John E. Dove

John E. Dove, son of Robert “Henderson” Dove and Cynthia Saylors, was born in Anderson, Anderson County, South Carolina on January 22, 1847. Unlike many families of this time, the Dove family was small with only two children—John E. Dove and William Pinkney Dove. John is my 2nd great grandfather, with our nearest common relative being Cornelia Jane “Janie” Dove, my great grandmother.

On July 2, 1850, the Dove family lived in the Eastern Subdivision of Anderson County. John’s father Henderson worked as a laborer. Both of his parents were enumerated as 23 years old; John was 2, and his brother William four months old. The David Dove family, John’s uncle, lived two houses away and consisted of David, his wife Elizabeth, and sons Abram, John, and James.

On July 6, 1860, the Dove family lived in the Fourth Regiment of Anderson County. In this census record, John’s father was enumerated as 30 years old while his mother as 35 years old. His father worked as a day laborer. On July 20, 1861, shortly after the Civil War began, John’s father enlisted at Camp Pickens with Captain John B. Moore’s Company, Orr’s Infantry Regiment, South Carolina Rifles. Henderson served until the end of the war but was at home on a sick furlough when the May 1865 surrender at Appomattox Court House took place.

John married Eliza “Amanda” Holland, daughter of John Holland and Elizabeth Hutchinson Majors, in Anderson County most likely in the late 1860s. They had six children together—John William Dove, Carrie Ann Dove, Cornelia Jane “Janie” Dove, Elizabeth A. Dove, Sallie M. Dove, and an unknown child.

John was listed on the Militia Enrollments Roll of Citizens for the Martin Township in Anderson County in 1869. 

On July 23, 1870, the Dove family lived next door to John’s parents in the Martin Township of Anderson County. John worked as a farm laborer and had a personal estate valued at $200. Amanda was enumerated as “Manda” with the occupation of “keeping house.” Their son John was 10 months old. John’s 20-year-old brother William lived in the home and worked as a farm laborer. Neither John or William could read or write. John’s farm consisted of 20 acres of improved land, valued at $300. He had 10 pieces of farm implements/machinery. John had one horse, one milch cow, and three pigs, all together valued at $115. His farm produced 20 bushels of wheat in the spring of 1870, 100 bushels of Indian corn, and two bales of cotton, each weighing 150 pounds. His cows produced enough milk to make 50 pounds of butter. The value of animals slaughtered or sold to slaughter was $20 and the estimated value of all farm production including betterments and addition to stock was $422.

I have been unable to find John and Amanda in the 1880 census. I did, however, find their 10-year-old son John William Dove on June 10, 1880 living with his grandparents, Henderson and Cynthia Dove, in the Broadway Township of Anderson County. I have been told John deserted his family and Amanda took the family to Demorest, Georgia where she did laundry work to support her children but I am unable to prove that. If true, perhaps it happened before 1880. I find no record for the unknown child other than the 1900 census record that shows Amanda had six children, five of which were living, so have no idea when it was born or died. The youngest child, Sallie was born in 1877 so the marriage most likely ended between 1877 and 1880. I did find Amanda listed in the 1881 Rays District, Hart County, Georgia property tax digests. I also found John’s father Henderson but unlike the 1870 agricultural schedule, John was not listed next to his father in the record.

John married Sarah “Sallie” A. Fields, daughter of Joseph Fields and Angeline Powell about 1882. I do not know if John and Sallie were married in South Carolina or Georgia. Together they had five children—Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dove, Walter David Dove, Albert Clifford “Cliff” Dove, Joseph “Joe” H. Dove, and one unknown.

At some point, the family moved to the Shelterville District of Milton County, Georgia where I found John enumerated on the 1890 Georgia U.S. Property Tax Digest. The value of John’s household furnishings and his property were $10 each. He paid a $1 tax on polls.

John’s parents moved to Hart County, Georgia about 1895. When his father Henderson submitted an Indigent Pension application in 1895, he stated that he was partly supported by his kin, friends, and himself in 1893 and 1894. He furthered stated that he had no family living with him but did have two sons ages 47 and 45 who have no means to support him except by daily labor. Henderson died at the age of 72 in the town of Bowersville on February 6, 1899. He was buried in an unmarked grave at Redwine United Methodist Church Cemetery in Hart County, Georgia. The date of death is not known for John’s mother Cynthia but her Find A Grave memorial states that it is believed she too is buried in an unmarked grave at Redwine United Methodist Church Cemetery.

On June 4, 1900, John, Sallie, and their children lived in the Old First Militia District in Milton County, Georgia. John was enumerated as 50 years old, born in January 1850. He and Sallie had been married for 18 years. Sallie was enumerated as having have five children, four of which were living. John worked as a farmer and owned his home. Except for Elizabeth, everyone could write but not read. 

When John’s mother submitted a Widow’s Confederate Pension Application in 1901, she stated that she had no family and was supported by the county to help her live.

On May 2, 1910, John, Sallie, and sons John and Clifford (enumerated as Albert) lived on a rented farm in the First District of Milton County. In this record, both John and Sallie were enumerated as being married once (M1), which we know is incorrect for John. Sallie again was enumerated as having had five children, four of which were living. They had been married for 29 years. John worked as a general farmer, while the others in the home worked as a farm laborer on a home farm. This time, the census enumerator noted that no one in the home could write and only Clifford was able to read. 

On January 2, 1920, John, Sallie, son Clifford, daughter Elizabeth (Ingram), and granddaughter Dora Ingram (enumerated as Danah Ingram) lived together on B Street in Anderson. John and Clifford worked as laborers in a cotton mill. No one in the home was able to read or write. Elizabeth was enumerated as Lizzie and a widow; her daughter only nine months old. Elizabeth’s husband died in 1979 so was still living in 1920. It is unknown why Elizabeth was enumerated as widowed in this case. I have been unable to find John Ingram in the 1920 census. John, Sallie, and Clifford were still living together in 1925 but had moved to 124 Quinn Street in Anderson. Clifford, recorded as Clifton in the 1925 Anderson city directory had married and his wife Lena lived in the home. Both John and Clifford worked at Brogon Mills, a textile mill in Anderson. Elizabeth and her husband John had moved to a home on Second Avenue in Anderson.

John’s first wife Amanda died on November 5, 1920 at the Royston, Franklin County, Georgia home of their son John W. Dove and his wife Peg. She was buried in an unmarked grave at Redwine United Methodist Church Cemetery. His sister Carrie (Dove) Starrett died in Cass County, Texas sometime in 1921. She was buried at Turkey Creek Cemetery in Hughes Springs in Cass County. John’s brother William died from endocarditis in Anderson on February 19, 1923. He was buried at Redwine United Methodist Church Cemetery in Hart County, Georgia. 

John died at home in Anderson on October 10, 1926 from cardio-renal disease. His physician had attended him from September 17 – October 9, 1926 with the last date seen being October 9. He was 79 years old at the time and still farming. His death certificate shows that he was married. John was buried on October 11 at the City Cemetery in Anderson, also known as Silver Brook Cemetery, following a service at the McDougald-Bleckley Funeral Home chapel. The informant was J. B. Ingram of Anderson. 

The obituary published by The Greenville News in Greenville, South Carolina stated that he was a “well known resident of this city.” John was survived by his wife, a daughter, and four sons. His wife Sallie, who passed away in 1956, lived to the age of 96. She was survived by three of their children, 28 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. 

Sallie’s obituary states that John was a veteran of the Confederate War but I find no record to prove that, nor does his tombstone reflect that.

References

• Albert Clifford Dove, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
• Amanda E. Dove, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, Hart County, 1881-1887.
• Anderson, South Carolina, City Directory, 1925.
• Cynthia Dove, Georgia, U.S., Confederate Pension Applications, 1879-1960.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52975242/cynthia-dove: accessed 9 July 2023), memorial page for Cynthia Saylors Dove (1827–unknown), Find a Grave Memorial ID 52975242, citing Redwine United Methodist Church Cemetery, Hart County, Georgia, USA; maintained by J_Dove222 (contributor 47120137).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47107114/william-pinkney-dove: accessed 9 July 2023), memorial page for William Pinkney Dove (Mar 1848–19 Feb 1923), Find a Grave Memorial ID 47107114, citing Redwine United Methodist Church Cemetery, Hart County, Georgia, USA; maintained by J_Dove222 (contributor 47120137).
• From WFT Dove Family according to J. B. Dove as told to Donald Dove, 1992.
• Henderson Dove obituary, The Anderson Intelligencer, Anderson Court House, South Carolina, February 15, 1899.
• J. E. Dove, U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1870.
• J. H. Dove, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857-1933.
• John Dove (1926), South Carolina Death Records, 1821-1955.
• John Dove, Anderson, Is Laid to Rest, The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina, October 12, 1926.
• John E. Dove, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892.
• John Ingram obituary, Anderson Independent, Anderson, South Carolina, July 8, 1979.
• Joseph Fields, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828-1978.
• Joseph H. Dove obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 14, 1931.
• Mrs. Dove, Anderson, 96, Dies, The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina, January 9, 1956.
• Mrs. J. B. Ingram, The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina, July 15, 1974.
• Robert H. Dove, U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865.
• U.S. Federal Census, Anderson Ward 6, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Broadway Township, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Eastern Subdivision, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Martin Township, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Militia District 842, Milton County, Georgia, 1900, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Regiment 4, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1860.
• W. P. Dove, Certificate of Death 1899, State of Carolina, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1923.
• Walter David Dove obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, April 30, 1966. 

Henry, boy for hire, property of Lemuel Greene

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

Proceedings of Superior Court of Greene
No. (11) Greene Superior Court, March Term 1857
Augustine F. Greene, Admr. Vs. William A. Lankford and Joel G. Hobbs – Complaint
$105.00

On or by the 25th of December next we promise to pay to A. F. Greene Admr. of Lemuel Greene or bearer one hundred and five dollars for hire of boy, Henry, and give him three suits of good clothes, one pair of shoes, hat, and blanket. 

William A. Lankford [his mark]
J. G. Hobbs, Security [his mark]
Value received January 1st 1856
Test.
John W. Lankford

Georgia, Greene County – To the Superior Court of Said County. The petition of Augustine F. Greene Administrator upon the estate of Lemuel Greene deceased who being here to Court his letters of Administration and makes profert of the same showeth that William A. Lankford as principal and Joel G. Hobbs as Security both of said County are indebted to him in the sum of one hundred and five dollars besides interest on a promissory note dated January the first Eighteen Hundred and fifty six and due on or by the twenty first day of December next ensuring the date of said note which said promissory Note the said William A. Lankford as Principal and Joel G. Hobbs as Security, refuses to pay. Wherefore your petitioner prays process may issue requiring the said William A. Lankford as principal and Joel G. Hobbs as Security to be and appear at the next Superior Court for said County to answer your petitioners complaint.

Philip B. Robinson, Plff. Atty.

Georgia – To the Sheriff of Greene County, Greeting
Augustine F. Greene, Admr. Vs. William A. Lankford and Joel G. Hobbs, Security – Complaint.
The Defendants are 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 Complaint as in default thereof the said Court will proceed as to Justice Shall appertain.

Witness the Honorable Robert V. Hardeman, Judge of Said Court this 9th day of February 1857.
Vincent Sanford, Clerk
I acknowledge due and legal Service of the within and give copy and process 17th February 1857.
W. A. Lankford [his mark]
Personally served Joel G. Hobbs with a copy of the within writ February 20th, 1857.
T. F. Foster, D. Sheriff

March Term 1857 Default
September Term 1857 Judgment Confessed
We confess judgment to the Plaintiff for the sum of one Hundred and five Dollars principal debt the sum of Five Dollars and Eighty nine cents interest and the cost of suit.

Cone & Fuller, Defs. Atty.

Whereupon it is considered and adjudged by the Court that the Plaintiff as Administrator upon the Estate of Lemuel Greene deceased do recover against the Defendants the sum of one Hundred and five Dollars for his principal Debt the sum of five Dollars and Eighty nine cents Interest and the Sum of [blank] for his costs of suit in this behalf laid out and expended Judgment Signed September 19th 1857.

Philip B. Robinson Plff. Atty.
Recorded this 28th day of October 1857.
Vincent Sanford, Clerk 

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Superior Court, Special Proceedings Records 1856–1858, image 194 of 336; (free registration required) https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3M5-2STV-D?view=explore&groupId=TH-909-81740-77180-75.

Susan Capers Briscoe

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.

Susan “Susie” Capers Briscoe, daughter of Ralph Briscoe and Sarah Dougherty, was born in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia on December 7, 1850. The Briscoe family had at least nine children with Susan being the youngest. The others were William J. Briscoe, John P. Briscoe, Nancy C. Briscoe, Egbert B. Briscoe, Mary Catherine Briscoe, Lucius J. Briscoe, Martha M. Briscoe, and Sarah H. Briscoe. Susan is the wife of my 2nd cousin 4x removed, Joseph T. Davison. We have no common relative. The majority of records I found listed her as Susie so I’ll do the same here.

In 1850, Susie’s father Ralph was a farmer with real estate valued at $5000. The census slave schedule shows that Ralph owned 24 slaves. Her four oldest siblings were attending school.

On June 14, 1860, the Briscoe family lived in the Northern Division of Walton County. Her father, still a farmer, was quite wealthy now with real estate valued at $8960 and a personal estate of $20,550. The census slave schedule shows that Ralph owned 22 slaves. Six children were still at home—John, Egbert, Lucius, Martha, Sarah, and Susan. Lucius, Martha, and Sarah were the only children attending school.

On August 17, 1870, the Briscoe family lived in Monroe (Subdivision 129) in Walton County. Susie was 18 years old and at home, helping her mother keep house, as was her sister Martha, enumerated as Mattie. Susie’s father, at age 72, had lost much of his wealth, now with real estate valued at $2800 and a personal estate of $1000. They did have a black female named Lucy Briscoe, age 47, living in the home and working as a domestic servant. The census taker noted that Lucy had attended school within the year and was unable to read.

Susie married Joseph T. Davison, son of James McCluney Davison Sr. and Mary Ann Southerland about 1874, most likely in Greene County, Georgia. They had at least five children—Mary Daisy Davison, Joseph Briscoe Davison, Sarah Elizabeth Davison, Ralph Cleveland Davison, and Evelyn Capers Davison.

On June 14, 1880, Susie, her husband Joe, and children Mary and Joseph lived in District 138 of Greene County, Georgia. Susie was a housekeeper and her husband a postmaster. There were three black servants living in the home with them—Eliza Bearer (age 22, cook), Henry Towns (age 30, laborer), and Jordon Raiden (age 60, laborer).

Susie’s father Ralph died in Walton County on March 28, 1881. He was buried at Rest Haven Cemetery in the city of Monroe in Walton County. In his will, her father left her $1500 in money or good notes in lieu of 150 acres of land that had been otherwise disposed of. He also left her one cow and its increase and all the household and kitchen furniture in her possession at the time of his death. Ralph wrote a codicil to his will before he died in which he stated “I desire that item 2nd of said will remain unchanged except as to the money which has been paid to my daughter Susie C. Davison mentioned in said item for which I hold her receipt amounting to $500 to this date.”

Susie’s daughter Daisy contracted dysentery in the spring of 1887 and died on May 4, 1887 at age 12 in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. Just eight days after Daisy’s death, Susie’s husband Joseph, who also suffered from dysentery, died on May 12, 1887 in Woodville at the age of 45. Both were buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. The Atlanta Constitution published the following on May 4, 1887:

Woodville, Ga., May 3.—[Special.]—There seems to be an epidemic of dysentery struck this little town, and many cases proving fatal. Among the afflicted are the families of Colonel Joe Davison’s, our worthy postmaster, railroad and express agent, and Arch Ages’s, the latter having already lost two children, and has four very low.

The Atlanta Constitution reported Daisy’s death on May 5, 1887 and Joseph’s on May 14, 1887:

Death of Miss Daisie Davison. Woodville, Ga., May 4.—[Special—Colonel and Mrs. James Davison lost their elder daughter, Miss Daisy, aged about thirteen years this morning, at 4 o’clock, with dysentery. The funeral services will take place at their residence tomorrow at 9 o’clock, conducted by Rev. M. W. Arnold, of Harwood, Ga., after which her remains will be taken to Bairdstown, Ga., for interment.

Death of Colonel Davison. Woodville, Ga., May 13.—[Special.]—Colo. Joseph Davison, our efficient railroad and express agent and post master, breathed his last at his residence yesterday at 12 o’clock, after a short and serious attack of dysentery. He was in his forty-seventh year, and was one of the best citizens and highly respected by all who knew him.

After Joseph’s death, Susie replaced him as postmaster in Woodville on May 20, 1887. She was replaced by Charles C. Davison on June 6, 1901.

U.S. Postmasters (click to enlarge)

Susie’s mother died in Walton County on October 15, 1888 and was buried beside Susie’s father at Rest Haven Cemetery.

Sometime around 1900, Susie’s son Joe moved to New Orleans to work for the Illinois Central railroad. He returned home on February 20, 1900 to marry Julia M. Young at the Woodville Baptist Church in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. The Atlanta Constitution labeled it as one of the “prettiest weddings of the season.”

On June 5, 1900, a widowed Susie lived in Woodville, along with her daughters Bessie and Evelyn, and son Ralph. There was also a single white female named Hattie H. Thomas living in the home as a boarder. The census records shows that Susie had given birth to seven children, four of which were living. If that is true, I have only been able to document five. Her occupation was enumerated as “capitalist,” a business owner. The three children were all at school and Hattie worked as a school teacher. Susie owned her home, free of mortgage. Everyone in the house could read and write.

Susie married Dr. Peyton Wade Douglas, son of Tillman Douglas and Phoebe Charlton, in Greene County on May 16, 1901 in a service performed by J. M. Brittain, M.G. The marriage was the second for both. Peyton was a veteran of the Civil War (surgeon) and the father of eight children from his first marriage. His wife, Georgia Stanley Douglas, died in 1899.

Susie’s son Robert, married Katie Jean Magill of Greenwood, South Carolina, in Atlanta on August 30, 1908. They kept the marriage secret until October. When the announcement was published in Greenwood’s The Evening Index on October 15, Susie was described as “one of Atlanta’s most estimable ladies, noted for her charming personality and amiable disposition.”

On April 19, 1910, Susie, Peyton, and her daughters Bessie and Evelyn lived on Washington Street in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. In this census record, Susie was enumerated as having had five children, four of which were living, different than what was recorded in 1900 but since I find no records for two additional children, I tend to believe this record is correct. Susie was not working, her husband was a retired physician, and both her daughters were music teachers. They owned their home free and clear. They still lived in the Washington Street home in 1911 according to the Atlanta City Directory. Peyton, now retired at age 73, was a lecturer at the Cyclorama in Grant Park. For those reading that are not from the Atlanta area, “the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum was a Civil War museum located in Atlanta, Georgia. Its most noted attraction was the Atlanta Cyclorama, a cylindrical panoramic painting of the Battle of Atlanta” according to Wikipedia. As a veteran of the Civil War, Peyton was most likely sharing his personal experiences as a surgeon during the war. 

The wedding of Susie’s daughter Evelyn to Ben Hill Cocroft took place at Susie and Peyton’s home on January 24, 1912. The home was “decorated with palms, ferns, pink roses and pink carnations.”

Susie’s son Joseph, a traveling salesman, died at his Augusta Avenue home in Atlanta on October 14, 1913. He was only 36 years old. Joseph was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

About 1919, Susie moved to Miami, Dade County, Florida but it does not appear that Peyton went with her. I found him living with his daughter Rose (Rosa) Robertson and her family in Madison, Morgan County, Georgia in 1920. There was a “W” for widowed in the marital status column on the census form that year. Susie was not living with any of her children and I have been unable to find her living alone.

Peyton died of heart failure on April 28, 1920 at the Madison home of his daughter Rosa. His death certificate shows his wife was “Susie Capers Douglas.” Peyton’s daughter Peytona Douglas was the informant. He was buried at Madison Historic Cemeteries following a funeral service at the Methodist Church in Madison.

In 1921, Susie rented a home at 1764 NE Fourth Avenue in Miami. It appears she lived there until 1928 when she moved to 1770 NE Fourth Avenue in Miami, which was apparently her daughter Evelyn’s home.

On April 21, 1930, Susie (age 79 and widowed) still lived with Evelyn and son-in-law Ben Hill Cocroft at the NE Fourth Avenue home in Miami. Susie’s daughter Bessie also lived there. Ben, a realtor in real estate, was the only person working. Susie, Evelyn, and Ben were still living in the home in 1935. The census record shows that Susie was retired, Evelyn a housewife, and Ben the owner of a real estate company. 

Susie died (age 86) at home in Miami from an organic heart lesion and senility on November 23, 1937, which she had suffered from for some time. A funeral service was held at Combs Chapel in Miami on November 24 and afterwards her family accompanied her body back to Georgia and she was buried in the Davison plot with her first husband at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. She was survived by her children Evelyn, Bessie, and Ralph. Her obituary noted that she “was the oldest member in Trinity Methodist church and active in church and civic work.”

 
References

• An Epidemic of Dysentery, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 4, 1887.
• At Rest at Last, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, June 27, 1890.
• Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Cyclorama_%26_Civil_War_Museum. 
• Davison-Cocroft, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 25, 1912.
• Death of Colonel Davison, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 14, 1887.
• Death of Dr. Douglas, Madisonian, Madison, Georgia, April 30, 1920.
• Death of Miss Daisie Davison, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 5, 1887.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122675067/peyton-wade-douglas: accessed 01 July 2023), memorial page for Dr Peyton Wade Douglas (2 Jun 1838–28 Apr 1920), Find a Grave Memorial ID 122675067, citing Madison Historic Cemeteries, Madison, Morgan County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Joe Stoner (contributor 47793749).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60395210/mary-catherine-nunnally: accessed 01 July 2023), memorial page for Mary Catherine Briscoe Nunnally (6 Sep 1840–12 Nov 1912), Find a Grave Memorial ID 60395210, citing Rest Haven Cemetery, Monroe, Walton County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Bruce C Breedlove (contributor 48853487).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34229924/ralph-briscoe: accessed 01 July 2023), memorial page for Ralph Briscoe (23 Feb 1798–28 Mar 1881), Find a Grave Memorial ID 34229924, citing Rest Haven Cemetery, Monroe, Walton County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Sarah Locklin Taylor (contributor 46921363).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34229940/sarah-briscoe: accessed 01 July 2023), memorial page for Sarah Dougherty Briscoe (3 Jan 1807–15 Oct 1888), Find a Grave Memorial ID 34229940, citing Rest Haven Cemetery, Monroe, Walton County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Sarah Locklin Taylor (contributor 46921363).
• Greene County [news], The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, March 2, 1900.
• J. B. Davison and Miss Julia Young, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 19, 1900.
• Joseph Briscoe Davidson, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933
• Joseph Davison and Susie C. Davison, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.
• Miami, Florida, City Directory, 1921, 1929.
• Miami, Florida, City Directory, 1935.
• Mrs. Susie Douglas Funeral Tomorrow, The Miami News, Miami, Florida, November 23, 1937.
• Personal visit to Bairdstown Cemetery, Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
• Ralph Briscoe and Sarah Dougherty, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Ralph C. Davidson, Virginia, Death Records, 1912–2014.
• Romantic Wedding, Greenwood Young Lady Wedded in Atlanta Several Weeks Ago, The Evening Index, Greenwood, South Carolina, October 15, 1908.
• S. C. Davison and P. W. Douglas, Georgia, Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• S. C. Douglas, Dade County, Florida State Census, 1935.
• Susie C. Briscoe Davison, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.
• Susie C. Davison, U.S., Appointments of U. S. Postmasters, 1832–1971.
• Susie C. Douglas, Florida Death Index, 1877–1998.
• Susie C. Douglas, Florida State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Death 18623, 1937.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta Ward 2, Fulton County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Division 88, Walton County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Miami, Dade County, Florida, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Northern Division, Walton County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Slave Schedule, Division 88, Walton, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Slave Schedule, Northern Division, Walton, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Town, Walton County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1900.
• Woodstock [news], The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, October 2, 1896. 

Frank, runaway of John Hodge

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 Journal, Milledgeville, Georgia, September 22, 1818

NOTICE—Runaway from the subscriber living in Greene county, on the 24th August last, a negro man named FRANK; about twenty-five years of age, about six feet high, very black, a little knockneed, & of an African descent, his teeth have the appearance of being sharpened; he had on when he went off, a cambric shirt, striped homesun pantaloons, merseilles vest with brown holland back. Ten dollars reward will be given for his delivery to me at Hodge’s Ferry, or for confining him in any Jail so that I get him again.

September 3                JOHN HODGE

48-3t

Reference

Notice, The Georgia Journal, Milledgeville, Georgia, September 22, 1818; https://gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn82014251/1818-09-22/ed-1/seq-1/.  

One room schoolhouse class photo (Bridgeport, West Virginia)

Do you have ancestors who attended a one room schoolhouse in West Virginia in the late 1920s? If so, look at the photos below from this schoolhouse in Bridgeport and see if you recognize any of the children. 

I can identify two—Susetta (Susie) Jane Taylor (left) and Jean Dudley. 

You can see the schoolhouse in the top left corner of this picture.

Rachel, servant girl of Sister Baldwin

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 

Shiloh 26th June 1842

Conference met for the benefit of the coloured brethren. Bro. Jepe M. Wood moderator opened a door for the reception of members when Rachel servant girl of Sister Baldwin came forward and related as we believe an experience of grace and was received into the fellowship of the Church. No reference and no other business conference adjourned.

E. C. Shackelford, C. Clk.

Reference

Shiloh Baptist Church Minutes from 1839 to 1959, image 45; https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C34J-3QNN?i=44&cat=193117 (free registration required). 

John Braidwood

John Braidwood, son of Andrew Braidwood and Mary Liddell, was born March 5, 1823 in Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland. His parents had at least eight children—James Braidwood, Margaret Braidwood, John Braidwood, Jane Liddell Braidwood, Janet Braidwood, Jessie Braidwood, Mary Erskine Stewart Braidwood (twin), and Andrew Braidwood (twin). John is my husband’s 3rd great-uncle with their nearest common relatives being his parents. His sister Jane Liddell Braidwood is my husband’s 2nd great grandmother.

John was baptized on April 6, 1823. Witnesses were James Braidwood and John Liddle. His father Andrew worked as a joiner.

Birth record for John Braidwood

I have been unable to find John in the 1841 census. He was not living with his family.

John married Margaret Robertson on June 21, 1850 in Barony, Lanark, Scotland. John and Margaret were blessed with seven children—Mary Braidwood, Andrew Braidwood, James Braidwood, John Campbell Braidwood, John Robertson Braidwood, Margaret Robertson Braidwood, and Willian Ronald Braidwood. Sadly, several would not survive infancy/childhood. 

The 1851 census record shows that John, Margaret, and a three-month-old daughter named Mary lived at 19 Oswald Street in the St. George parish of Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. At the time, John worked as a journeyman millwright. I am confused by Mary. The Scotland census was taken on March 30, 1851 so that means since she was three months old, she would have been born about January 1851. 

1851 census record

Yet, when John’s son Andrew was born at 8 Greenhill Street Christmas day 1852 in the Barony Parish of Lanarkshire, Scotland, the parish register notes it was “their 1st child.” His birth was witnessed by Alexander and John Robertson. I do know that Margaret had a brother named Alex.

Birth record for Andrew Braidwood

Son John Campbell Braidwood was born April 18, 1855 at No. 8 Greenhill Street in Anderston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. John worked as an engineer. 

Birth record for John Campbell Braidwood

Son James Braidwood was born September 28, 1857 at 27 Roxburgh Street in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. John worked as an engineer.

Birth record for James Braidwood

Sadly, he only lived for nine months. James died at 27 Roxburgh Street in Greenock of whooping cough on June 30, 1858. He was buried at Greenock Cemetery.

Death record for James Braidwood

Son John died on July 27, 1858 from gastric fever in Greenock at the age of three. He too was buried at Greenock Cemetery.

Death record for John Braidwood

Son John Robertson Braidwood was born August 27, 1860 at No. 8 Ingleston Road in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. John worked as an operation engineer at the time.

Birth record for John Robertson Braidwood

In 1861, John and his family lived at No. 8 Ingleston Road in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. John worked as an engine fitter. Mary and Andrew were both scholars. There was a 22-year-old lodger named James McNee living in the home with the family. James also worked as an engine fitter. A Liddell family lived two houses from John's consisting of a 270-year-old male named Robert, his wife Elizabeth (23), daughter Lillias (1), and brother David (19). I have yet to determine if he connects to the maternal side of John's family. Going back to daughter Mary’s age, she enumerated as 10 years old here which fits with the 1851 census. 

1861 census record

On May 30, 1861, John’s nine-month-old son, John Robertson Braidwood, died at Hay Peak Cottage on Florence Street in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland from ulceration of fauces (throat). The infant had suffered with the ulceration for six days, along with croup for two days prior to his death.  

Death record for John Robertson Braidwood

Daughter Margaret Robertson Braidwood was born April 24, 1862 at Hyde Peak Cottage in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. John worked as a practical engineer (journeyman). 

Birth record for Margaret Robertson Braidwood

John was killed at age 40 when a building he was working on collapsed on top of him on February 27, 1865 in South Leith, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland. The death register noted that he was “accidentally killed by the falling of [unreadable] of a building.” His brother-in-law Alex Robertson was the informant on the death register.

Death record for John Braidwood

John was buried on March 2, 1865 at Edinburgh and Leith Cemetery in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Burial record for John Braidwood

The Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser published the details of the building collapse on March 4, 1865:

Dreadful Accident at Bonnington Sugar Refinery: Four Persons Killed and Several Injured, The Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, March 4, 1865.

On Monday afternoon, about four o’clock, a calamitous occurrence took place at the extensive sugar refinery at present in course of erection at Bonnington, whereby four workmen lost their lives and several were severely injured. The accident occurred in the main building, which is 82 feet in length, by 44 in breadth and right storeys high. The flats are supported by large malleables iron girders and massive columns, with fireproof arches, composed chiefly of brick, between each storey. The disaster was caused by one of the foundation stones on which the pillars rested giving way. The column was at the north end of the building; and when it slipped from its place almost the whole of the internal structure fell with a loud crash, burying a number of men in its fall.

A few minutes before the catastrophe took place Mr.Wm. M’Geachin, the inspector of the works, and Mr. Butt, the manager, happened to be in the building, when they observed a number of rents in the stone on which the pillar rested. Orders were immediately given to get the pillar shored up, and workmen began to collect material for that purpose. In the meantime the inspector examined some of the other columns; and at the opposite end of the building he observed another foundation stone giving way. Shortly afterwards the pillar at the north end at which the workmen were employed, slipped from its rest, and the whole of the flooring, brick arches, and iron beams, with the exception of a small part at the south end, fell to the bottom. The walls, which are built of brick, and varying from two to three feet in thickness, remained almost uninjured. As soon as the alarm was given, the workmen who were on the ground floor endeavoured to make their escape. Some who were in the upper flats made for the staircase, and others took refuge in the window sills, which, on account of the thickness of the walls, were comparatively safe. Several providential escapes were made. One man was working in an upper storey when he was struck by a beam and thrown upon the staircase, and his life was thereby saved. Another jumped into a window still in the third storey, and was rescued by the people below. The interior of the building presented a most extraordinary appearance. The weight of the whole mass could not be less than several thousand tons; and the iron girders and columns were twisted and, to a great extent, destroyed. The uppermost portion of the ruin was a large cast-iron cistern, four feet deep, capable of holding 10,000 gallons of water, and which was also very much smashed. When the workmen in the neighbourhood had recovered from their surprise, they entered the premises in search of the missing bodies of workmen known to have been in the building at the time of the accident. After examining the ruins carefully they came upon the bodies of Alexander Mackay, a bricklayer, belonging to Glasgow; and John Braidwood, an engineer residing at Redhall. The bodies were fearfully mangled and disfigured, and scarcely recognizable. The injuries had been sustained chiefly about the head. Mackay was married, and has left a family. Braidwood, who was also married, left Hawthorne’s Foundry on Saturday, and commenced work at the refinery on Monday, being employed in putting up the machinery. At the time of the fatal occurrence he was on the top flat fitting up a winch for a hoist. It is ascertained that the other two workmen killed are a bricklayer belonging to Glasgow, named James Cook, and an old man, a mason, residing in Edinburgh, whose name is Peter Christie. It was understood by his fellow workmen that he has hitherto been much engaged in laying pavement in Edinburgh. One of the men who were injured was so slightly hurt that he was conveyed home; but two others, named Thomas M’Gough, a labourer, residing in Giles’ Street, Leith, and John M’Kay, a bricklayer, belonging to Glasgow, were seriously injured, and were taken to the Hospital. M’Gough sustained a fracture in the shoulder bone, and was cut and bruised about the face and legs. Mackey’s left hand was dislocated, and his left foot fractured. The thumb of his right hand sustained a compound fracture; there were five wounds on his head; and his neck, back, and legs were considerable bruised. Mackay and M’Gough state that when they saw the building begin to give way, they endeavoured to get out, but were knocked down before they could make their exit. Mackay fell immediately above M’Gough, and their lives were saved by a large beam bearing up the mass and preventing them from being crushed. One of those who escaped states that as he was leaving the building, he heard groans proceeding from some person near him, but he was unable to render any assistance.

KILLED: Alexander Mackey, bricklayer, belonging to Glasgow. John Braidwood, engineer, Redhall. James Cook, bricklayer, belonging to Glasgow. Peter Christie, mason, Edinburgh.

INJURED: Thomas M’Gough, labourer, Leith. John Mackay, bricklayer, belonging to Glasgow, and several others slightly injured.

The accident is attributed to the insufficiency of the stone under the pillar to bear the great weight of the superincumbent mass; and there is every reason to believe this, considering that the stone was found rest in several places. The block is four feet square, about 12 inches in depth, and a ton and a quarter in weight. The pillars are from 9 to 10 inches in circumference; and besides being girded firmly together with large iron tin rods, are jointed into one another at the ends. A cast-iron sole plate is sunk into the stone; and a piece of iron rises up around the base of the pillar from the height about 1 ½ inch to 2 ½ inches at the centre. We have not ascertained from what quarry the stone was obtained, but there is no doubt full inquiry will be made as to whether it was of the proper description. The loss sustained by the proprietors will be probably not under £5000 or £6000.

The architects are Messrs. Blake & Barclay, engineers, Victora Works, Greenock; the contractors for the brickwork, Messrs. Allan & Mann, Glasgow; for the machinery, Messrs. Blake & Barclay; for the iron beams, columns, tasks, and metal roofs, Messrs. Cowden & Brodie, engineers, Paisley. The inspector of the works is Mr. William M’Geachin; and the manager Mr. Butt—both of whom were formerly connected with large sugar refineries in Greenock. The architects, builders, and others engaged in the erection of the refinery have had great experience in the construction of similar works, and have a high character for ability and skill. It was estimated that the probable cost of the Bonnington Refinery would excel £80,000 and the works were expected to be completed about the month of June.

This would have been a horrific death for John. One can only pray that he died instantly. Sadly, Margaret was pregnant when John died. Their seventh child, a son she named William Ronald Braidwood, was born in South Leith, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, on October 14, 1865. An aunt named Jessie Ronald was the informant on the birth record, noting that she was present at the birth. Since we know John had a sister named Jessie, this is my most likely her but I have not found a marriage record yet to confirm her last name was Ronald in 1865. 

Birth record for William Ronald Braidwood

In a newspaper article published by The Caledonian Mercury on July 4, 1866, we learn that John’s wife Margaret sued the Bonnington Sugar Refining Company for his death.

Court of Session—Saturday, Second Division: Braidwood vs. Bonnington Sugar Refining Company and Others, The Caledonian Mercury, July 4, 1866.

In February 1865, the building which was being erected at Bonnington by the Bonnington Sugar Refining Company (Limited) fell, and John Braidwood, engineer, was in consequence killed. His widow and children now sued the company and Black, Barclay, & Co., engineers, Greenock, for damages, on the ground that the fall of the building was owing to its imperfect construction, attributable to the fault of the defenders.

On the previous Saturday the Court held that, as against the sugar-refining company there was no relevant case. The company had employed persons of proper character, not alleged to be unqualified, and they had entered into contracts with tradesmen to execute the work, and in these circumstances, on the authority of the case of Russell & Macnee, no liability attached to them. And although it is here said that the company had not, as in the usual case, separated themselves from the work, but had an inspector looking after their interest, that made no difference. The inspector was not there to attend to any interest of the deceased, and did not fail in any duty with regard to him, and if he failed in his duty at all, he failed to the company. He might be personally liable, no doubt, for his own delinquency, but could not bind the company. As against the other defenders, the Court were of opinion that a relevant case was stated. 

After some delay in adjusting an issue, the following issue was approved of by the Court:—“It being admitted that the pursuers are respectively the widow and children of the said John Braidwood; and it being also admitted that the said John Braidwood was killed by the fall of a sugar refinery at Bonnington on the 27th February 1865: Whether the defenders undertook to furnish the plans and specifications for the said building and to superintend the erection thereof? And whether the fall of the said building was caused by the insufficiency of the foundations arising from a defect in the plans and specifications, or from the failure of the defenders duly to superintend the execution of the work; to the loss, injury, and damage of the pursuers? Damaged laid at £1200 sterling.”

Counsel for the Pursuers—Mr. F. W. Clark and Mr. Black; Mr. D. Forsyth, S.S.C., agent. Counsel for the Refining Company—Mr. A. R. Clark and Mr. Guthrie Smith; Messrs. Murdoch, Boyd, and Henderson, W.S., agents. Counsel for Barclay and Co.—the Solicitor General and Mr. Thoms; Messrs. Lindsay and Paterson, W.S., agent. 

Today, £1200 sterling would be $1539 in U.S. dollars.

To finish my thoughts on Mary’s birth year, she died at age 69 in 1922. The death register records her parents as John Braidwood and Margaret Robertson so I feel certain this is her. If the age is correct, that would make her birth year about 1853. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find a birth record for Mary. For all I know, I could have it all wrong. If you can shed any light on this discrepancy, I would love to hear from you. 

Death record for Mary Braidwood McKay

Note: Click images to enlarge.

References

• Andrew Braidwood, Old Parish Registers Births 622/Barony), National Records of Scotland, 1852.
• Court of Session—Saturday, Second Division: Braidwood vs. Bonnington Sugar Refining Company and Others, The Caledonian Mercury, July 4, 1866.
• Dreadful Accident at Bonnington Sugar Refinery: Four Persons Killed and Several Injured, The Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, March 4, 1865.
• Fauces (throat); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fauces_(throat).
• James Braidwood, Statutory Registers Births 564/3 731, National Records of Scotland, 1857.
• James Braidwood, Statutory Registers Deaths 564/3 323, National Records of Scotland, 1858.
• John Braid, Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950.
• John Braidwood, Edinburgh and Leith Cemetery Record of Mortality, 1865.
• John Braidwood, Scotland Census 564/2 14/2, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• John Braidwood, Scotland Census 644/1 36/11, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• John Braidwood, Statutory Registers Deaths 564/3 3623, National Records of Scotland, 1858.
• John Braidwood, Statutory Registers Deaths 692/2 124, National Records of Scotland, 1865. 
• John Robertson Braidwood, Statutory Registers Births 564/2 390, National Records of Scotland, 1860.
• John Robertson Braidwood, Statutory Registers Deaths 564/2 110, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Margaret Robertson Braidwood, Statutory Registers Births 564/2 212, National Records of Scotland, 1862.
• Mary Braidwood, Statutory Registers Deaths 685/11 670, National Records of Scotland, 1922.
• William Ronald Braidwood, Statutory Registers Births 692/2 888, National Records of Scotland, 1865. 

Nineteen slaves for sale, property of William A. Beasley, John T. Dolvin, and Mrs. Sally Sleighn

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

Temperance Crusader, Penfield, Georgia, November 19, 1857.

Greene Sheriff’s Sale.

Will be sold before the court house door in the city of Greenesborough, within the legal hours of sale, on the first Tuesday in December next the following property, to wit:

Three hundred acres of land adjoining the lands of Hugh C. Mitchell and others, in the neighborhood of Public Square. Also the following named negroes: Milly, a woman of black complexion, 52 years old; Oliver, about 33—Frank about 26—Joe about 26, David, a boy of 18 years old, of black complexion; Cheny, a woman of black complexion, 23 years old; and her three children, Pheroby, a girl 6 years old; Henry, a boy 4, and Adeline, about 18 months old; Rachel, a woman 33 years old, black complexion; and her six children, Lucinda, a girl 18 years old, of black complexion; Phoeby, a girl about 12; Hannah, a girl about 10; John, a boy about 8; Ned, a boy about 4, and Lucy Ann, a child about 16 months old; all levied on as the property of William A. Beasley, to satisfy sundry fi. fas. from Green Superior and Inferior Courts, in favor of Chamberlain, Miller & Co., vs. Edmond N. Beasley and William A. Beasley, and other fi. fas. in my hands. Property sold by decree of Court at September term, 1857.

N43 GARRETT WOODHAM, Sheriff.

 New Advertisements. 

Greene Sheriff’s Sale.

Will be sold in the City of Greenesboro’ on the first Tuesday in January next, between the usual hours of sale, the following property to-wit:

One negro Woman named Patsy about 40 years old, of copper color, and her son Oliver about 5 years old, levied on as the property of John T. Dolvin to satisfy one fi fa from Greene Inferior Court, C. A. Davis vs. John T. Dolvin and one fi fa from the Superior Court, Wm. J. Heary vs. Dorster and Dolvin, property pointed out by W. J. Neary.

Nov. 14th, 1857. C. C. NORTON, D. Sheriff.

Notice.—Under an order of the Superior Court of Greene County, will be sold on the first Tuesday in December next, at the Court House in Greenesbero’, a likely negro boy about nineteen or twenty years old, by the name of Miles, sold for the benefit of Mrs. Sally Sleighn.

Reference

Temperance Crusader, Penfield, Georgia, November 19, 1857.