 42 Stewartville Street in Partick. 

Catherine McFarlane Durie birth record

Catherine only lived 15 hours and died on February 21 at their Stewartville Street home. She was buried on February 22 in Lair 384 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

Catherine McFarlane Durie death record

John’s mother Jane (Braidwood) Durie (77) died on October 28, 1908 of senile cardiac arterio sclerosis at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow. John’s wife Annie was the informant on the death record. Jane was buried on October 31 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

A son they named Thomas Barrie Durie was born on February 10, 1910 in the Stewartville Street home in Partick. John still worked as a joiner (journeyman).

Thomas Barrie Durie birth record

The Durie family still lived in the Stewartville Street home in Partick when the 1911 census was taken. The enumerator noted John and Annie had been married for three years and that Annie had given birth to two children, with only one still living. John worked as a ship joiner in the shipyard. His son Thomas was one year old.

Scotland census record, 1911 (page 1)

John’s father-in-law, Thomas Barrie (56), lived in the home as well, along with a niece named Annie Durie (20), and a lodger named James Gillespie (41). Thomas Barrie worked as a ship’s steward, Annie as a dispatch clerk in a bakery, and James as a railway signalman. 

Scotland census record, 1911 (page 2)

A daughter they named Georgina Wark Braidwood Durie was born on April 5, 1912 in the Stewartville Street home in Partick. John worked as a ship joiner (journeyman). It appears John and Annie honored two family members when they named their daughter. “Georgina Wark” was the daughter of John’s sister Mary Durie Wark and “Braidwood” was the maiden name of John’s mother, Jane Liddell Braidwood.

Georgina Wark Braidwood Durie birth record

The Durie family still lived in the Stewartville Street home in Partick in 1921. Thomas was enumerated as “Tom” and Georgina as “Ina. This census record tells me there were three rooms in the home. John worked as a joiner in the shipyard and both Thomas and Georgina were scholars.

Scotland census record, 1921

John died at the age of 66 on December 11, 1928 from an intestinal obstruction and cardiac failure at the Western Infirmary in Hillhead, Glasgow, Scotland. He was buried on December 14 in Lair 384 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

John Durie death record

John’s second wife Annie Callen Barrie Durie lived to be 90 years of age. She died on May 24, 1963 of a coronary thrombosis/broncho pneumonia in Provan, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Note: click images to enlarge.

References

• Andrina Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5442, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Annie C. Barrie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/10 993, National Records of Scotland, 1907.
• Annie Callen Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 595, National Records of Scotland, 1963.
• Catherine McFarlane Durie, Statutory Registers Births 646/3 323, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Catherine McFarlane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 646/3 157, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Gastroenteritis; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenteritis. 
• Georgina Wark Braidwood Durie, Statutory Registers Births 646/3 627, National Records of Scotland, 1912.
• James and Jane Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, daily interment books, December 1897–August 1912.
• James Durie, Census 644/147/15, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• James Durie, Census 644/555/7, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 148, National Records of Scotland, 1883.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 734, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 881, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Jane Frew Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, daily interment books, July 1878–December 1885.
• Jane Frew Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 1650, National Records of Scotland, 1884.
• Jane Frew Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/8 660, National Records of Scotland, 1885.
• John Durie, Census 644/1013/10, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• John Durie, Census 644/1017/3, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• John Durie, Census 644/12 41/7, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• John Durie, Census 644/1241/7, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• John Durie, Census 644/69/19, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• John Durie, Census 646/321/14, National Records of Scotland, 1911.
• John Durie, Census 681/1/12, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• John Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, daily interment books, August 1912–February 1944.
• John Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/12 1137, National Records of Scotland, 1928.
• John Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 646/322, National Records of Scotland, 1882.
• Thomas Barrie Durie, Statutory Registers Births 646/3 278, National Records of Scotland, 1910. 

Patience, Ella, Walton, Daniel, Mary, and Eugene—property of the estate of Sarah Rowland

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

The Greenesboro Weekly Gazette, Greensboro, Georgia, December 18, 1858

Executor’s Sale.

State of Georgia, Greene County. By virtue of an order from the Court of Ordinary of Greene county, Georgia, will be sold to the highest bidder, before the Court-house door in the City of Greenesboro’, on the first Tuesday in February eighteen hundred and fifty-nine, within the legal hours of sale, the following named negroes, to wit:

Patience, about twenty-eight years of age, and her three children, Ella, about twelve years of age, Walton, about eight years of age, and Daniel, about four years of age; Mary, about twenty years of age, and her child, Eugene, about three years of age, Property belonging to the estate of Sarah Rowland, late of said county deceased. Sold for the benefit of the heirs and creditors of said deceased—Terms of sale—Cash.

GOODWIN T. MYRICK, WILLIAM DAVIS, Ex’rs.

December 18th, 1848–tds.

Reference

• Executor’s Sale, The Greenesboro Weekly Gazette, Greensboro, Georgia, December 18, 1858.

Elizabeth Durie Athya

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Durie Athya, daughter of James Wylie Athya and Jemima Durie, was born January 1882 in Liverpool, West Derby, Lancashire, England. My late mother-in-law and her brothers were aware of five Athya siblings—Margaret, Elizabeth, Robert, George, and David—but they believed there may have been as many as 13. I can document 11—James Athya, Jane (Jeanie) Durie Athya, Margaret Wylie Athya, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Durie Athya, a second son named James Athya, Isabella Gilchrist Athya, Robert Durie Athya, John Durie Athya, George Durie Athya, David Durie Athya, and Mary Durie Athya. Elizabeth is my husband’s great-aunt, sister of his grandfather, George Durie Athya. Their nearest common relatives are her parents. 

I now know several children in this family did not survive infancy/childhood so perhaps they were not talked about, having died so young and buried in Scotland. The first known death was Elizabeth’s oldest brother James, born July 1876, before her birth. James died on August 1, 1876 from diarrhea at the age of two weeks. A second brother, also named James, born December 27, 1883 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, died on April 12, 1884 at three months of age from congestion of the lungs. The family lived on Whitehall Street in the District of Anderston, Glasgow at the time.

On November 30, 1886, Elizabeth’s mother submitted an Application for Parochial Relief in the Parish of Cambusnethan, County of Lanarkshire, Scotland. Elizabeth was four years old and the family lived at 5 Reid’s Lane in Wishaw where they had been living for 16 months. Her father had left the home in search of work four days before the application was submitted. Prior to that, they lived at Livingstone’s Square, Hill Street for four months. 

Application for Parochial Relief

Another loss to the family took place on September 19, 1888 in the village of Cambusnethan, Wishaw, Scotland when Elizabeth’s 10-year-old sister Jane (Jeanie) died from scarlatina. Her brother Robert was just eight days old at the time. 

When the Scotland census was taken in 1891, the Athya family lived in the village of Mossend, Parish of Bothwell in northeast Lanarkshire. Elizabeth’s father worked as a joiner, her mother Jemima was a housewife, and Elizabeth and sisters Margaret and Isabella were scholars. 

Athya family in the 1891 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

Elizabeth’s brother John, born September 1, 1890 in Mossend, died on October 5, 1891 of gastro intestinal illness. 

Elizabeth was living and working as a domestic servant in the Bothwell home of widower Samuel Laurie in 1901. Her sister Margaret was enumerated as a visitor in the home on the census record, also working as a domestic servant. William Laurie, the 26-year-old grandson of Samuel, lived in the home as well. He worked as a steel worker. 

Elizabeth and her sister Margaret in the 1901 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

Elizabeth’s 17-year-old sister Isabella died of cardiac disease on June 21, 1902. The family lived at 135 Campsie Street in Dennistoun, Lanark, Glasgow, Scotland at the time. Elizabeth’s 5-year-old sister Mary died on August 28, 1902 following a 10-day bout with tuberculosis meningitis. Both Isabella and Mary were buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow. 

At the age of 23, Elizabeth married Alexander “Alex” Anderson, son of William Anderson and Helen Hamilton, on April 28, 1905 after banns according to the forms of the Church of Scotland in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland. The marriage record shows that she was still working as a domestic servant and Alexander a blacksmith (journeyman). Elizabeth’s usual residence was Stewarton Drive in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, Scotland; Alexander’s West Greenlees, Cambuslang. Elizabeth’s father worked as a wagon builder; Alexander’s father worked as a superintendent at water works, his mother Helen was deceased. They were married by Gavin Warnock, a minister of Bellshill. Witnesses were James Caldwille and Jeanie Glaso.

Marriage record for Elizabeth and Alexander Anderson (click to enlarge)

Elizabeth and Alex had at least seven children—Jemina Athya Anderson (1905), Helen Hamilton Anderson (1907), Alexander Athya (1910), James Athya Anderson (1912), Mary Brown Anderson (1914), Janet Lambie Anderson (1917), and Elizabeth Athya Anderson (1919).

In 1911, the Anderson family lived in the Special Drainage District of Rutherglen, Scotland. Alex was working as a blacksmith, specifically doing tube work. The census enumerator noted that Elizabeth had given birth to three children, all of which were living. He then listed the children as Minnie (age 5), Nellie (age 3), and Alexander (age 1). It appears that Elizabeth and Alex’s second daughter Helen went by the nickname Nellie as that is how she was enumerated. I checked birth records for a Nellie Anderson and did not find one. I did find birth records for all of Elizabeth’s other children. 

 

Anderson family in the 1911 Scotland census (click images to enlarge)

Elizabeth’s father James died of gastro-intestinal cancer in Garngadhill, Lanark, Scotland on August 12, 1913. He was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

World War I began in July 1914 and three of Elizabeth’s brothers went off to war—Robert, George, and David. 

Chalk drawing of George, David, and Robert Athya

Sadly, David was killed in action on May 10, 1915 at France & Flanders. Family lore is that he was most likely killed during the second Battle for Ypres, standing in a Belgium trench between his brothers Robert and George but we have no proof of that. The Evening Times Roll of Honour published the following story and photo:

Official word has been received by Mrs. J. Athya, 8 Garngad Road, Glasgow, that her son, Private David Athya, 2nd Battalion H.L.I., was killed in action in France on May 10. Deceased enlisted when the war broke out. Previous to that he was employed in Messrs Stewart and Lloyds. Other sons are in the firing line.

Credit: Evening Times Roll of Honour and The Mitchell Library, Glasgow, Scotland

It is unknown where David is buried but his name is inscribed at the Le Touret Memorial in Pas de Calais, France. 

When Elizabeth’s brother George was discharged from military service in 1919, he listed his address as 1 Barnflat Street in Farme Cross, Rutherglen, Glasgow. 

George Athya's military discharge (cropped image - click to enlarge) 

As you can see in the 1921 Scotland census record below, the Anderson family lived at the same address in 1921. Elizabeth’s husband Alex worked as a blacksmith/tube maker at Stewarts and Lloyds, a steel and iron tube manufacturer in Glasgow. Her brother David worked at Stewarts and Lloyds prior to the war. Elizabeth’s oldest sister Jemina, enumerated as Minnie, worked as a carpet weaver at Templeton’s Weaving Factory. Elizabeth and the rest of her siblings were enumerated as scholars.

 

Anderson family in the 1921 Scotland census (click images to enlarge)

Elizabeth’s mother Jemima died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Scotland on November 19, 1925. She was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery along with other family members.

When Elizabeth’s brother Robert immigrated to America aboard the S.S. Transylvania in June 1930, he listed his sister, Mrs. Lizzie Anderson of 1 Barnflat Street, Rutherglen, as the nearest relative or blood in the country he came from.

At the age of 60, Elizabeth suffered from cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder) for three months prior to her death due to cardiac failure at the Royal Infirmary in Townhead, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on August 30, 1942. Her final resting place is currently unknown to me.

References

• Alexander Anderson, Statutory Registers Births 627/146, National Records of Scotland, 1874.
• Civil Parish of Rutherglen - Landward, Rutherglen, Scotland Census, 1911.
• Civil Parish of Rutherglen, Parish Ward of Farme, Rutherglen, Scotland Census, 1921.
• David Athya, Statutory Registers Births 625/3 157, National Records of Scotland, 1894.
• Elizabeth Anderson, Statutory Registers Death 644/6 1019, National Records of Scotland, 1942.
• Elizabeth Athya, England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837–1915.
• Evening Times Roll of Honour and The Mitchell Library, Glasgow, Scotland.
• George Athya, UK, WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914–1923.
• George Durie Athya, Statutory Registers Births 625/1 452, National Records of Scotland, 1892.
• Isabella Gilchrist Athya, Statutory Registers Births 628/302, National Records of Scotland, 1885.
• Isabella Gilchrist Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/3 1402, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• James Athya, Register of Interments, Southern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, 1913.
• James Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 75, National Records of Scotland, 1884.
• James Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 246, National Records of Scotland, 1884.
• James Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 418, National Records of Scotland, 1913.
• James Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/7 538, National Records of Scotland, 1876.
• Jane Durie Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/12 604, National Records of Scotland, 1878.
• Jeanie Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 628/294, National Records of Scotland, 1888.
• Jemima Athya, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, Poor Law Applications and Registers, 1849–1917.
• Jemima Athya, Register of Interments, Southern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, 1925.
• Jemima Athya, Scotland Census 625/1 13/27, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Jemima Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/4 1426, National Records of Scotland, 1925.
• John Durie Athya, Statutory Registers Births 625/1 530, National Records of Scotland, 1890.
• John Durie Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 625/1 309, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Lizzie Athya, Scotland Census 625/38/13, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Margaret Close, Union Cemetery Association Interment Directory.
• Maria Durie Athya, Statutory Registers Births 625/3 376, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• Mary Durie Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/3 1369, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• Robert Athya, S.S. Transylvania, List or Manifest of Alien Passengers for the United States Immigration Officer at Port of Arrival, June 6, 1930. 
• Robert Durie Athya, Statutory Registers Births 628/557, National Records of Scotland, 1888.
• Stewarts and Lloyds's Year, The Guardian, London, England, March 12, 1921. 

Milus (Miles) and John (Ike), property of W. F. Luckey

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

The Greenesboro Weekly Gazette, Greensboro, Georgia, December 11, 1858

$40 Reward.

Runaway from the subscriber, two negroes named Milus and John. Milus is about 30 years old, medium hight [sic], weighs about 130 pounds, very black, teeth unsound, slow spoken, never looks a man in the face. John is about 30 years of age, dark complexion, weighs about 160 pounds, slow spoken. I will give the above reward to any one who will bring them to me, or lodge them in any safe jail so that I can get them—or will give one hundred dollars reward for proof to convict any white man who is harboring them.

W. F. LUCKEY

White Plains, Ga., Dec. 11-3t.

The same notice ran the following week; however, the names were different. Instead of Milus, it was Miles. John was now Ike. I assume in both cases; they are the same slave.

The Greenesboro Weekly Gazette, Greensboro, Georgia, December 18, 1858

$40 Reward.

Runaway from the subscriber, two negroes named Miles and Ike. Miles is about 30 years old, medium hight [sic], weighs about 130 pounds, very black, teeth unsound, slow spoken, never looks a man in the face. Ike is about 30 years of age, dark complexion, weighs about 160 pounds, slow spoken. I will give the above reward to any one who will bring them to me, or lodge them in any safe jail so that I can get them—or will give one hundred dollars reward for proof to convict any white man who is harboring them.

W. F. LUCKEY

White Plains, Ga., Dec. 11-3t.

References

• $40 Reward, The Greenesboro Weekly Gazette, Greensboro, Georgia, December 11 and 18, 1858. 

Curtis Lankford – evicted from Penfield property

Today I share another court record found within the unindexed images posted on the Family Search website. Curtis is the son of Charles L. Lankford and Miss Moore and the brother of my 3rd great grandfather, James Meriweather Lankford. Curtis was born February 4, 1828 in Jackson County, Georgia and died on June 13, 1887 in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia. 

Proceedings of Greene Superior Court
Michael Gain vs. Curtis Lankford: Possession Warrant

Georgia, Greene County. Personally came before me James W. Godkin, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Michael Gain, and he being duly sworn saith that he through his agent Simeon T. Peek did rent a lot of his in the Village of Penfield by the month at four dollars per month for the year 1862 to Curtis Lankford, that said Curtis Lankford’s rent expired on the 31st of Dec. 1862, and that said Curtis Lankford still holds possession of said lot and deponent further saith that he demanded possession of said tenant Curtis Lankford on the 24th Inst. and that said Curtis Lankford refused to give him possession. Sworn to before me this 30th day of Jany. 1863. J. W. Godkin, J.P.

Michael Gain

Georgia, Greene County. To the sheriff of said county or his deputy. Greeting, you are hereby commanded and required to deliver to Michael Gain the owner of a lot in the Village of Penfield, possession of said lot by removing from said premises the tenant Curtis Lankford with his property if found thereon away from said premises. Given under my hand and seal this 30th day of Jany. 1863. J. W. Godkin, J.P.

Curtis C. Lankford, the within named Tenant has made and delivered to me a counter affidavit which together with this warrant is this day returned by me to court. Feby. 7th, 1863. John D. English, Sheriff

State of Georgia, Greene County. Before the undersigned personally came Curtis C. Lankford, who on oath declares that his term of rent of a house and lot of land in or near Penfield in said county and state from one Michael Gain has not expired, and that he is not holding possession of the premises over and beyond his term of rent; this his term of rent does not expire until the thirty-first day of December eighteen hundred and sixty three, he deponent having rented said house and lot from the said Michael Gain for the year eighteen hundred and sixty three. Curtis [his mark] C. Lankford

Sworn to and subscribed before me by deponent making his mark this 4th day of February 1863. W. G. Johnson, J.I.C.

We the jury find the issue in favor of the plaintiff and find for the plaintiff one hundred and eighty-five dollars for his rent from 1st Jany. 1863 to 10th September 1866. James G. Ingram, Foreman

Whereupon it is considered and adjudged by the court that the plff. do recover of the defendant the sum of one hundred and eighty-five dollars for his principal and [blank] dollars cash in this behalf responded. Judgement signed Sept. 10th, 1866. James, L. Brown, Plffs. Atty.

Michael Gain vs. Curtis Lankford
Writ of Possession, Greene Superior Court, March Term 1866.

Upon hearing the foregoing case it is ordered by the court that the plaintiff Michael Gain have a writ of possession and that the clerk do issue a writ of possession in his favor and be by the Sheriff of Greene County placed in full possession of said premises.

Sept. 11, 1866.
Recorded this 4th day of October 1866. Isaac R. Hall, Clerk

It seems like a long gap for the courts to react—going from 1862 to 1866—but who am I to judge.

Note: Click on images to enlarge.

References

Greene, Special Proceedings Records 1860–1866, 1866–1870, image 214; https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3M5-L3NS-V?view=explore&groupId=TH-909-81741-95149-73. 

Letha, property of Jesse Finch

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

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

Greene Sheriff’s Sale.

Will be sold before the court-house door in the City of Greenesboro’, on the first Tuesday in February next within the legal hours of sale the following property to-wit:—One negro woman by the name of Letha, as the property of Jesse J. Finch, to satisfy a Justice Court fi fa, in favor of E. C. Shackelford. Levied on by James Brooks Constable. 

T. F. Foster, D. Sheriff.

Greenesboro’, Dec. 10th 1857.

Reference

• Greene Sheriff’s Sale, The Georgia Temperance Crusader, Penfield, Georgia, January 21, 1858. 

William Henry 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.

William “Henry” Arthur, son of George Hugh Arthur and Mary Caroline Johnson, was born on August 29, 1879 in Georgia. He was the 3rd child of 10—Mattie Ellen Arthur, Anna Belle Arthur, William Henry Arthur, Sarah Elizabeth “Bessie” Arthur, Julia Agnes Arthur, John Gordon Arthur, Maggie Love Arthur, Mary Frances Arthur, Mamie Arthur, and Georgia Lucile Arthur. 

Photo from Rebecca Brightwell

Henry's connection to me is the father-in-law of niece of husband of 2nd great-aunt. We have no common relative. You can see how distant the connection is below, but there is a connection. Carroll H. Lankford is my grandfather.

On June 5, 1880, Henry lived with his family in the 138th district of Greene County, Georgia. His father worked as a farmer while his mother kept house. At eight months of age, Henry was enumerated as “Infant” Arthur. The other child in the home was his four-year-old sister, Anna Belle Arthur. Henry’s maternal grandmother, Ellen C. (Hogg) Johnson, lived in the home. His maternal great grandfather (Ellen’s father), Hugh Hogg, lived next door with Henry’s aunt Margaret Hogg. Henry’s uncle James T. Arthur lived next door to the Hogg family.

Henry’s sister Mary, born November 2, 1893, died in infancy. In late April 1895, his sister Mamie died, and his mother fell sick. The Oglethorpe Echo published the following news:

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. Father, mother, brothers, and sister, you have this consolation. She’s not dead but only crossed the river. Gone to her eternal home amid the skies to be with the angels there and walk forevermore the golden streets in paradise.

On June 7, 1900, the Arthur family lived in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Henry and his father were farmers. Siblings Julia, John, and Maggie all attended school. The census enumerator noted that Henry’s mother had 10 children, 8 of which were living. Henry’s widowed grandmother Caroline Johnson still lived with the family. 

Henry married Mattie Belle Moore, daughter of George William Moore and Margaret E. Hogg, in Polk County, Georgia in a ceremony performed by a minister named G. B. Bowman on December 31, 1902. 

Marriage certificate from Polk County, Georgia

Henry and Mattie had eight children together—Mary Arthur, George Hugh Arthur, Emily E. Arthur, Sue Belle Arthur, Nellie Arthur, Frances Arthur, William Arthur, and Roy Mell Arthur. 

From the Oglethorpe Echo, I learned that Henry had hogs on his farm. The newspaper published the following in the Bairdstown news section on October 9, 1903:

—Mr. Henry Arthur, near here, lost three nice hogs last Tuesday night.

On April 15, 1910, the Arthur family lived on a rented farm located on Lexington Road in Bairdstown. Henry worked as a farmer on a general farm. His wife Mattie was enumerated as having had five children, all of which were living. His brother John, enumerated as Johnnie, also lived in the home. 

Henry’s mother, Mary, died suddenly on October 20, 1915. The Oglethorpe Echo reported her death on October 22:

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 at Bairds church, of which she was a member, yesterday.

Henry registered for the World War I draft in Oglethorpe County on September 12, 1918. At the time, he lived in the Stephens community. He listed his wife (Mrs. W. H. Arthur) as the nearest relative. Henry worked as a farmer for John W. Moody. He was of medium height and build, had gray eyes, and dark hair.

Henry's World War I registration card

On January 2, 1920, the Arthur family lived in the town of Maxeys in the Falling Creek district of Oglethorpe County. All eight children were living in the home, ranging in age from 16 to 5. Henry worked as a farmer on a general farm. His son Hugh worked as a farm laborer on a home farm. Everyone except Frances (8), William (7) and Roy (5) were able to read and write.

Henry’s wife Mattie died suddenly in Maxeys on December 30, 1922, one day before their 20th wedding anniversary. She was buried on New Year’s Eve at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown. Henry’s father, George, died suddenly on September 20, 1924 in Maxeys. The Oglethorpe Echo reported the news of his death 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 ongoing 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. 

George was buried beside his wife at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown.

Henry died in Oglethorpe County on December 2, 1925. The Oglethorpe Echo published 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 for appendicitis. He leaves a large family of children to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

Henry was buried beside his wife Mattie at Bairdstown Cemetery on December 3. 

Some years ago, another researcher shared the photo below with me and several others working on common ancestors.

He also shared his best guess of who the people in the photo are, per below: 

Right to left: Hugh Arthur, Raleigh George, Emily Arthur, E.C.?, W.A. (believed to be William Arthur – Emily and Hugh’s brother), Sue Bell Arthur?, B.J.?, and Frank Bramblett. E.C. may be one of the Cabiness girls from around Maxeys.

If you rotate the photo, it appears to read Frank Arthur on the left edge. I do not yet have anyone named Frank Arthur in my database so if that is the case, I do not know who he is. But, Hugh, Emily, William, and Sue (if he's correct), would be Henry’s children. If you can identify anyone in the photo, I would love to hear from you.

 
References

• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, April 26, 1895, May 3, 1895, and October 9, 1903.
• Death of George H. Arthur, The Oglethorpe Echo, September 26, 1924.
• Death of Mrs. George Arthur, The Oglethorpe Echo, October 22, 1915.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24210892/george-william-moore: accessed 05 May 2023), memorial page for George William Moore (28 Jul 1851–29 May 1927), Find a Grave Memorial ID 24210892, citing Lime Branch Cemetery, Polk County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Áine Ní Donnghaile (contributor 47214861).
• Mattie Bell Arthur, Standard Certificate of Death no. 33357, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Personal visit to Bairdstown Cemetery, Denise Murphy.
• U.S. Federal Census, Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1900, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Falling Creek, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1920.
• W. H. Arthur and Mattie Belle Moore, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.