Suckey, Tom, and Dick: part of Littleton Mapp's estate

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

Greene Sheriff’s Sale.

Will be sold, before the Court-House door, in Greenesboro’, on the first Tuesday in March next, three Negroes, to-wit, Suckey, a woman sixty-five years old; Tom, forty-seven; and Dick, twenty-five years old; and a few acres of Land. All sold as part of the estate of Littleton Mapp, deceased, and sold under and order of the Court of Ordinary of Greene County, for distribution.

LUCRETIA MAPP, Adm’x.
4 6t
January 23

Reference

Greene Sheriff’s Sale, The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, February 11, 1854. 

James Gilchrist

James Gilchrist, my husband’s 4th great-grandfather, remains another mystery for me. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to find records documenting his birth or parents. However, I did find records related to his marriage and the births of their five children. 

James married Jean Russell (parents unknown) on January 18, 1801, in the town of Falkirk, situated within the county of Stirlingshire, Scotland. Falkirk lies approximately 23.5 miles northwest of Edinburgh and 20.5 miles northeast of Glasgow.

James and Jean welcomed five children into their family: Margaret Gilchrist, Elisabeth Gilchrist, Jean Gilchrist, Ann Gilchrist, and Helen Gilchrist.

Margaret was born on September 16, 1801, in Falkirk. Her birth occurred approximately nine months after her parents’ marriage, suggesting that Jean likely became pregnant soon after their wedding. The parish records officially document her birth on September 20, 1801. Witnesses listed on the birth registry include William Durham and Daniel Miller. It is through this lineage that my husband traces his roots.

Elisabeth was born on December 22, 1802 in the town of Falkirk. Witnesses listed on the birth registry again include William Durham and Daniel Miller.

Between late 1802 and early January 1805, the Gilchrist family relocated to Airdrie, New Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland, which was approximately 17 miles away. During this period, James and Jean welcomed their third child, Jean, who was born on January 11, 1805. Her baptism took place on January 20, 1805. James pursued work as a weaver.

The Gilchrist family remained in Airdrie when Ann was born on April 1, 1807. Her baptism followed on April 12, 1807, and James continued his weaving profession.

After Ann’s birth in 1807, the Gilchrist family relocated approximately 27 miles to Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. It was in Kilmarnock that their fifth child, Helen, was born on April 12, 1809. Despite the move, James continued his work as a weaver. As a point of interest, Kilmarnock is the birthplace of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky.

The paper trail for James ends here, leaving the rest of his life shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate any records of him, or Jean, in the 1841 census, which was the first one recorded for Scotland. This suggests that he likely passed away before that year.

References

• Ann Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 651/Airdrie or New Monkland, National Records of Scotland, 1807.
• Elisabeth Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 479/Falkirk, National Records of Scotland, 1802.
• Helen Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 597/Kilmarnock, National Records of Scotland, 1809.
• Jean Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 651/Airdrie or New Monkland, National Records of Scotland, 1805.
• Jean Russell, Old Parish Registers Marriages 479/Falkirk, National Records of Scotland, 1801.
• Margaret Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 479/Falkirk, National Records of Scotland, 1801.

Ellis West gives Lucy to sister Elizabeth Clements

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

State of Georgia, Greene County. 

Know all men by these presents that I, Ellis West, of the state and county above mentioned, for the natural affection, love and goodwill which I have unto my sister, Elizabeth Clements, have had unto her one negro girl named Lucy, for the sole benefit and use of said Elizabeth Clements so long as she liveth and at her death the said negro girl with her increase to be apportioned to the children of said Elizabeth Clements. 

Given under my hand this 20th of August 1799.
Ellis West
Test

J. Clower
Wm. Browning, J.P.

Recorded the 11 June 1800.
Thomas Carleton

Reference

Greene County, Deeds 1785–1792, 1793–1802, image 884; www.familysearch.org.

Harriet Elizabeth Gregory

Harriet Elizabeth Gregory, born on November 16, 1874, in Burntwood, Lichfield District, Staffordshire, England, was the daughter of Thomas Gregory and Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Gutridge. Her birth coincided with her parents’ first anniversary, occurring just nine days before that milestone. Harriet had 10 siblings: Sarah “Jane” (Jenny) Gregory, Emily (Emma or possibly even Mary) Gregory, Anna (or Annie) Gregory, Samuel (Sam) Thomas Gregory, Ella (Nellie) Gregory, William Gregory, Florence Gregory, John B. Gregory, Henry Charles Gregory, and Lucy Gregory. She is the maternal grandmother of my husband’s aunt, Muriel Jean Dudley, who was married to Ralph Junior Murphy. Harriet and my husband do not share any common relatives.

In 1879, Harriet’s father left England for America, settling in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Curiously, the 1881 England census shows him living with the family on Rugeley Road in Burntwood, Staffordshire, where he worked as a coal miner. The household included Harriet’s mother (enumerated as Bessey), Harriet herself (aged 6, scholar), Sarah J. (aged 4, scholar), Emily (aged 3), and Annie (aged 1). It is unknown whether Thomas briefly returned from America before embarking on his voyage once more.

1881 England census

Harriet’s grandparents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Smallman) Gutridge, lived two doors away in Burntwood on a 20-acre farm. William Richardson, a 15-year-old farmer boy, lived in the home with Samuel and Elizabeth.

On May 17, 1882, Harriet, along with her mother and sisters Jane, Emily, and Annie, embarked on a voyage from Liverpool aboard the S/S British Prince. They arrived in Philadelphia on May 28. Notably, this voyage was only the third for the ship, which had launched on February 4, 1882, and had its maiden voyage on April 12. The family settled in the Hawk Run community of Morris Township in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. In March 1883, Harriet’s brother Samuel was born, making him the first child in the Gregory family to be born in America. Hawk Run, located just beyond Philipsburg (where Harriet’s father Thomas settled upon arriving in America), was an area settled by immigrants coming to America in the early 1900s. Coal mining became the primary source of employment, consistent with Thomas’ occupation. Interestingly, an unknown family member recounted that the Gregorys crossed the seas accompanied by friends. Additionally, they resided in a six-sided home on the outskirts of the town. Harriet’s parents completed their naturalization process in 1885.

S/S British Prince ship manifest

In 1893, Thomas relocated his family to Patton, a borough situated in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. There, he engaged in the coal mining industry until his retirement around 1921. Following the move, the family joined Trinity Episcopal Church in Patton. 

Harriet and John Joseph Randall, son of John Joseph Randle and Charlotte Jones, were married by James Mellon, Justice of the Peace, on October 16, 1894 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. 

Randall-Gregory marriage certificate

The Randall family was blessed with seven children: Charlotte Mae Randall, Ernest Randall, John Thomas Randall, Ethel Randall, Samuel Randall, Wilfred James Randall, and Robert Clair Randall. 

List of Harriet’s children, as recorded by Harriet herself

Trinity Episcopal Church played a central role in their lives. Except for Robert, six of the children were baptized there between 1895 and 1905. Mae and Ernest were confirmed in 1908, but later, in 1910, they departed from the congregation.

Trinity Episcopal Church baptism records

Trinity Episcopal Church confirmation records

On June 20, 1900, Harriet and her family resided in Carroll Township, Cambria County. Harriet, along with her husband John (aged 32, born in England in August 1867), had been married for five years. The census enumerator noted that Harriet was the mother of three living children. John worked as a coal miner, having immigrated to America in 1893 and became a naturalized citizen in Pennsylvania. Both Harriet and John were able to read, write, and speak English. The Naturalization Docket in Cambria County confirms that John was indeed naturalized on August 28, 1900.

John Randall in the Cambria County, Pennsylvania naturalization docket

Harriet

On April 25, 1910, Harriet and her family lived in a rental home in Blandburg Village, situated in Reade Township, Cambria County. Their family had grown, with six children in total. The youngest, Wilfred, was just five years old. The oldest three children—Mae, Ernest, and John—were able to read and write. All except for Wilfred were attending school. Meanwhile, John had risen to the position of foreman at the coal mine. 

Harriet’s son John and her daughter Mae

On May 11, 1915, Harriet gave birth to their sixth child in Sonman, a community within Portage Township. They named him Robert. Sadly, at just seven months old, Robert passed away on January 4, 1916. His cause of death was acute gastric dilatation, an exceptionally rare condition where gas and fluid accumulate rapidly in the stomach, causing it to expand significantly. This condition, which he endured for two days, put immense pressure on his organs and affected blood flow. The family laid Robert to rest at Prospect Cemetery in Portage on January 6.

Harriet’s sister, Anna, passed away in East Carroll, Cambria County, on May 11, 1918, due to lobar pneumonia. She had been suffering from the illness for eight days. Anna was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Patton, Cambria County on May 14.

During World War I, Harriet’s son, Ernest, served his country from March 12, 1918 to June 12, 1919. His service took him overseas, where he spent just over ten months amid conflict. When Ernest returned home near the end of the war, Harriet was the designated emergency contact on the passenger list. She resided in Sonman at the time. 

Ernest’s wife Bessie (Simmers), Harriet, and son Ernest

On January 2, 1920, the Randall family resided in a rental home on Official Row in Portage. The census enumerator noted that Harriet immigrated in 1892 (it was 1882) and John in 1893; both were naturalized in 1890. Four of their children still lived at home—Mae (aged 24), Ernest (aged 22), Ethel (aged 18), and Wilford (aged 14). Everyone in the household was able to read and write, with only Ethel and Wilford attending school. John served as the foreman in the coal mines, while Ernest held the position of assistant foreman. Samuel, the rope rider, had the essential yet dangerous task of riding coal cars into and out of the mine. Meanwhile, the two daughters, Mae and Ethel, were both rural school teachers.

Harriet’s son Samuel, Harriet, and Samuel’s wife Anna (Johanna Stager)

By April 25, 1930, Harriet and John found themselves as empty nesters, their children having left home. Yet, family remained close by. They resided in a rental home at Patton and Reiley Roads. Their neighbors were Harriet’s brother, Henry, along with his wife Sarah, and their sons, Harry and Thomas. Next door to Henry lived Harriet and Henry’s parents, Thomas and Betsy (Elizabeth) Gregory. A short walk away (seven houses), resided Harriet’s other brother William, along with his wife, son, and daughter. The census enumerator noted (correctly) that Harriet immigrated to America in 1882 and John in 1893. At age 63, John continued to work as a foreman in the coal mine. 

Tragedy struck just under a year later. On March 7, 1931, Harriet’s mother, aged 76, succumbed to a stomach hemorrhage, the result of a gastric ulcer. Her death was sudden, occurring within 24 hours of onset. Betsy was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Patton, Cambria County on March 10. Tragedy struck once more on March 23, 1934 when Harriet’s daughter, Ethel, aged 33, passed away in DuBois, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. The cause was volvulus of the ileum—a condition where part of the small intestine twists upon itself, causing a blockage. Ethel’s life was cut short, her death occurring at Maple Avenue Hospital in DuBois within two days of onset. She was laid to rest at St. Clair Cemetery in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on March 26, leaving behind her six-month-old son, William Jr. The decade came to a somber close with the passing of two important figures in Harriet’s life: her brother William, and her father, Thomas. William’s death eerily mirrored their mother’s—gastric hemorrhage resulting from a gastric ulcer claimed his life on June 2, 1939. He had battled the illness for two weeks before succumbing. William was laid to rest on June 5 at Fairview Cemetery in Patton. Meanwhile, Harriet’s father, Thomas, passed away on October 31, 1939, while staying at Ella’s (Nellie’s) home in Akron, Ohio. Like his wife and son, Thomas was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Patton. His obituary hailed him as a pioneer in the coal mining sector of Northern Cambria County.

Harriett and her sisters Nellie (Ella), Lucy, and Florence

On April 5, 1940, Harriet and John resided in East Carroll Township in Cambria County. Thomas had finally retired from his work at the coal mine. Harriet’s brother, Henry, lived next door with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Harry. Both Henry and Harry worked as laborers in the coal mine. Tragically, within two months, Harriet became a widow on May 30, 1940. John’s death occurred in East Carroll Township due to cerebral apoplexy, which resulted from chronic inflammation of the myocardium (heart muscle) over a 10-day period. Harriet served as the informant on John’s death certificate. He was laid to rest at Prospect Cemetery in Portage on June 2. 

After John’s passing, Harriet relocated to Nutter Fort, where she resided on Maryland Avenue alongside her daughter Mae. Her time was divided evenly: six months in Nutter Fort and the remaining six months in Pennsylvania with her other children.

Harriet’s daughter Mae (Randall) Dudley, Harriet, and
Harriet’s granddaughter, Jean (Dudley) Murphy

On April 11, 1950, the census enumerator discovered Harriet residing with Mae and James on Maryland Avenue in Nutter Fort. James held the position of a grocery store manager, while Mae was his partner.

Harriet and Mae

Mae and Harriet

Harriet’s brother, Henry, passed away at Miners Hospital of N.C. in Spangler, Cambria County, on October 7, 1952. Like his mother and brother William, the cause of death was acute gastric hemorrhage contributed by a gastric ulcer. Henry had suffered from this condition for one year before his passing. Harriet’s other brother, John, passed away in East Carroll, Cambria County, on April 19, 1955, due to chronic bronchial asthma compounded by chronic myocarditis. John had battled this illness for 19 days before his passing. Both were laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Cambria—Henry on October 11, 1952, and John on April 22, 1955.

Harriet passed away at Mae’s home in Nutter Fort on December 21, 1957. Her burial took place at Prospect Cemetery in Portage on December 23, 1957, following a service at Bethany Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church, officiated by Reverend James A. Woomer. Harriet was survived by her daughter Mae, sons Ernest, Sam, John, and Wilfred, brother Thomas, and sisters Emma, Jenny, Nellie, Florence, and Lucy. Additionally, she left behind 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral card for Harriet

Photo by B. Felix, Find A Grave member 48565277
(permission granted on Find A Grave profile)

The photos of Harriet and her family were taken by my husband’s uncle, Ralph Murphy. To see others from his collection, click here.

References

• Betsy Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 27934, E. Carroll Township, Cambria County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1931.
• Burntwood, Staffordshire, England census, 1881.
• Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955.
• Ernest Randall, Pennsylvania, U.S., World War I Veterans Service and Compensation Files, 1917–1919, 1934–1948.
• Ernest Randall, U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910–1939.
• Ethel Randall Walthour, Certificate of Death no. 27174, DuBois, Clearfield County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1934.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94975115/thomas-gregory: accessed May 27, 2024), memorial page for Thomas Gregory (18 Mar 1851–31 Oct 1939), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94975115, citing Fairview Cemetery, Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Albert Ledoux (contributor 46511171).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94974850/betsy-gregory: accessed May 27, 2024), memorial page for Betsy Gutridge Gregory (13 Feb 1855–7 Mar 1931), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94974850, citing Fairview Cemetery, Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Albert Ledoux (contributor 46511171).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94975124/william-gregory: accessed May 28, 2024), memorial page for William Gregory (13 Jan 1886–2 Jun 1939), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94975124, citing Fairview Cemetery, Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Albert Ledoux (contributor 46511171).
• Gregory/Randall family tree, handwritten by Harriet Gregory Randall, provided by Jean Dudley Murphy.
• Harriet E. Gregory and John Randall, 1894, Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852–1968.
• Harriet Eliz Randall, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, U.S., Church and Town Records, 1669–2013.
• Harriet Elizabeth Gregory, Staffordshire, England, Birth, Marriage and Death Indexes, 1837–2017.
• Harriet Elizabeth Randall funeral card, 1957.
• Harriet Elizabeth Randall, West Virginia, Deaths Index, 1853–1973.
• Harriet Gregory, Pennsylvania, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1798–1962, Philadelphia, 1800–1882.
• Henry C. Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 84776, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1952.
• John B. Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 31443, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1955.
• John Randall, Certificate of Death no. 48408, E. Carroll Township, Cambria County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1940.
• John Randall, Naturalization Docket, Cambria County, vol. 9, Court of Common Pleas (Cambria County) Pennsylvania.
• Mrs. Anna Simmons, Certificate of Death no. 56051, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1918.
• Mrs. Ethel Walthour, obituary, The Indiana Gazette, Indiana, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1934.
• Mrs. Harriet Randall obituary, newspaper unknown, 1957.
• Robert Clair Randall, Certificate of Death no. 6696, Portege, Cambria County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1916.
• Rope Riders Mining Footage, ScholarWorks, CWU Libraries; https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/roslyn_history/90/. 
• S/S British Prince, American Line, Norway-Heritage Hands Across the Sea; https://www.norwayheritage.com/p_ship.asp?sh=brpr1. 
• Thomas Gregory, obituary, Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1939.
• Thomas Gregory, Pennsylvania, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1798-1962, Philadelphia, 1883¬1945
• Throwback Thursday: Hawk Run: A Long-Ago Railway Thoroughfare, Clearfield County Historical Society, September 2, 2021; https://gantnews.com/2021/09/02/throwback-thursday-hawk-run-a-long-ago-railway-thoroughfare/. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Carroll Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, East Carroll, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Nutter Fort, Harrison County, West Virginia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Portage, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Reade Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1910.
• William Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 55279, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1939. 

Luke Calloway gives Jim, in trust, to daughter

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

Calloway to Phelps

Know all men by these presents that I, Luke J. Calloway, of the State of Georgia and Greene County have this day appointed my son William A. Calloway Trustee for my daughter Sabrina Phelps and for and in consideration of the love that I have for my said daughter, I have this day given to William A. Calloway in trust a certain negro man by the name of Jim, for the use and benefit of my daughter during her life and I do give her the right to dispose of him in any way that may suit her, and if she does not dispose of him by will or deed before her death, the negro is to fall back into my estate. 

The words “by will or deed,” interlined before signed. 

Luke J. Calloway

Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of us this 28th December 1863.

A. A. Bell
W. A. Parlee, J.P. 

Recorded this 23rd day of February 1864.
Isaac R. Hall, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1862–1871, image 94; www.familysearch.org. 

Charles Hillman Davison

Charles “Hillman” Davison was born on December 14, 1916, in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. He was the first child of Charles Clement Davison Jr. and Elizabeth May Gheesling. Alongside Hillman, they had three other children: Mary Elizabeth Davison, Louise Davison, and Thomas Henry Davison. Hillman’s middle name likely honors his maternal grandfather, Joshua Hillman Gheesling.

Hillman is the step-great-grandson of my 1st cousin 5x removed, Mary Ann Southerland, who was married to James McCluney Davison Sr. My nearest common relatives to Mary Ann Southerland are Robert L. Hobbs Sr. and Mary Marion Caldwell, my 5th great-grandparents.

Hillman, born just one month before his parents’ first anniversary, spent his formative years in Anniston, Alabama. His father, a Baptist church minister, served as a camp pastor at the Baptist Home Mission Board within Camp McClellan. The 1920 census records their residence on East 15th Street, with both parents literate. Hillman’s sister, Louise, at three weeks of age, was a recent addition to the family. In March 1920, Hillman attended a friend’s fourth birthday party, where games were played, such as “Billy Whiskers,” a board game about a mischievous goat, contests were held, such as fishing for souvenirs in a miniature fishpond, and sweet treats—like birthday cake and ice cream—filled the day.

In 1922, Hillman’s father earned his Doctor of Theology degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The commencement ceremony took place on May 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. Considering this significant event, it is plausible that the entire family resided in Kentucky during that period.

On April 14, 1930, the Davison family lived on South Harris Street in Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia. As we know, Hillman’s father was a clergyman in the Baptist church. All four children attended school, although Thomas (aged 6) was unable to read and write. 

By 1935, the Davison family had relocated to Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. During this time, Hillman was likely attending college in Atlanta. In November 1935, Hillman joined a gathering of guests at his uncle Thomas Callahan Davison’s home to celebrate his uncle’s birthday. Another of Hillman’s uncles, Hal McCluney Davison, was also present. The home was adorned with an array of autumn flowers.

In 1936, Hillman attended the Georgia School of Technology (now known as Georgia Tech), with his home base listed as Brunswick, Georgia. The following year, he enrolled in the Georgia Evening College which served as the night division of the University System of Georgia’s Atlanta Extension Center. In July 1937, Hillman was honored at a steak fry hosted by Josephine and David Sanders at the country home of his uncle, Hal Davison, in Atlanta. Although the Atlanta Constitution reported his residence as Brunswick, it seems he was visiting his uncle. Finally, in May 1938, Hillman attended a formal dance as the guest of Miss Billy Sterrett, hosted by the Beta Chapter of the Psi Sigma Sorority at the Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta. 

In 1940, Hillman resided as a boarder at a lodge on 867 Peachtree Street NE in Atlanta, along with 28 other residents. The lodgekeepers were Lewis G. (aged 67) and Pauline Arnold (aged 50). Hillman worked as an estimation clerk for an electrical power company. Notably, the census record indicated that he had lived in Brunswick in 1935.

In October 1940, Hillman registered for the World War II draft in Atlanta. He still lived at the Peachtree Street home in Atlanta, and he worked for the Georgia Power Company on Decatur Street. Hillman listed his father, who lived at 710 Mansfield Street in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia, as the person who would always know his address. He was described as 5'8" tall, weighing 155 pounds, with blue eyes, blonde hair, and a light complexion.

WWII draft registration card (front and back)

Hillman, after receiving an education at Glynn Academy in Brunswick, continued his studies at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. On April 11, 1941, he enlisted in the United States (U.S.) Army Air Forces and became a member of Atlanta’s 128th Observation Squadron. At the time of enlistment, he was described as 5’6” tall (two inches shorter than when he registered in October 1940) and weighing 148 pounds. 

On June 12, 1942, Hillman’s sister, Louise, was struck by a car driven by a 17-year-old young man at the intersection of Broadway and Dillingham Street in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia. Despite an ambulance being called to rush her to the city hospital, Louise passed away during transport. Police reports indicated that she had “stepped from behind a car” when the accident occurred. Louise, a young woman of only 23 years old, had graduated from Bessie Tift College, a private liberal arts women’s college in Forsyth, Georgia, and worked as a recreational director at the Phenix City USO in Alabama. Their father, who served as a pastor, was associated with the Benning Park Baptist Church in Columbus. Louise was laid to rest at Greensboro City Cemetery in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia on June 14.

Around 1942, Hillman was stationed at Williams Field in Chandler, Arizona, after being called up for aviation cadet training. His training included primary and basic training at Thunderbird Field in Glendale, Arizona, and the Marana Army Flying School in Marana, Arizona. Finally, he completed an advanced training course at Yuma Army Air Field in Yuma, Arizona, which served as an advanced training ground for army pilots during World War II. In June 1943, Hillman graduated from the Army Air Forces advanced flying school, receiving his Army silver wings. Following graduation, he was commissioned as second lieutenant and placed on active duty. He was then sent overseas, where he flew bombing missions from Italy.

Yuma Army Air Base, 1943, USAAF, public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons

On April 27, 1944, several newspapers mistakenly reported that Hillman, a pilot serving in the U. S. Army Air Forces, had been killed in action. These erroneous reports reached his retired parents, who resided in Milledgeville, Georgia at the time. Simultaneously, another newspaper—one that had already announced his death—stated that Hillman, stationed in Italy, was missing in action during a bombing raid over Austria.

June 5 brought a different twist: Hillman was no longer missing; he had been taken prisoner by Germany. During a bombing mission, German fighters shot off the tail of his B-24 plane on April 2. Despite their efforts to return to the Italian base, the crippled aircraft forced the crew to bail out over Austria.

Albanian troops found Hillman and handed him over to the Germans. He was subsequently transported to a base hospital in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The journey was perilous—the troop train faced machine-gun fire from Partisans along the way. At the Spital prison camp, doctors removed shell fragments from Hillman’s shoulder and wrists. Tragically, he also lost sight in his right eye due to a shell fragment.

Hillman remained in captivity until his release in late May 1945. His parents, now living in Greensboro, Georgia, received the long-awaited news—marking their first contact with Hillman in six months. After a brief visit with his uncle Thomas Davison in Atlanta, Hillman finally made his way back home to his parents’ residence in Greensboro.

1945

The end of 1945 marked a joyous occasion for Hillman when, in early December, he became engaged to Mary Lou Denmark. Mary was the daughter of Rev. Daniel Walter Denmark and Margaret Mae Bowen, of Portal, Bulloch County, Georgia. A graduate of Portal High School and the Atlanta School of Commerce, Mary was employed at Fort McPherson, which served as the home of the Fourth Service Command Headquarters in southwest Atlanta. Meanwhile, Hillman was stationed at Northington General Hospital, a temporary Army hospital built of use during World War II, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Mary Lou Denmark

Mary’s friends received invitations to attend a wedding shower hosted by Mrs. Charles C. Anderson in January 1946. The anticipation grew as the wedding day approached, and on February 1, 1946, the couple’s families gathered in Atlanta for the joyous event. The ceremony took place at the chapel of Glenn Memorial Church, where Hillman’s father, Rev. Charles C. Davison, officiated. Mrs. Reuben Tuck, from Covington, played the organ, while C. W. O. Williams was the soloist. Hillman’s brother stood by his side as best man. Mary’s matron of honor was Mrs. Charles C. Anderson, who had graciously hosted the January wedding shower. Dell Denmark, Mary’s brother, and Bob Sterrett served as usher-groomsmen. Following their vows, a reception was held at the home of Hillman’s uncle, Hal Davison. The Davison residence was decorated with white flowers, lush greens, and elegant white candles in silver candelabras. The centerpiece—a beautifully decorated cake—graced a lace covered table in the dining room.

Hillman’s wedding may well have been the last ceremony performed by his father, Charles, who passed away in Atlanta on May 17, 1946. Two days later, Charles was laid to rest at Greensboro City Cemetery in Greensboro, Georgia. His burial followed a service at First Baptist Church in Greensboro, where Revs. Charles H. Kopp and W. M. Barnett officiated.

Just over a year later, Hillman and Mary started a new chapter of their lives, welcoming three children into their family. Their children included Richard Hillman Davison, Randal Charles Davison, and Cynthia Lou Davison.

In 1947, Hillman and Mary established their home at 882 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta. Hillman, a skilled engineer, dedicated his expertise to his work. His service in the U.S. Army Air Forces concluded on June 7, 1946, where he held the rank of First Lieutenant.

On April 13, 1950, Hillman, Mary, and Richard resided in Atlanta. Hillman continued his employment at the power company, creating plans and contributing to the city’s infrastructure. Meanwhile, Mary devoted her time to their home and family. In a 1952 news article published by The Atlanta Journal, Hillman’s role as a field engineer with the power company was highlighted. Additionally, during the same year, he held the position of junior vice-commander within the Disabled Emergency Officers of the World Wars, a veteran group in the greater Atlanta area.

On December 27, 1968, Hillman’s son, Richard, exchanged vows with Mary Cartledge, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Samuel A. Cartledge, in a ceremony at the Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia. Following the ceremony, family and friends gathered for a reception at the Columbia Seminary Student Center, part of the Columbia Theological Seminary, an educational institution in Decatur.

In April 1969, Hillman served as a pallbearer at the funeral of Dr. Fraser L. Adams Jr. The burial ceremony took place at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. Dr. Fraser was a highly respected dentist in the Decatur area.

Hillman passed away in Decatur from natural causes on January 3, 1975. He was 58 years old at the time of his passing. A funeral service was held at Spring Hill on January 5, where the Rev. Russell Case officiated. Hillman was laid to rest in section 37 of Crest Lawn Cemetery in Atlanta on January 7. 

Hillman continued to work as an engineer for Georgia Power Company up until his death. He was also a member of the Edison Electrical Institute and attended Candler Park Baptist Church. Hillman was survived by his wife Mary, daughter Cynthia, and sons Richard and Randal. He was also mourned by his mother Elizabeth, sister Mary, and brother Thomas. The mention of contributions to the cancer society in his obituary hints that his life was cut short by illness, but that is pure speculation on my part.

Photo used with permission of Andrew Holstein,
Find A Grave member 48890459

References

• Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1947.
• Atlantians’ Nephew is Held by Germans, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, June 5, 1944
• Births, Richard Hillman Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1947.
• Births, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1947.
• Brief News from Georgia Cities, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Brunswick, Georgia, City Directory, 1941.
• C. Hillman Davison, U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016, Georgia Evening College, Atlanta, Georgia, 1937.
• Charles (Charlie) Hillman Davison obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 5, 1975.
• Charles C. Davison obituary, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, May 19, 1946.
• Charles Clement Davison, Baptist Biography, vol. 3, pp. 102–105, edited by Balus Joseph Winzer Graham, Index Printing Company, 1923.
• Charles Clement Davison, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Charles Davison Wins Army Wings, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, June 28, 1943.
• Charles H. Davison obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 5, 1975.
• Charles H. Davison, U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946.
• Charles Hillman Davison (1975), U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861–1985.
• Charles Hillman Davison, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Columbia at a Glance, Columbia Theological Seminary; https://www.ctsnet.edu/about-us/columbia-at-a-glance/. 
• Cynthia Lou Davison, Marriage Return no. 84-024039, Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health-Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, 1984.
• Dana G. Davison, obituary, The News and Observer, Raleigh, North Carolina, January 22, 2015.
• Davison Baby, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 13, 1954.
• Denmark-Davison Plans Completed, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 31, 1946.
• Denmark-Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, December 9, 1945.
• Dr. and Mrs. Davison Give Delightful Birthday Supper, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, November 17, 1935.
• Dr. Fraser L. Adams Jr. obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, April 12, 1969.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/173643946/fraser_lee-adams: accessed June 1, 2024), memorial page for Fraser Lee Adams Jr. (5 Apr 1902–11 Apr 1969), Find a Grave Memorial ID 173643946, citing Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Ladybug (contributor 47122697).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207118553/charles_hillman-davison: accessed May 30, 2024), memorial page for Charles Hillman Davison (14 Dec 1916–3 Jan 1975), Find a Grave Memorial ID 207118553, citing Crest Lawn Cemetery, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Andrew Holstein (contributor 48890459).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73301189/mary_louise-davison: accessed May 31, 2024), memorial page for Mary Louise Davison (17 Dec 1919–12 Jun 1942), Find a Grave Memorial ID 73301189, citing Greensboro City Cemetery, Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).
• Fort McPherson, New Georgia Encyclopedia, Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press; https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/government-politics/fort-mcpherson/. 
• Georgia Pilot Killed, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, April 28, 1944.
• Georgia State University; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_State_University. 
• Gheesling-Davidson, The Macon Telegraph, Macon, Georgia, January 9, 1916.
• Hellams Heads Veteran Group, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, December 4, 1952.
• Lieut. Davison Mission in Action, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Local Woman Killed by Car, Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus, Georgia, June 13, 1942.
• Lt. Davison Home After Imprisonment, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, June 28, 1945.
• Lt. Davison, Freed, Returning Home, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 21, 1945.
• Lt. Hillman Davison Missing in Action, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 28, 1944.
• Margaret Washburn Has Lovely Birthday Party, The Anniston Star, Anniston, Alabama, March 22, 1920.
• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Air_Station_Yuma. 
• Mary Cartledge Marries Richard Hillman Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 13, 1969.
• Mary Davison Obituary, Legacy, Savannah Morning News; https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/savannah/name/mary-davison-obituary?id=29544437. 
• Mary L. Davison Struck by Auto, Dies Last Night, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, June 13, 1942.
• Milledgeville Flier, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Miss Denmark to be Honored, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 18, 1946.
• Miss Denmark to Become Bride, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, December 9, 1945.
• Miss Mary Lou Denmark to Wed Lt. Charles Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, December 9, 1945.
• Missing in Action, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Mr. Charles (Charlie) Hillman Davison burial notice, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 6, 1975.
• Mr. Charles C. Davison obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 19, 1946.
• Nephew of Atlantans is German Prisoner, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 5, 1944.
• New Arrivals, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 25, 1947.
• Northington General Hospital Property, Circa 2000, Tuscaloosa Area Virtual Museum; https://tavm.omeka.net/items/show/830. 
• Pastor Davison Dies in Atlanta, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, May 19, 1946.
• Personals, Margaret Washburn Has Lovely Birthday Party, The Anniston Star, Anniston, Alabama, March 22, 1920.
• Personals, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 24, 1945.
• Psi Sigmas Plan Dance Thursday, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, May 11, 1938.
• Shower is Planned for Miss Denmark, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 21, 1946.
• Society Events, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 24, 1937.
• Society in Brief, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 31, 1946.
• State Briefs, The Macon Telegraph, Macon, Georgia, April 29, 1944.
• Tift College; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tift_College. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Anniston Ward 5, Calhoun County, Alabama, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia, 1930.
• Vintage Board Game of Billy Whiskers, All About Fun and Games, Jenny Kile; https://allaboutfunandgames.com/vintage-board-game-of-billy-whiskers.
• Were Those Trips Necessary? He Can Ask Himself Now, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, September 30, 1952. 

Macajah Thomas Hawkins submits list of 22 slaves

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

Georgia, Greene County.

I, Macajah Thomas Hawkins, lately from the county of Warren and state of North Carolina, intending to emigrate to the state of Georgia and settle in the county of Greene, do hereby hand in the following list of negroes as my own right and property, the same having been purchased by me in this state.

Toney, a black negro man about 50 years of age

Lewis, a black negro man about 40 years of age

Ben, a black negro man about 27 years of age

Solomon, a black negro man about 18 years of age

Peter, a yellow negro man about 23 years of age

Cary, a dark negro man about 10 years of age

John, a black boy about 7 or 8 years of age

Henry, a yellow boy about 3 years of age

Jackson, light complected boy about 18 months old

Milly, a negro woman yellow about 23 years old

Violet, a negro woman light complected about 17 years old

Caroline, a negro woman dark complected about 19 years old

Silvy, a negro girl dark complected about 9 years old

Susan, a negro girl dark complected about 7 years old

Leathy, a negro woman black complected about 25 years old

Lucinda, a negro girl yellow complected about 5 years old

Leanna, a negro girl yellow complected about 3 years old

Sylla, a negro girl black complected about 14 years old

Milly, a negro woman dark complexion about 22 years old

Sally, a negro child light complexion about 1 year old

Rachel, a negro woman light complexion about 16 years old

Phillis, a negro child light complexion about 1 year old

In all twenty-two negroes. Returned by me his 30th January 1818.

M. T. Hawkins

Recorded 30th January 1818.
Ebenezer Torrence, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deeds, 1818–1821, 1821–1826, image 9; www.familysearch.org. 

Elisabeth (Mary) Taylor

Elisabeth (Mary) Taylor, daughter of James Taylor and Elizabeth Low, was born on October 23, 1797, in the parish of Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. The congregation of Lady Glenorchie’s Chapel in Saint Cuthberts witnessed her baptism on November 6, 1797. Elisabeth is my husband’s 3rd great grandmother and their nearest common relative is her son, James.

Elisabeth had six siblings, all born in the parish of Saint Cuthberts: Helen Taylor (1788), James Taylor (1790), John Taylor (1791), James Taylor (1793), William Taylor (1795), and Isobell Taylor (1799). Her parents followed traditional Scottish naming patterns when naming their children. Their fourth child, born in 1793, was also named James. This choice was a way to honor the memory of their earlier son, James, who was born in 1790 and passed away on February 9, 1791. The first James likely died at home in Saint Cuthberts. The West Kirk Mortality Records Ledger from Saint Cuthberts Parish Church provides insights into James’s final resting place. Although the ledger is challenging to read, it appears that James was laid to rest north from Gilespis stone and east from the road, from the south ‘geat’ [possibly gate] to the east end of the Kirk. 

Birth register for Elizabeth (1797)

James in West Kirk Mortality Records Ledger,
Saint Cuthberts Parish Church (1791)

Elisabeth and George Durie, the son of William Durie and Mary Elizabeth Richardson, submitted their names for the Proclamation of Banns on January 16, 1820, in Inveresk, Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Unlike the record below theirs, this entry does not specify a date of marriage. They likely married within days or weeks.

Marriage register for Elisabeth Taylor and George Durie (1820)

John Paul (relationship unknown) acted as the cautioner for Elisabeth, while William Durie, likely George’s father, stood in as the cautioner for George. A cautioner was responsible for vouching for the couple’s intentions and financial stability, ensuring that the marriage proceeded as planned. If the couple failed to fulfill their obligations, the cautioner could be held accountable. George worked as a weaver, while Elisabeth’s father, noted as deceased on the record, was a slater—a specialist in installing and repairing slate roofs.

Elisabeth and George were blessed with at least six children: William Durie, James Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, John Durie, and Robert Durie. They welcomed their son William into the world on November 24, 1820. His baptism took place on Christmas Eve 1820 in the parishes of Inveresk and Musselburgh. The witnesses to this significant event were William Niel and John Paul. Unfortunately, this baptismal record is the only record I found for William. It is likely that he passed away during infancy. Meanwhile, George continued his work as a weaver.

Birth register for William Durie (1820)

Their son James, born April 26, 1824 in Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland, was baptized on May 30. Once again, John Paul was one of the two witnesses. The other was John Proiidfoot.

Birth register for James Durie (1824)

I have been unable to locate a birth record for Agnes, Elizabeth, John, and Robert. Instead, I turned to census records and death registers to piece together their birth information. Agnes was likely born around 1828, Elizabeth was born approximately 1834, John arrived about 1836, and Robert around 1839. All these events occurred in Edinburgh, within the parishes of Inveresk and Musselburgh.

In the 1841 Scotland census, Elisabeth appeared as the last entry on page 6, residing in Inveresk and Musselburgh within Midlothian. Her five children were listed on page 7. The family lived on High Street. James, aged 16, worked as an apprentice although the specific trade remains unclear due to illegible handwriting. Interestingly, George was absent from the household; instead, I discovered him living and working as a tollkeeper at the West Pans Tollhouse in the same area. 

Elisabeth and the children in the Scotland census (1841)

 

George in the Scotland census (1841)

In 1851, Elisabeth and George were living together again, residing at 230 Holm Street in the parish of Barony in Glasgow. At age 65, George had retired from work. Their household included four of their children: Agnes (aged 21) and Elizabeth (aged 17) both worked as milliners, John (aged 15) held a position as a junior clerk, and Robert (aged 12) was pursuing his studies as a scholar. A 26-year-old male named James McEwing also lived with them as a lodger, working as a bookkeeper. 

Durie family in the Scotland census (1851)

By January 1856, Elisabeth and George had moved to a new home at 53 Cadogan Street in Blythswood, Scotland. Their daughter Elizabeth exchanged vows with John Morris there on January 31. John, a bachelor, was employed as a photographic artist, while Elizabeth, a spinster, continued her craft as a milliner. Their union, solemnized after banns, adhered to the customs of the United Presbyterian Church. John’s father, Joseph Morris was still living, while his mother, Ann Martin, was deceased. The ceremony was witnessed by Archibald Robertson and Agnes Durie. Meanwhile, George had transitioned into the role of a storekeeper. 

Marriage register for Elizabeth Durie and John Morris (1856)

After 37 years of marriage, Elisabeth’s husband, George, passed away on February 10, 1857, at their Cadogan Street home. His sudden passing was attributed to apoplexy, an abrupt loss of consciousness that led to his death after one day. At age 70, George worked as a cotton storekeeper. He was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

Death register for George Durie (1857)

In the year 1861, Elisabeth still resided in the Cadogan Street home in Blythswood. A housekeeper, she ensured the smooth functioning of the household. Elisabeth was enumerated as 63 years of age, a difference of two years from her age in the 1851 census. Her 27-year-old daughter, Agnes, shared the same roof. A milliner, Agnes made hats and bonnets. The household also included Elisabeth’s two sons: John and Robert. John, aged 25, held the position of a clerk to an engine smith, a skilled worker responsible for working with engines, particularly steam engines. Robert, the younger son at 22, pursued a different path working as a muslin warehouseman.

Durie family in the Scotland census (1861)

Elisabeth passed away at her home in Blythswood from old age on July 13, 1865. Her son John, who was present at the time of her passing, served as the informant on the death register. My mind suggests that Elisabeth might have been laid to rest beside George at the Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow, however, her name does not appear in the cemetery register.

Death register for Elisabeth Durie (1865)

While Elisabeth is consistently listed as her name, the 1902 death register for her son James introduces another possible name. There, she appears as Mary Durie, Ms. Taylor (Deceased)—a departure from the familiar Elisabeth. I share this piece of information because it is essential to consider this discrepancy for other researchers tracing her lineage. 

Death register for James Durie (1902)

References

• Agnes Durie, Census 622/87/2, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• Agnes Durie, Census 644/6 12/22, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Apoplexy; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apoplexy. 
• Elisabeth Durie, Census 689/12/5, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 358, National Records of Scotland, 1865.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/6 28, National Records of Scotland, 1856.
• Elizabeth Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1797.
• George Durie, Census 689/9/1, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• George Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 86, National Records of Scotland, 1857.
• George Dury, Old Parish Registers Marriages 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, National Records of Scotland, 1820.
• Helen Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1788.
• Isobell Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1799.
• James Durie, Census 689/12/7, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• James Durie, Old Parish Registers Births 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, National Records of Scotland, 1824.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 734, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• James Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1790.
• James Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1793.
• James Taylor, Old Parish Registers Deaths 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1791.
• John Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1791.
• Robert Durie, Census 622/87/3, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• Slater, Dictionary of Old Occupations, Family Tree Researcher; https://www.familyresearcher.co.uk/glossary/Dictionary-of-Old-Occupations-jobs-beginning-S6.html#Slater.
• William Durie, Old Parish Registers Births 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, National Records of Scotland, 1820.
• William Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1795.