Samuel Davis loans Lotty and Fed to daughter, Cornelia Preston

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

Davis to Preston

We the undersigned do certify that on this the 29th day of August, Eighteen hundred and sixty, Samuel Davis did bring before us a Negro Girl of dark color named Lotty, about seventeen years old and a negro boy of dark complexion about twelve years old named Fed and notified us that he intended to send said negroes to his daughter Cornelia Preston who is now in the Creek Nation and that he intends them simply as a loan to his said daughter.

In witness whereof we have hereunto affixed our hands and seal on the day above mentioned.

Test. 
James W. Godkin J.P.

I. L. Mathews
W. H. Morrison
Isaac R. Hall

Recorded this 29th day of August 1860.
Isaac R. Hall, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deed Books 1852–1857, 1857–1862, image 483, FamilySearch. 

Alexander King gives June and John to grandson, Alexander King

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

King to King

State of Georgia, Greene County. This Indenture made this tenth day of December, Eighteen hundred and sixty-one between Alexander King of said State and County of the one part, and my grandson, Alexander King, son of Ulysses B. King of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Alexander King for and in consideration of the sum of Five dollars cash in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he has and bears to his said grandson has granted and conveyed and doth by these presents give, grant, and convey to the said Alexander King, son of the said Ulysses B. King, two Negro slaves, June, about ten years old and John, his brother, about eight years old. To have and to hold said Negro slaves to him, the said Alexander King, his heirs, and assigns. 

In testimony whereof the said Alexander King hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written. 

Alex. King

Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of
B. F. Greene
C. A. Vincent, J.P.

Recorded this 6th day of March 1863.
Isaac R. Hall, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1862–1871, image 50, FamilySearch. 

Janie (Dove) Holland petitions court for support

While researching my great-grandparents, Elijah Jeffers Holland and Cornelia Jane “Janie” Dove, I uncovered a court document that reveals new details about their lives. I’m sharing it here as an extension of their story, rather than a traditional timeline sketch (I’ve already created one for each of them). If you’d like to learn more, click their names above to read their earlier sketches.

Elijah and Janie (Dove) Holland

Elijah and Janie married in 1894. After a brief stay in Hart County, Georgia, they made their home in Whitfield County, Georgia, where they farmed the land, attended church, and surrounded themselves with family and friends, becoming respected members of the community. They were blessed with three children: Roy Holland (1897), Nellie Holland (1898), and Samuel “Sam” Jackson Holland (1904). A fourth child, sadly, did not survive.

On March 4, 1915, their lives were forever altered. Elijah passed away in Dalton, Georgia, at just 42 years old, leaving Janie, 43, to navigate an uncertain future. Their three children—Roy (17), Nellie (16), and Sam (10)—were still too young to shoulder the burden of their loss. For Janie, the passing of her husband also meant the loss of the family’s sole provider.

In the early 20th century, widows like Janie endured immense hardships. With no breadwinner to support them, they turned to the courts for relief—a provision allowed under Georgia law at the time. On April 1, 1915, Janie petitioned the Whitfield County Court for 12 months of financial and property support for herself and her children, along with household furniture to help sustain their lives.

The court appointed five appraisers—G. L. Broadrick, A. L. Rollins, C. N. McAllister, George W. Cline, and W. N. Richardson—to evaluate the estate and allocate resources for Janie and the children. Their assessment concluded Janie required $890 for support and maintenance. She chose to receive her allotment in this form:

• Land: Elijah’s equitable interest in 33 acres (lot 305) and 35 acres (lot 272), valued at $700
• Livestock: One mule ($100), one cow ($25), and two pigs ($5)
• Tools and furniture: Farming tools and wagons ($10), and household furniture ($50)

This allocation provided much-needed support, but with a stipulation: Janie would be responsible for settling all outstanding debts associated with the estate.

This court document offers a small window into the challenges Janie faced after Elijah’s untimely passing, while also shedding light on the struggles women endured during that era. I can’t imagine standing in her shoes, forced to petition the court simply to secure the means to support my family. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come.

References

E. J. Holland, Whitfield County, Georgia, Probate Records 1865–1935, images 325–326, FamilySearch. 

Laura “Lollie” Lyal Martin

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.

Laura “Lollie” Lyal Martin was born on December 27, 1860, in Georgia. She was known as Lollie. Her parents, John Franklin “Frank” Martin and Adaline “Addie” Celestial Malone had recently celebrated two occasions earlier that month: their second wedding anniversary on December 7 and Addie’s birthday on December 5.

Lollie was likely named after her maternal grandmother, Laura E. Williams, and her paternal grandmother, Nancy Lyall Sims. She was an only child.

Although Lollie’s connection to me is distant, I managed to uncover one! She is the wife of my first great-uncle through the husband of my 2nd cousin, 3x removed. You can follow the connection below. Alice Beman Lankford was my great-grandmother.

Lollie was born near the end of 1860 and was not recorded in the census that year. However, reviewing the census from June 9, we learn that her parents lived in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. Her father, Frank, worked as a farmer and had a personal estate valued at $3,000. At the time, Frank was 22 years old and Addie, her mother, was 19. Sometime later, the family relocated to Floyd County, Georgia.

Tragically, before Lollie’s second birthday, her father passed away in Floyd County on August 22, 1862. Frank was laid to rest in the Martin Family Cemetery in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. His untimely death occurred without him leaving a will. Just days later, on August 26, Frank’s father, John Martin, petitioned the Floyd County Court to appoint him as temporary administrator of the estate. This allowed him to manage and sell the significant amount of perishable property Frank had left behind.

After her father’s passing, Lollie and her mother returned to Greene County. There, Addie filed a petition seeking legal authority to manage Lollie’s share of the estate, which was valued at $8,000. To demonstrate her commitment to accountability, Addie offered a $10,000 bond. She named B. Johnson and William as her securities in this arrangement and requested the court’s approval to oversee these funds. Her goal was to ensure proper management of the inheritance for her daughter’s well-being and future needs.

On January 12, 1863, a guardianship bond was established in Oglethorpe County, naming Lollie’s grandfather, John Martin, as her legal guardian. To secure this arrangement, John, alongside Mathew S. Jackson acting as a surety, pledged a financial bond of $10,000. This bond served as a safeguard, ensuring that John would faithfully fulfill his legal duties as outlined in the Letters of Guardianship and applicable laws. The bond would be voided if John adhered to these obligations, but it would remain in effect should he fail to meet his responsibilities.

On October 23, 1863, John Martin, gravely ill and aware of his approaching death, shared his final wishes regarding the distribution of his estate. Unable to formalize a written will due to the unavailability of the necessary assistance, he communicated his intentions verbally in the presence of three witnesses at his home in Oglethorpe County.

John expressed regret for not having completed a written will earlier but was determined to ensure fairness in dividing his estate. He declared that his wife, Nancy, would retain the estate, and as their children came of age or married, each would receive an equal share, in line with what others had already received during his lifetime. He emphasized that his son Thomas, who had reached adulthood but had not yet received his portion, should be given an equal share in currency to guarantee equity. John further requested that if his condition worsened, additional provisions should be made for Thomas beyond his legal inheritance.

Additionally, John stated that his son Redding S. Martin should receive $1,000 more than the standard share of the estate. He entrusted Nancy, Lollie’s grandmother, with the responsibility of managing the estate, granting her the right to retain any land and enslaved individuals she desired. He tasked her with overseeing the property’s division among their children and ensuring the education of those who had yet to be schooled, utilizing resources from the estate to fulfill this obligation.

John also included his granddaughter, Lollie, the daughter of his late son Frank, in his plans, specifying that she was to receive an inheritance equal to that of his other children. This was part of his effort to distribute his estate equitably among all his descendants.

John passed away three days later, on October 26, 1863. He was laid to rest in Martin Cemetery in Oglethorpe County.

In November 1863, Addie submitted a document to the court detailing her management of Lollie’s money and property. This report was a required demonstration of Addie’s responsible handling of Lollie’s estate. Lollie’s assets included $2,500 in Confederate Treasury Notes (bonds) and two enslaved girls: Rebecca, approximately 14 years old, and Emma, around 12 years old. The document also recorded $25 in earnings from hiring out Rebecca during 1863.

On December 7, 1863, Lollie’s grandmother, Nancy Martin, submitted a petition to the Court of Ordinary in Oglethorpe County for the probate of John Martin’s will. In the proceedings, Lollie was identified as one of the minor next of kin. To ensure proper care and oversight, Elijah “Thomas” Martin, Lollie’s uncle, was appointed as temporary guardian for her as well as several of John’s other minor children.

On January 11, 1864, Addie was officially certified to serve as Lollie’s guardian. She provided a bond with security, took the required oath, and received court approval, which authorized her to manage her daughter’s property. This certification entrusted Addie with the responsibility of using Lollie’s estate according to the law and fulfilling all guardian duties, including the submission of necessary reports.

In March 1864, with the court’s approval, Addie invested the $2,500 in Confederate bonds—similar to government loans during the Civil War—aiming to grow the funds. A certificate was issued, promising an annual interest rate of four percent on the bond. On June 1, 1864, Addie filed a return for Lollie’s estate with the court, which was likely an accounting or financial report to ensure continued oversight.

Tragically, Addie’s role as guardian was short-lived. She passed away on April 16, 1865, likely in Oglethorpe County. She was laid to rest in the Martin Family Cemetery in Oglethorpe County. With Addie’s passing, four-year-old Lollie, still a minor, became an orphan.

On June 17, 1870, 10-year-old Lollie was living with her paternal uncle, Thomas Martin, and his family in Maxeys, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. They resided next door to her paternal grandmother, Nancy Martin, along with her aunt Susan Martin and uncles Redding, Benjamin, and Edgar (listed in the census as Edwin). Thomas, aged 29, worked as a farmer and had a personal estate valued at $500. His wife, Harriet, managed their household.

There is a gap in the records between April 1865, when Lollie’s mother Addie passed away, and February 1869, when William Boswell was officially named as Lollie’s guardian. Given that Lollie was living with Thomas during this time, it is possible that he assumed responsibility for her care. However, I have not found any court documents to confirm this arrangement.

Lollie’s maternal grandfather, Thompson Malone, passed away in 1862, leaving behind a substantial estate that took years to finalize. When the estate administrators, Laura E. Malone and Joseph H. Malone, were ready to settle the inheritance, it was recognized that, with the death of her mother Addie, Lollie was entitled to her mother’s share.

In February 1869, William J. Boswell—Lollie’s uncle by marriage (the husband of her mother’s sister, Josephine Malone)—petitioned the court in Greene County to be appointed as Lollie’s guardian ad litem. This role allowed him to legally represent Lollie’s interests during the estate settlement process. The court granted his request, ensuring that her inheritance rights were protected.

At just nine years old, Lollie became the recipient of two significant inheritances, securing her future despite the many hardships she had endured.

By January 11, 1873, William appointed Redding Martin, Lollie’s paternal uncle, as his lawful representative, or attorney-in-fact. Redding, who resided in Oglethorpe County—the location where John Martin’s will was probated—was authorized to act on William’s behalf in receiving payments or funds owed to Lollie from John Martin’s estate. Earlier that year, William also took care of purchasing clothing and shoes for Lollie, ensuring her needs were met.

In early March 1873, Lollie, with the permission of her guardian, William, relocated to Oglethorpe County, where she owned significant property. Following her move, William informed the courts of his desire to relinquish his guardianship responsibilities—a decision Lollie agreed to.

On March 19, 1873, Redding Martin submitted a petition to the Ordinary of Oglethorpe County, requesting the transfer of Lollie’s guardianship from William to himself. The court approved the request, officially appointing Redding as Lollie’s legal guardian in Oglethorpe County. To fulfill his guardianship duties, Redding, along with J. G. M. Edwards and Benjamin Martin as sureties, pledged a bond of $2,000. This bond ensured that Redding would responsibly manage and protect Lollie’s interests and property throughout the duration of his guardianship.

In April 1873, Redding submitted a petition to the Greene County Court of Ordinary, requesting the transfer of guardianship jurisdiction to Oglethorpe County, where both he and Lollie were now residing. After reviewing the petition and the accompanying certificate, the Greene County Court approved the transfer. This decision allowed Redding to maintain his guardianship of Lollie, now under the legal authority of Oglethorpe County.

A June 30, 1873 annual return documents financial transactions managed by Redding as Lollie’s guardian. It noted payments of $1 to Joel F. Thornton and $21.60 to R. H. Mitchell, who was likely a legal official. The return also confirmed the receipt of $905.13 from William Boswell, Lollie’s former guardian, as a transfer of funds for her estate.

On August 26, 1874, Lollie was admitted to the congregation of Crawford Baptist Church in Crawford, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

On September 28, 1874, Redding submitted an annual financial return as Lollie’s guardian, detailing disbursements made in 1873. The recorded total amounted to $2,085.55. Later, on May 31, 1876, Redding filed another financial return covering the years 1875 and 1876, reporting total disbursements of $295.44 for the two-year period.

On September 18, 1876, Redding submitted a petition to the Court, explaining that the income from Lollie’s estate was insufficient to cover the costs of her board, clothing, and education. He requested permission to draw from the principal of her estate, in addition to its accrued interest, to ensure her proper maintenance and education, as permitted by law. The Court approved his petition, granting him the authority to use as much of the estate’s principal as necessary to support and educate Lollie.

Redding submitted an annual financial return for Lollie’s estate, documenting disbursements totaling $236.90 for the year ending on July 1, 1877. For the following year, ending on July 1, 1878, he filed another financial return, reporting disbursements amounting to $185.28. Additionally, a separate return was submitted for the same year, listing further disbursements of $42.50.

On December 4, 1879, Lollie married Patrick Mell Cheney, the son of the prominent William Owen Cheney and Elizabeth Ann Callaway, in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. The Cheney family was well-regarded and influential in the community during that time. Lollie was 18 years old, and Patrick was 23 when they tied the knot. After their marriage, the couple settled in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, where they began building their life together.

Redding submitted an annual financial return for Lollie’s estate, covering the years 1879 and 1880. This was the first return to reference her married name, Cheney. Disbursements for the period amounted to $178.60.

By June 2, 1880, Lollie, aged 19, and her husband Patrick, aged 24, were living in District 148 of Greene County. In the census records, Lollie was listed as “Lottie.” She managed their household while Patrick worked as a farmer. Also residing with them was Patrick’s 68-year-old widowed mother, Elizabeth, who shared their home.

Tragically, just one year and four months into their marriage, Lollie passed away on April 6, 1881, at the young age of 20. The cause of her untimely death remains unknown, though it raises speculation about whether childbirth may have played a role. She was laid to rest in Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown. Her tombstone, now gradually being reclaimed by the earth, bears the inscription:

Sacred to the memory of Lollie, wife of P. M. Cheney. Born Dec. 27, 1860, Died April 6, 1881.

References

• Administrators and Guardians Letters: Greene County, Georgia, Probate Records 1856–1913, image 72, FamilySearch.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24042262/lollie_l-cheney: accessed March 16, 2025), memorial page for Lollie L Martin Cheney (27 Dec 1860–6 Apr 1881), Find a Grave Memorial ID 24042262, citing Bairdstown Cemetery, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, USA; maintained by PC (contributor 46773894).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32135833/adeline_celestial-martin: accessed March 18, 2025), memorial page for Adeline Celestial “Addie” Malone Martin (5 Dec 1841–16 Apr 1865), Find a Grave Memorial ID 32135833, citing Martin Cemetery, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Lu Batchelor (contributor 47083487).
• Greene County, Georgia, Probate Estate Case Files 1790–1943, images 988–992, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Real Estate Records 1869–1874, images 188–189, 192, FamilySearch.
• John Martin, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.
• John F. Martin, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.
• L. L. Martin, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Laura L. Martin, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Probate Estate Case Files 1790–1962, images 463–564, FamilySearch.
• Laura Martin, Greene County, Georgia, Court Records 1859–1886, 1865–1869, image 431, FamilySearch.
• Lollie L. Martin, Greene County, Georgia, Probate Estate C Files 1790–1943, images 117-126, FamilySearch.
• Lollie L. Martin, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Probate Estate Case Files 1790–1962, images 71, 557, 631–635, FamilySearch.
• Lollie L. Martin, U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750–1899.
• Personal visit to Bairdstown Cemetery, Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 148, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 161, Greene County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Georgia Militia District 227, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Maxeys, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860. 

Charles Ashley gives Susan to his daughter Mary Leslie

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

Ashley to Leslie 

State of Georgia, Greene County. This Indenture made this twenty-first day of August, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, between Charles E. Ashley of said State and County of the one part and Mary F. Leslie of the same place of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Charles E. Ashley, for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he has and bears to his said daughter Mary F. Leslie hath given to the said Mary F. Leslie my negro girl Susan, about nine years old. To have and to hold during her natural life. At the death of my daughter Mary F. Leslie, the said negro girl and her increase to belong to the children of the said Mary F. Leslie.

In testimony whereof the said Charles E. Ashley hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal, the day and year above written. 

C. E. Ashley

Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of 
C. E. Grant
J. R. Parker, J.P.

Recorded this 22nd day of August 1863. 
Isaac R. Hall, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1862–1871, images 69–70, FamilySearch. 

Moses Wyllie

Moses Wyllie was born on April 4, 1834, in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, to Thomas Wyllie and Janet Dreghorn. He is my husband’s 1st cousin 4x removed, sharing Moses Wyllie and Janet (his grandparents and my husband’s 4th great-grandparents) as their nearest common relatives. His birth is recorded as “Moses Wyllie, sixth child and third son of Thomas Wyllie, laborer, and Janet Dreghorn, his wife.”

Birth register for Moses Wyllie (1834)

Moses was one of at least five children documented as being born to Thomas and Janet: Maggie, John, Janet, Andrew, and Moses himself. In 1841, the Wyllie family resided at Robertson Place in Kilmarnock, where census records list Thomas’ occupation as “Th. L. W.,” likely an abbreviation for “Thread Lace Weaver.” The household included four children: Moses (age 5), John (age 3), Janet (age 2), and Andrew (9 months).

Census entry for the Wyllie family (1841)

By 1851, the Wyllie family remained in Kilmarnock at the Robertson Place home. Thomas had transitioned to agricultural labor, while Moses, at age 12, worked as a printer. Living next door were brothers Robert and James Wallace, calico printers—an occupation Moses would later adopt. A calico printer was a skilled artisan who crafted intricate designs on cotton fabric. Moses’ brothers, John and Andrew, worked as “tearers at print work,” likely entry-level roles in a textile mill. Janet, age 8, contributed to the household as a hand sewer. Every family member played a role in supporting their home.

Census entry for the Wyllie family and their next-door neighbors (1851)

When the 1861 Scotland census was taken on April 7, the household consisted of just Moses and his mother, Janet, living on Fitchfield Street. His father, Thomas, appears to have passed away, though Janet was still listed as married, not widowed. At the time of his death, Thomas was working as a carpet weaver. Moses, now 27, worked as a hammerman, a skilled metalworker, while Janet was employed as a tambouser, likely creating intricate tambour lace.

Census entry for the Moses and his mother, Janet (1861)

On December 31, 1861, Moses married Hannah McKay at 30 Robertson Place in Kilmarnock, likely her family home. Hannah, also 27, was employed as a boot (or book) binder, while Moses, residing on Fitchfield Street, worked as a laborer. Both Daniel and Margaret (Thomson) McKay, Hannah’s parents, had passed away by this time.

Marriage register for Moses and Hannah (1861)

Together, Moses and Hannah had seven children, all born in Kilmarnock: Thomas Wyllie, Agnes Wyllie, Margaret McKay Wyllie, Jeanie Buchanan Wyllie, Janet Dreghorn Wyllie, Duncan McKay Wyllie, and Hannah McKay Wyllie.

Moses’ younger brother, Thomas, was born at the family home, 30 Robertson Place, on October 22, 1862. While no middle name was recorded on the birth register, it noted their mother’s maiden name as “McKie” instead of the more commonly recorded “McKay.” At the time, Moses was working as a calico printer.

Birth register for Thomas Wyllie (1862)

Janet, Moses’ mother, passed away at Grougar Row, near Kilmarnock, on September 27, 1864, after a two-week battle with diarrhea. Her death was officially recorded by Moses, who served as the informant on the register. The location of her burial remains unknown.

Death register for Janet Dreghorn Wyllie (1864)

Around 1865, Moses’ sister Agnes was born. Unfortunately, the only records I have been able to locate for her are the Scotland census entries. The 1871 census lists her birthplace as Lanarkshire, Glasgow, which stands out as unusual given that all the other Wyllie children were born in Kilmarnock. The 1881 census records her birthplace as Kilmarnock. Without a birth register to verify, the exact location remains unclear. However, considering the Wyllie family’s strong ties to Kilmarnock, it seems likely that this was her true birthplace.

Another sister, Margaret McKay Wyllie, was born on October 2, 1867, at the family home at 36 Robertson Place. At that time, Moses was employed as a laborer.

Birth register for Margaret McKay Wyllie (1864)

Twin sisters, Janet Dreghorn Wyllie and Jeannie Buchanan Wyllie, were born at the family home on Robertson Place on October 22, 1869. Janet, the elder of the two, arrived at 12:30 PM, followed by Jeanie five minutes later, at 12:35 PM. At the time of their birth, Moses was recorded as working as a hammerman.

Birth register for twins Janet Dreghorn Wyllie and Jeanie Buchanan Wyllie (1869)

Whooping cough devastated the Wyllie household between late 1869 and early 1870, claiming the lives of three young children. The outbreak began in mid-November 1869, when Jeanie, one of the six-week-old twins, fell ill. After two weeks of suffering, she passed away at the family home on December 2, 1869.

Death register for twin Jeanie (1869)

Heartbreak struck once more when two-year-old Margaret, called Maggie, fell ill in late November. After battling the disease for just two weeks, she passed away at home on December 10, 1869.

Death register for sister Margaret (1869)

Shortly after Christmas, Janet, the surviving twin, contracted whooping cough. She endured the illness for 10 days before sadly passing away at the family home on January 4, 1870. At the time of her death, Janet was just over two months old.

Death register for twin Janet (1870)

The three children were laid to rest together in Kilmarnock Cemetery.

Duncan, the sixth child and second son of Moses, was born on February 5, 1871, at the family home on Robertson Place in Kilmarnock. He was given his mother Hannah’s maiden name as his middle name. However, as with his brother Thomas, the birth register mistakenly recorded it as “McKie” instead of “McKay.”

Birth register for Duncan McKie Wyllie (1871)

On April 2, 1871, when the census was taken, Moses, Hannah, and their three surviving children—Thomas, Agnes, and Duncan—were still residing at their home on Robertson Place. Moses remained employed as a hammerman. Among the children, only eight-year-old Thomas was attending school at the time. The census also noted that their home had only one room with a window.

Census entry for the Wyllie family (1871)

Moses’ youngest child, a daughter named Hannah McKay Wyllie, was born on July 11, 1873, at the family home on Robertson Place. As with some of her older siblings, she was given her mother’s maiden name, McKay, as her middle name.

Birth register for Hannah McKay Wyllie (1873)

Tragically, Hannah fell ill with diphtheria and passed away at the family home just three days later, on May 24, 1876. She was only 2 years and 10 months old when her life was cut short. Hannah was laid to rest at Kilmarnock Cemetery alongside her siblings.

Death register for Hannah McKay Wyllie (1876)

The Wyllie family remained in their home at 36 Robertson Place in Kilmarnock in 1881, with Moses continuing his work as a hammerman. The census that year split the family’s record across two pages: Moses appeared on one page, while Hannah, Thomas, Duncan, and Agnes were listed on the next. Notably, this census marked the first instance of Hannah being recorded with an occupation, described as a “hammerman’s wife.” At the time, Thomas, aged 18, was employed as a baker, while Agnes, aged 16, worked as a weaver. 

Census entry for the Wyllie family (1881)

By 1891, Moses, Hannah, and their son Duncan had taken up residence at 30 Robertson Place, a home with sentimental value as it was where Moses and Hannah had been married three decades earlier, in 1861. The property is believed to have originally belonged to the McKay family. The house was modest, with only two rooms featuring windows. At 55 years old, Moses continued to work as a hammerman. Hannah, however, was not employed, likely managing household duties. Their son Duncan had embarked on a career as a tailor. Once again, the census year split the family’s record across two pages: Moses and Hannah appeared on one page, while Duncan was listed on the next. 

Census entry for the Moses, Hannah, and Duncan (1891)

Moses passed away at the family home at 30 Robertson Place on April 4, 1894, following a month-long illness caused by sub-acute Bright’s disease, a kidney condition now recognized as nephritis. He was 59 years old at the time of his death. His son, Duncan, served as the informant on the death register.

Death register for Moses Wyllie (1894)

Hannah, Moses’ wife, survived him by just over a year. She passed away at their home on September 28, 1895, after enduring a yearlong struggle with emphysema. In the month leading up to her death, she also suffered from lung congestion. As with Moses, their son Duncan served as the informant on her death register.

Death register for Hannah Wyllie (1895)

Both Moses and Hannah were interred alongside their children, as well as a granddaughter, at Kilmarnock Cemetery.

Moses passed away without leaving a will. As his next of kin, his son Thomas was appointed executor of the estate by the Ayr courts on December 18, 1896. The estate was valued at £28, 15 shillings, and 9 pence—equivalent to approximately $4,375 in today’s U.S. dollars.

Moses erected a large memorial stone at Kilmarnock Cemetery to honor and commemorate his family. The stone reads:

ERECTED BY MOSES WYLLIE

IN MEMORY OF HIS CHILDREN

MAGGIE. WHO DIED 22D DECR 1869. AGED 2 YEARS.

JEANIE. WHO DIED 11TH DEC. 1869 AGED 6 WEEKS.

JANET. WHO DIED 24TH MAY 1876 AGED 2 YEARS & 10 MONTHS.

THE ABOVE MOSES WYLLIE DIED 7TH APRIL 1894, AGED 59 YEARS.

HIS WIFE, HANNAH MCKAY DIED 29TH SEP. 1895, AGED 62 YEARS.

ALSO HIS GRAND CHILD HANNAH MCKAY WYLLIE, DIED 9TH SEP. 1913,
AGED 4 YEARS & 8 MONTHS

There are a few inconsistencies between the dates of death recorded on the memorial and those documented in the official death register. Maggie’s death is noted as December 22 on the memorial, whereas the death register records it as December 10. Similarly, Jeanie’s tombstone lists her date of death as December 11, but the death register states it as December 2. Additionally, his grandchild Hannah, who was the daughter of his son Duncan, is also referenced. You can view the memorial on Moses’ Find A Grave memorial.

References

• Calico; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico.
• Duncan McKie Wyllie, Statutory Registers Births 597/155, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• Hammerman, The Trades House of Glasgow; https://www.tradeshouse.org.uk/crafts-hammermen/. 
• Hannah McKay Wyllie, Statutory Registers Births 597/592, National Records of Scotland, 1873.
• Hannah McKay Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/268, National Records of Scotland, 1876.
• Hannah McKay Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/279, National Records of Scotland, 1913.
• Hannah Wyllie, Census 597/15/15, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• Hannah Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/454, National Records of Scotland, 1895.
• Janet Dreghorn Wyllie, Statutory Registers Births 597/750, National Records of Scotland, 1869.
• Janet Dreghorn Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/6, National Records of Scotland, 1870.
• Janet Willie, Census 597/26/15, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• Janet Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/450, National Records of Scotland, 1864.
• Jeanie Buchanan Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/554, National Records of Scotland, 1869.
• Margaret McKay Wyllie, Statutory Registers Births 597/759, National Records of Scotland, 1867.
• Margaret McKay Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/577, National Records of Scotland, 1869.
• Merton Priory, History: Calico Printing; https://www.mertonpriory.org/history/calico-printing/. 
• Moses Wyllie, Calendar of confirmations and inventories granted and given up in the several commissariots of Scotland : Scotland. Probate Records 1896, image 268, FamilySearch.
• Moses Wyllie, Census 597/15/12, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Moses Wyllie, Census 597/15/14, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• Moses Wyllie, Census 597/18/16, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• Moses Wyllie, Census 597/18/30, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• Moses Wyllie, Census 597/20/33, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Moses Wyllie, Old Parish Registers Births 597/Kilmarnock, National Records of Scotland, 1834.
• Moses Wyllie, Statutory Registers Deaths 597/168, National Records of Scotland, 1894.
• Moses Wyllie, Statutory Registers Marriages 597/193, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• So Your Ancestor Worked in the Iron Industry?, North Lanarkshire Council; https://www.culturenlmuseums.co.uk/story/so-your-ancestor-worked-in-iron-industry/. 
• Thomas Wyllie, General Register of Poor Belonging to the Parish of Kilmarnock, Poor Law Records 1908–1922, image 65, FamilySearch.
• Thomas Wyllie, Statutory Registers Births 597/866, National Records of Scotland, 1862. 

William Greene gives 40 named enslaved individuals to family members

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

I, William Greene, of the County of Greene and State of Georgia being sick and of low condition but of sound mind and memory and calling to mind that it is ordained for all men once to die, do make this my last will and testament, revoking all others.

First of all, I give my soul to God who at its existence, my body I assign to it mother clay in decent Christian burial.

Item 1st. I give to my dear wife Ruthy, one negro woman named Silvy to her and her heirs forever. Also, I give to my dear wife Ruthy during her natural life the increase of the above negro woman Silvy, together with old Tom, Hester Shoea, Fain, young Pallis, Peter, Ephrain, Major and old Pallis. Also, all my stock of horses, hogs, cattle, and sheep, together with the whole of my crop of corn, fodder. Wheat, oats, and cotton with my plantation tools, one waggon, and gear together with all my house and kitchen furniture, to have free and full possession of my house and plantation whereon I now live during her natural life.

2nd. I give to my son Lemuel Greene one negro man named Jerry, one negro man named Sylus, one negro man named Willis, one negro man named Jim, together with his blacksmith’s tools.

3d. I give to my son Augustine Green one negro man named Ranson, one negro boy named Lony, one negro man named Jacob, together with his blacksmith’s tools, together with the tract of land whereon he now lives together with one equal half of my mill tract of land.

4th. I give to my son Allen one negro man named Isham, one negro boy named Cage, one negro boy named Wiley.

5th. I give to my son Philip one negro woman named Amey and her four children, one negro man named Tom, one negro man named Jourdan, and a set of blacksmith’s tools, my riding horse and gun. Also, the tract of land whereon I now live, together with one equal half of my mill tract of land.

6th. I give to my daughter Sally one negro woman named Hannah with two children John and Reuben. One negro woman named Pat, one negro boy named Shoea, and negro boy named Prince.

7th. I give to my daughter Nancy one negro woman named Seely and two children Chancey and Jack, one negro woman named Seynthia, one negro man named Sam, and one negro girl named Lilley.

8th. I give to my daughter Patsy one negro woman named Charity and one child named Tildy, one negro boy named Jacob, one negro girl named Hesse, one negro boy named Louis, one negro boy named Randle.

9th. It is my will that after my just debts being first paid that my daughters receive out of my estate eighteen hundred and thirty-six dollars and the residue thereof to be equally divided among my children, my son Alston excepted.

10th. My will further is that my stock of goods and store debts be equally divided between my wife Ruthy and my children.

12th [sic]. I appoint my wife Ruthy, my son Lemuel, my sons Augustine and Philip, and my friend Douglass Watson executors to this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th December 1819.

Wm. Greene (seal)

Signed in the presence of us
A. B. Linton
Charles Burke
Joel Forrester

Greene Court of Ordinary, January Term 1820.

Personally appeared in open court, Alexander B. Linton, Charles Burke, and Joel Forrester subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will who being duly sworn say that they saw the named William Greene, sign, seal, and heard him acknowledge the same as his Last Will and Testament, and that they each believed him to be of perfect sound mind and memory at the time of his so doing and further that they subscribed their names as witnesses thereto in the  presence of  

A. B. Linton
Charles Burke
Joel Forrester

Sworn to in open court, 3rd January 1820
Ebenezer Torrence, Clk.

Recorded 8th January 1820. Ebenezer Torrence, Clk.

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Wills 1786–1795, 1794–1810, 1806–1816, 1817–1842, 1840–1877, image 377, FamilySearch. 

Special family treasures—Mama’s ceramic plates

This beautiful set of four hand-painted ceramic plates, each depicting one of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—holds a special place in my heart. I brought them home after my Mama, Fay Lankford, passed away, as a beautiful reminder of her that I deeply treasure.

For years, she found joy in doing ceramics, going so far as to keep a kiln on her back porch. With meticulous care, she poured, cleaned, fired, and painted this set in 1983. Her name, “Fay,” is proudly inscribed on the back of each plate, a personal touch that makes them even more special.

In her lifetime, she displayed these plates in the dining rooms of two different homes. Today, they reside in my kitchen, where they greet me every time I walk in—a constant reminder of her. Truly, they are family treasures.

Joel Early sells 50 enslaved individuals to Thomas Winston

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. Know all men by these presents that I, Thomas Winston, of the County and State aforesaid, in order the better to secure the payment of the several sums of money mentioned in the above bond or obligation, and the performance and observance of the conditions and restrictions imposed by said bond, have bargained, sold, and conveyed this day, and do by these presents bargain, sell and convey unto Joel Early, his heirs and assigns, the fifty-one enslaved individuals listed below:

Roger, a negro man of about twenty-five years of age, Aerof, a negro man about twenty-four years of age, Cuff, a negro man about the same age, Zuan, a negro woman about twenty-six years of age with her three children, Patsy, June, and Robin. Abram, a negro man about nineteen years of age. Fanny, a negro woman about twenty-seven years of age with her three children, Mary, Sam, and Collin. Judy, a negro woman about twenty-three years of age with her two children, Isaac and Hannah. Delsey, a negro woman about twenty-three years of age with her three children, Tom, Richard, and Barbary. Philis, a negro woman about twenty-two years of age and her child Charles. Beccah, a negro woman about twenty-three years of age and her child Joe. Sally, a negro woman about forty years of age. Harry, a negro woman about twenty-two years of age. Jocee, a negro woman about twenty years of age. Cely, a negro woman about thirty years of age with her two children, Rachel and Ben. Bridget, a negro woman about eighteen years of age. Harriet, a negro child about three years of age. Jefferson, a negro boy about fourteen years of age. Ned, a negro man about forty years of age. Creasy, a negro woman about forty-two years of age. Betsy, a negro girl about thirteen years of age. Mosses, a negro boy about eleven years of age. Frank, a negro boy about nine years of age. Washington, a negro boy about seven years of age. Albert, a negro boy about five years of age. Jemima, a negro girl about three years of age. Matilda, a negro woman about thirty-four years of age. Milly, a negro girl about eight years of age. Thaddeus, a negro boy about four years of age. Jefferson, a negro child of one year of age. James, a negro man about twenty-two years of age. Easter, a negro woman about fifty years of age. Violet, a negro girl about seventeen years of age. Amanda, a negro girl about eleven years of age. Charles, a negro man about twenty-two years of age, and Stephen, a negro man about twenty-five years of age.

To have and to hold the aforesaid negroes to him, the said Joel Early, his heirs and assigns forever. And I, the said Thomas Winston, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, the said negroes unto the said Joel Early, his heirs, executors, and administrators, and against all and every other person or persons whatever shall and will forever warrant and defend. Subject however to the following condition. Joel Early, the said several sums of money in the above annexed bond and shall well and truly observe, perform, and keep the several conditions therein contained then this obligation or bill of sale to be void. But should the same Thomas Winston fail in the payment of the said sums of money or the observance performance of the condition or any of them in the said bond contained then this bill of sale to be and remain in full force. 

In witness where I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-seventh day of November in the year eighteen hundred and twenty.

Thomas Winston, Seal

In presence of Sterling Grimes, J.J.C.

Recorded 12th of January 18212.
Ebenezer Torrence, Clk.

Mem: The words "Children" and "otherwise to" erased before signing. 

Note: I had trouble reading a couple of names so they may not be correct. Also, the record says 51 enslaved individuals were sold, however, I am only able to find 50 named.

Reference
Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1818–1821, 1821–1826, image 230, FamilySearch. 

Emily Eliza Fish

Emily Eliza Fish was born in Georgia in 1824 to William Washington “Vines” Fish and Sarah Harvard. She was one of at least 11 children, alongside siblings Sarah Margean (or Morgiana) Fish, John Dawson Fish, James Fish, William Troup Fish, George Washington Fish, Thomas Jefferson Fish, David Augustus Fish, Miriam Frances Fish, Mary Ann Fish, and Horace Virgil Fish.

I have been unable to determine with certainty whether she was known as Emily or Eliza. While all legal documents record her name as ‘Eliza E. Janes,’ her tombstone bears the inscription ‘Emily Eliza Fish,’ with Emily listed first. Given this, I have chosen to use Emily in this sketch, as I believe the name engraved on her tombstone best reflects how she was known within her family.

She is my 2nd great-grandmother, with our closest shared ancestor being her son, Thomas Palemon Janes, my great-grandfather. While I have not found a definitive paper trail—and there may not be one—linking me directly to Emily, a DNA test has confirmed our familial connection.

At the age of 18, Emily married Thomas Pike Janes on December 20, 1842, in Baldwin County, Georgia. Thomas was the son of Absalom Madison Janes and Martha Cordelia Callaway, a distinguished family with deep roots in the region. Absalom, one of Georgia’s earliest millionaires, was a co-founder and trustee of Mercer University, where Thomas received part of his education. He continued his studies at what was regarded as the finest schools in the county.

Emily and Thomas’ marriage license

On December 27, 1842, The Federal Union, a newspaper based in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia, published the following announcement:

Married, in Midway, on Tuesday evening, the 20th instant, by the Rev. S. G. Hillyer, Mr. Thomas P. Jones [sic], of Penfield, Ga., to Miss Emily E. Fish, of the former place.

After their marriage, Emily and Thomas settled in Penfield, where they built a life together and raised a large family of at least 13 children: Emma Cordelia Janes, Mary Frances “Fannie” Janes, Thomas “Palemon” Janes, Lillian “Lelia” H. Janes, William “Willie” Felix Janes, Charles P. Janes, Edward “Eddie” H. Janes, Sarah Margie Janes, Lilla Janes, David “Arthur” Janes, James “Jim” Madison Janes, Walter Lee Janes, and John Henry Janes.

For some time, I believed they also had a 14th child named Absalom E. Janes, based on information shared by other researchers. However, upon conducting further research for this sketch, I was unable to find any records to confirm the existence of a child by that name.

Within days of her marriage, Emily endured the devastating loss of her father, William Fish, who passed away at his home in Washington County, Georgia on January 3, 1843, following an illness. His death was announced in The Southern Recorder, published in Milledgeville, on January 10, 1843:

Departed this life at his residence in Washington county, on Sunday evening the 1st inst. Mr. William Fish, in the 43d year of his age. Mr. Fish was a highly worthy and enterprizing [sic] citizen, an affectionate husband, a kind father, and a sincere and devoted friend. In this truly melancholly [sic] dispensation, his afflicted family, as well as the community at large, have indeed experienced a severe loss. 

William was laid to rest in Memory Hill Cemetery, the city cemetery in Milledgeville. The Fish Family Vault, which serves as the final resting place for several members of the family, was restored in 2008, accompanied by a commemoration service. Links to more information about the restoration and history of the Fish Family Vault are provided below:

• The restoration of the Fish Vault in Memory Hill Cemetery, Stephen Hammack, Susan J. Harrington, Matthew Williamson, and Hugh T. Harrington, The Society for Georgia Archeology
• Restoration of the William Fish Vault, Memory Hill Cemetery, Friends of Baldwin County Cemeteries, Inc.
• Fish Vault Commemoration, Friends of Baldwin County Cemeteries, Inc.
• Angling for Mythical Fish, Catching a Legendary Fisk Iron Mummy Casket, Stephen Hammock, Middle Georgia Preservation Alliance, October 20, 2023

As part of her inheritance, Emily was bequeathed $2,500 from her father’s estate.

Emily’s brother, Horace, died of typhus on November 21, 1845. He was laid to rest alongside their father in Memory Hill Cemetery. His death was reported in the December 30, 1845, edition of The Federal Union, published in Milledgeville.

Died—At Midway, on Friday evening, the 21st November, after a short illness, Horace Virgil, youngest son of Mrs. Sarah Fish, aged about 5 years.

Thus was suddenly snatched from the family circle, the one whose promise of length of days seemed fairest and brightest of all Insatiate Archer! Truly didst thou mark for they victim the most youthful and lovely. How inscruitable oh God! Are the ways of thy providence. May the bereaved mother and stricken band of brothers and sisters ever be consoled by the Christian reflection, that little Horace has been translated from earth to dwell forever, a bright Seraph, in the celestial courts of Heaven.

“Yes beloved one, though has left us.
Here they loss we deeply feel,
But ‘tis God that hath bereft us—He can all our sorrows heal.”
“Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When this dream of life is fled—

During the early years of their marriage, Emily remained in Georgia, likely managing the household and caring for the family. From 1846 to 1847, Thomas attended the University of the City of New York, where he earned a degree in medicine. He continued his education from 1848 to 1849 at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. During this time, on September 25, 1847, Emily’s father-in-law, Absalom Janes, passed away in Penfield. He was laid to rest alongside his wife and children in the Absalom Janes Family Cemetery in Greene County.

By October 22, 1850, Emily and her family were residing in Penfield, District 163, of Greene County, Georgia. At 26 years old, Thomas had become a practicing physician. The couple had three children at the time: Emma (age 3), Fannie (age 2), and Palemon (6 months old). The agricultural schedule of the census recorded that the Janes family owned 1,200 acres of land—600 improved and 600 unimproved—valued at $8,400. Their farming tools and machinery were valued at $500, and their livestock, which included horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and pigs, was collectively worth $1,660.

The Janes plantation, known as Redcliffe Farm, was productive, yielding crops such as wheat, rye, oats, and rice. Notable outputs included 1,250 bushels of oats and 400 pounds of rice. The census slave schedule also recorded that Emily and Thomas owned 36 enslaved individuals—18 males and 18 females. Around 1855, Thomas shifted his focus from medicine to full-time farming.

On June 26, 1852, Thomas attended a meeting, referred to as a “conference,” at Penfield Baptist Church. During this gathering, he shared his personal spiritual experiences and expressed his desire to reestablish his membership and connection with the church. However, since he had previously been a member of Bethesda Baptist Church, Penfield Baptist Church formed a committee to formally request Bethesda to reinstate him into their fellowship.

Penfield Baptist Church followed up with Bethesda regarding Thomas’ request. Bethesda responded with a letter Thomas had written in the past, in which he had requested to withdraw from their membership. In this letter, Thomas explained that he believed he had not truly experienced a spiritual rebirth (“born again”). Along with this letter, Bethesda included a resolution granting Penfield the authority to make a decision about Thomas’ case. They expressed confidence in Penfield’s judgment and agreed to abide by their decision.

After reviewing Bethesda’s response and Thomas’ letter, and reflecting on the discussions from the June 26 conference, Penfield Baptist Church unanimously decided to welcome Thomas into their fellowship on August 7. Although church minutes do not mention Emily, it is likely that she attended the same church as her husband, as was customary at the time.

However, their membership at Penfield Baptist Church appears to have been short-lived. On August 11, 1852, following the regular prayer meeting, the church granted Emily and Thomas a letter of dismission. This letter formally released them from Penfield’s membership, allowing them to transfer their membership to another congregation.

Emily’s daughter, Lillian, tragically passed away on June 16, 1853, at just 21 months of age. She was laid to rest in the Thomas Janes Family Cemetery near Penfield. According to The Cemeteries of Greene County, Georgia by E. H. Armor, her tombstone reads:

Lillian H. Janes, daughter of T. P. and E. E. Janes, born Sept. 11, 1851, died June 16, 1853. God in His wisdom has recalled the precious born He has given, and though the casket moulders here, the gem is sparkling now in Heaven.

Emily’s sister, Sarah, married James Palmer Graves from Waterford, Ireland, on May 7, 1856, at Midway near Milledgeville. After their marriage, the couple moved to Ireland, where they had at least four children. Sarah remained in Ireland for the rest of her life.

Emily’s mother, also named Sarah, passed away at the age of 52 on September 6, 1856, at Gordon Springs in Washington County, Georgia. She was laid to rest in the Fish Family Vault at Memory Hill Cemetery in Milledgeville, her remains placed in a Fisk Iron Mummy Casket. 

On January 11, 1859, Emily and her husband, Thomas, purchased seven enslaved individuals from her father’s estate for a total of $4,189:

• Violet, along with her children Peggy and Anthony, for $400 each ($1,200)
• Penly and her children, Delia and Georgia, for $428 each ($1,284)
• Ben, a carpenter, for $1,705

The Penfield Baptist Church minutes from October 30, 1859, do not confirm whether Emily and Thomas had rejoined the congregation. However, the records do note that their servant, Elizabeth, was a member and was received into the church through baptism.

By the time of the 1860 census, the Janes family’s wealth had grown substantially. On July 24, 1860, Emily and her family were residing in Penfield, where her husband, Thomas, worked as a farmer. His personal estate was valued at an impressive $67,800. The couple’s family had also expanded and now included eight children: Emma (13), Fannie (11), Thomas Jr. (10), Willie (listed as Felix, 7), Charlie (6), Eddie (4), Margie (2), and Lilla (just 2 months old). This is the only record found for Lilla, suggesting she likely did not survive infancy. While many researchers claim that Lilla was born and died on May 3, 1860, this seems inaccurate given that she was documented as two months old during the July census. I did locate a record of an “Infant Janes” who died in March 1860 at the age of one month, but this individual was recorded as Black and enslaved.

The Janes family owned a considerable estate, including 1,000 acres of improved land and 650 acres of unimproved land, with the farm valued at $22,000. Their farming tools and machinery were valued at $1,000. The plantation supported an extensive inventory of livestock, consisting of 17 horses, 18 asses and mules, 20 milk cows, 2 working oxen, 18 other cattle, 60 sheep, and 200 swine, collectively valued at $1,825.

Their agricultural production was substantial. The plantation yielded 800 bushels of wheat, 60 bushels of rye, 4,000 bushels of Indian corn, 2 bushels of oats, 160 pounds of wool, and 140 bales of cotton, each weighing 400 pounds. The plantation’s operations were heavily dependent on the labor of 80 enslaved individuals.

When the Civil War broke out in April 1861, Thomas remained at Redcliffe Farm in Penfield while many men from Greene County joined the fight. He proposed raising a cavalry regiment for Georgia and focused on studying cavalry tactics. In February 1862, after receiving approval from the Confederate War Department, he sought consent from the Georgia Governor to organize a regiment, requesting a list of available cavalry companies. Although the Secretary of War granted him permission on February 22, Thomas delayed action while awaiting the Governor’s response.

In July 1862, Thomas joined the 16th Regiment of the Georgia Militia as an assistant surgeon but resigned in June 1863. There are two conflicting accounts regarding his resignation—one suggests his role was eliminated, while another attributes it to physical disability. 

Emily’s brother, Thomas, served with Company I of the 4th Regiment, Georgia Infantry during the war. He was wounded during the Battle of Chancellorsville and tragically passed away in Richmond, Virginia, on May 23, 1863. According to his Find A Grave memorial, Thomas was initially buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. On June 1, 1863, his family had his remains exhumed and brought back to Georgia for reburial.

Like many Southern plantation owners, the Janes family faced significant challenges following the Civil War. The abolition of slavery, which had been the primary source of labor for their farms, made it increasingly difficult to sustain their agricultural operations. Thomas persisted in planting cotton as he had before the war, but this approach proved unsustainable and ultimately led to financial difficulties.

After nearly 11 years away from Penfield Baptist Church, Emily, Thomas, and their daughters, Emma and Fannie, were welcomed back into the congregation on May 13, 1863. Their membership was reinstated through a letter of transfer from Bairds Baptist Church in Bairdstown.

Minutes from Penfield Baptist Church

Bairds Baptist Church, Bairdstown, Georgia

In June 1869, the Janes plantation was described as spanning an impressive 5,000 acres near Mercer University. It featured flourishing fields of red clover, bluegrass, and timothy grass, all growing without the use of fertilizers. Thomas employed sustainable farming techniques, such as grazing livestock on clover fields to reduce feed costs. The plantation also produced wheat, corn, and cotton, and included wooded areas with oak and hickory trees.

By July 20, 1870, Emily and her family were still residing in Penfield. Over the decade since the 1860 census, the value of their real estate had doubled to $45,000, while Thomas’ personal estate was appraised at $5,000. Emily managed the household, while Thomas continued to oversee farming operations. Among their 11 children at home, three had reached adulthood: Emma (23), Fannie (21), and Palemon (20), who worked as a farm laborer. The household also included three teenagers: Willie (17 and still in school), Charlie (16 and also a farm laborer), and Eddie (14, working on the farm). Additionally, five younger children completed the family: Margie (12), Arthur (9), James (7), Walter (6), and John (3). Living next door was William Fish, age 39, likely Emily’s brother.

The family’s plantation, while maintaining a smaller inventory of livestock compared to 1860, saw its value increase to $3,500. They owned 10 horses, 6 asses and mules, 11 milk cows, 2 working oxen, 40 other cattle, 20 sheep, and 20 swine. Their plantation’s agricultural production included 350 bushels of spring wheat, 750 bushels of rye, 40 bales of cotton, 80 pounds of wool, 15 bushels of peas and beans, 50 bushels of Irish potatoes, 200 bushels of sweet potatoes, and 25 tons of hay. They also produced 500 pounds of butter and ventured into beekeeping, yielding 50 pounds of honey. Thomas slaughtered or sold livestock worth $500. The total estimated value of the plantation’s production, including livestock and additions to stock, was $6,650.

Tragedy struck the family on February 28, 1871, when Emily’s brother, George, a respected judge in the 13th Senatorial District, was assassinated in Oglethorpe, Macon County, Georgia. While returning from Macon, he was ambushed near the courthouse and fatally shot below the left ear by an unknown assailant. George was laid to rest at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens in Oglethorpe.

Later that same year, on December 7, 1871, Emily’s daughter, Fannie, married John Hamilton Carswell in Richmond County, Georgia.

On June 7, 1873, Emily, Thomas, and their daughters, Emma and Fannie, were formally granted letters of dismission from Penfield Baptist Church. This allowed them to transfer their membership to another congregation.

Minutes from Penfield Baptist Church

Emily’s daughter, Emma, married Simon W. Overton in Greene County, Georgia, on January 20, 1874. It will be interesting to see whether Simon connects to my known Overton lines.

On August 26, 1874, Thomas was appointed by the Governor as Georgia’s first Commissioner of Agriculture. His service in this role began that same year. This new position likely required Thomas to spend significant time away from home, whether in Atlanta or traveling to farms across the state. During his absences, Emily was often left to manage the household. It is likely that the plantation operations were overseen by a hired manager.

At the start of 1875, Thomas hired four Black farmhands under a formal labor contract approved by the county court. However, the farmhands soon violated the terms of the agreement, refusing to work and seeking employment elsewhere. With Thomas away in Atlanta, Emily took the matter to court. The court enforced the contract, leading to the farmhands’ arrest for contempt and their imprisonment.

The following day, Thomas returned home, resolved the situation, and secured the release of the farmhands. In retaliation, the farmhands filed warrants accusing Charles, Edward, and Palemon Janes—Emily and Thomas’ sons—along with the county bailiff, of “interfering with a contract.” The Janes sons and the bailiff were subsequently arrested and taken to Atlanta. During a partial hearing, the charges against the Janes family members were dismissed, and the bailiff was released on his own recognizance.

After completing his first term as Georgia’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Thomas was reappointed by the Governor for a second term, beginning in September 1878. However, by mid-September 1879, rumors began circulating about a possible resignation, stemming from an investigation into alleged mismanagement within his office. Before the end of the month, Thomas officially resigned and returned to his home in Greene County.

Just under four years after her marriage, Emily’s daughter, Emma Overton, passed away in Penfield at the age of 30 on December 15, 1877. At the time, Thomas was in Atlanta attending to his duties as Commissioner of Agriculture and was likely summoned home by Emily. Tragically, he did not make it back before Emma’s death. Her burial location is unknown.

Following Thomas’ resignation and the loss of their daughter, life likely returned to its routine for the Janes family. Emily continued managing the household, with help from her daughter Maggie, while Thomas resumed his farming operations. By June 26, 1880, the census enumerator recorded the family living in Skull Shoals, Greene County, Georgia. Their sons, Eddie and Arthur, worked as farmers, while Jim, Walter, and John served as laborers, most likely assisting their father on the family farm.

The household also included five Black servants listed as laborers: George Barron (40), Perry (35), Emerline (30), Lizzie Williams (20), and Elis Tucker (50). Additionally, a 15-year-old Black male, John Tucker, also worked as a farmer and resided with the family. Both Elis and John were described in the census using the term “idiots,” a term historically used for intellectual disabilities. Among the Black members of the household, only John was noted as literate.

The Janes plantation covered 275 acres of improved land, comprising 200 acres of tilled farmland and 75 acres dedicated to permanent meadows, pastures, orchards, or vineyards. An additional 1,000 acres of wooded land brought the total estate value to $15,000. Their tools and machinery were valued at $150, while their livestock was worth $800. In 1879, plantation expenses included $100 for building or repairing fences, $200 for fertilizers, and $700 for farm labor. That year, the total value of farm production was estimated at $2,280.

The plantation’s livestock inventory, though reduced from 1860, remained significant. It included 5 horses, 2 mules or asses, 4 working oxen, 8 milch cows, 6 other cattle, and 50 sheep. In 1879, the farm produced 6 calves and 22 lambs, sold 1 cow, slaughtered 2, and lost 5 cattle due to death, straying, or theft. The plantation yielded 500 pounds of butter, while 34 sheep produced 80 pounds of fleece, despite 3 sheep succumbing to disease. Additionally, the farm kept 30 swine and 30 chickens, which produced 200 dozen eggs.

Crop production for the year was substantial. The plantation harvested 150 bushels of barley, 250 bushels of Indian corn from 50 acres, 600 bushels of oats from 50 acres, and 100 bushels of wheat from 10 acres. Other yields included 100 gallons of molasses from 2 acres, 50 bushels of potatoes, 100 bushels of apples, and 300 bushels of peaches from 200 trees spread across 2 acres. Four acres of mown grasslands produced 4 tons of hay. With its year-round productivity, the plantation demonstrated a diverse and thriving operation.

Willie, Emily’s son, passed away tragically at the age of 29 on September 9, 1882, in Richmond County, Georgia. He left behind his wife and four young children: Thomas, Annie, Essie, and William Jr. The Greensboro Herald of Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, published an announcement on September 14, 1882:

—The friends of Dr. Thos. P. Janes deeply sympathise [sic] with him and his family in the death of his son Willie, a prominent business young man of Augusta.

Heartbreak struck the family again in 1883 with two devastating losses. One was William Jr., Willie’s infant son, and the other was Emily’s sister, Mary, who passed away on June 6, 1883. Willie and his son were both laid to rest in Magnolia Cemetery, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia. Mary was laid to rest at Laurel Grove Cemetery North in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.

On March 8, 1885, sensing the approach of his death, Emily’s husband, Thomas, summoned the family members present at his home to witness his verbal will. He expressed that, if his health allowed, he would put his wishes in writing. However, recognizing that his time was short and fearing he might not have the opportunity to formalize his intentions, he declared his wishes aloud to serve as his final will and testament. Thomas stated:

After all my first debts are paid, I desire and will that my wife (Mrs. Eliza E. Janes) shall at my death have all of my property of every description and that she shall take the same with the power of dispensing of it as she sees proper.

Thomas, who had been working to reclaim his position as State Commissioner of Agriculture, tragically passed away just two days later, on March 10, 1885. He was found unconscious in a field, and despite attempts to save him, he died before medical assistance could arrive. Thomas was laid to rest in the Janes Family Cemetery on Redcliffe Farm, near Penfield. It was widely reported that he succumbed to a morphine overdose, potentially taken to ease his nerves amid financial distress. However, those close to him contested this explanation, maintaining that he had no reason to take such an action.

On March 23, 1885, Thomas’ children—Arthur, Edward, James, Charles, and Margie—testified that they had been present at their father’s home on March 8 when he declared his verbal will. They attested that he passed away from the illness he was suffering at the time of his declaration and affirmed that his verbal will should be honored and executed in full.

The court was petitioned to appoint guardians for Emily’s 18-year-old son, John, as well as the three minor children of her late son Willie (Thomas, Annie, and Essie). The court reviewed and approved the requests, appointing Emily as the guardian for John, and Willie’s wife, Katie L. Janes, as the guardian for her three children.

On June 1, 1885, Emily applied to the Greene County Court of Ordinary to become the administratrix of Thomas’ estate. She declared that the estate was valued at approximately $10,000 and required administration to settle debts and distribute the remaining assets among the heirs. The court ordered that a citation be issued and published in accordance with the law. Listed in court records as “Eliza,” Emily was officially appointed as the administrator of the estate on July 6, 1885. She fulfilled the legal requirements, including paying the mandated bond and swearing an oath to carry out her duties faithfully.

On August 1, 1885, Emily petitioned the Greene County Court of Ordinary for 12 months of financial support for herself and her minor son, John. She requested that appraisers be appointed to assess the necessary amount for their maintenance, which could be provided in either money or property, as determined by the appraisers. Additionally, she asked for household furniture to be set aside for their use.

The court appointed five appraisers—John M. Colclough, Daniel Colclough, Robert L. Burgess, John S. Callaway, and William A. Overton—to address her petition. On August 5, the appraisers concluded that $1,000 was required for financial support. They designated specific items for Emily and John’s use, including 2 mules, 2 horses, 2 mares, 16 hogs, 2 cows with calves, 2 yoke oxen, 12 head of cattle, farming tools, 1 wagon, syrup kettles, seed separators, anvil bellows, 1 cotton press, 50 bushels of wheat, 68 bushels of oats, 5 bushels of rye, and 5,000 feet of lumber, valued at $645 in total. An additional $355 was allocated in farm products and cash.

The household furniture set aside for their use consisted of 12 rocking chairs, 24 chairs, 1 sideboard, 2 bookcases, 1 safe, 1 wardrobe, 1 dining table, 2 small tables, 2 sofas, 1 center table, 1 mirror, 1 hat rack, 1 carpet and rug, 1 pair of andirons (metal supports for holding logs in a fireplace), and kitchen furniture.

On August 10, 1885, the court approved 12 months of support for Emily and her son, John, officially granting the appraisers’ recommendations.

The court reviewed and approved Emily’s application requesting a lawful distribution of the estate to its rightful heirs. To oversee this process, the court appointed five appraisers—Charles M. Sanders, Joseph O. Boswell, John R. Bryant, Charles S. Ellington, and Robert L. Burgess—all respected freeholders of Greene County.

The estate’s heirs totaled 11 individuals: Emily; her surviving children—Frances, Palemon, Edward, Margie, James, Walter, John (a minor), Charles, and Arthur; and Catherine, the widow of Willie (deceased) and guardian of his three minor children—Thomas, Annie, and Essie.

On October 12, 1885, the appraisers divided the estate into 11 equal lots, comprising a total of 2,758 acres. Each lot was assessed individually, with values ranging from $6 to $11 per acre. The total worth of each lot was calculated based on these valuations, ensuring a fair distribution among the heirs.

On November 7, 1887, Emily petitioned the court to release her from her administrative responsibilities, asserting that she had fully settled all debts and distributed her late husband’s estate among his rightful heirs. After conducting a thorough review, the court deemed her administration satisfactory, granted her discharge, and issued letters of dismission as formal confirmation.

Tragically, both Emily and her youngest son, John, passed away in Greene County in 1894. While the exact date of Emily’s death remains unknown, John’s death occurred on October 4. Both were laid to rest in the Janes family cemetery near Penfield, where they joined other members of their family in eternal rest.

References

• A Visit to Dr. Janes’ Farm, Southern Recorder, Milledgeville, Georgia, June 29, 1869. 
• Arrested, The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, May 27, 1875.
• Bryant, Jonathan M., How Curious a Land: Conflict and Change in Greene County, Georgia, 1850–1885, 1996.
• Chatham County, Georgia, Special Proceedings Records 1869–1870, 1870–1871, image 245, FamilySearch.
• Commissioner Thomas P. Janes, 1874 – 1879, Georgia Department of Agriculture; https://agr.georgia.gov/thomas-p-janes. 
• Communicated, The Federal Union, Milledgeville, Georgia, January 10, 1843.
• Daily Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, December 14, 1877.
• Died, The Federal Union, Milledgeville, Georgia, September 16, 1856.
• Dr. Thomas P. Janes Dead: He Dies Suddenly at His Home in Greene County—A Good Man Gone, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, March 11, 1885.
• Edgar Noel Graves, Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620–1911.
• Emily E. Fish, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Emily Eliza (Fish) Janes photo (from History of the Janes-Peek Family: From Grandma’s Little Trunk, Dr. Reba Neighbors Collins, Edmond, Oklahoma, p. 73, 1975).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31342375/william_felix-janes: accessed March 9, 2025), memorial page for William Felix Janes Jr. (1882–1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 31342375, citing Magnolia Cemetery, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Richard Cutler (contributor 46778847).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54214115/george_washington-fish: accessed March 9, 2025), memorial page for Col George Washington Fish (1820–28 Feb 1871), Find a Grave Memorial ID 54214115, citing Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens, Oglethorpe, Macon County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Rhonda Bruce (contributor 47578333).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31342313/william_felix-janes: accessed March 9, 2025), memorial page for William Felix “Willie” Janes (1852–9 Sep 1882), Find a Grave Memorial ID 31342313, citing Magnolia Cemetery, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Richard Cutler (contributor 46778847).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7970119/thomas_jefferson-fish: accessed March 9, 2025), memorial page for SGT Thomas Jefferson Fish (1837–23 May 1863), Find a Grave Memorial ID 7970119, citing Memory Hill Cemetery, Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Evening Blues (contributor 46587085).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52863196/mary_a-graybill: accessed March 9, 2025), memorial page for Mary A. Fish Graybill (Sep 1840–6 Jun 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 52863196, citing Laurel Grove Cemetery North, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Raymond B. (contributor 47259819).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52902278/john_henry-janes: accessed March 7, 2025), memorial page for John Henry Janes (4 Jun 1867–4 Oct 1894), Find a Grave Memorial ID 52902278, citing Janes Cemetery, Greene County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195433832/emma_cordelia-overton: accessed March 7, 2025), memorial page for Emma Cordelia Janes Overton (2 Jan 1847–15 Dec 1877), Find a Grave Memorial ID 195433832; Burial Details Unknown; maintained by Deryl Weaver (contributor 49379113).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52902269/lillian_h-janes: accessed March 7, 2025), memorial page for Lillian H. Janes (11 Sep 1851–16 Jun 1853), Find a Grave Memorial ID 52902269, citing Janes Cemetery, Greene County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122563343/horace_virgil-fish: accessed February 28, 2025), memorial page for Horace Virgil Fish (1840–1845), Find a Grave Memorial ID 122563343, citing Memory Hill Cemetery, Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Rhonda Bruce (contributor 47578333).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122563207/william_washington-fish: accessed March 3, 2025), memorial page for William Washington Fish (1800–1 Jan 1843), Find a Grave Memorial ID 122563207, citing Memory Hill Cemetery, Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Rhonda Bruce (contributor 47578333).
• Fish Vault Commemoration, Friends of Baldwin County Cemeteries, Inc., http://www.friendsofcems.org/Baldwin/FishVault/FishVaultProgram.pdf. 
• Geer Ancestry (online family tree), Samuel Taylor Geer.
• Greene County, Georgia, Official Bonds 1877–1911, image 55, FamilySearch.
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• Hammock, Stephen, Angling for Mythical Fish, Catching a Legendary Fisk Iron Mummy Casket, Middle Georgia Preservation Alliance, October 20, 2023; https://mgpaorg.wixsite.com/mgpa/post/angling-for-mythical-fish-catching-a-legendary-fisk-iron-mummy-casket. 
• Janes, Rev. Frederick, The Janes Family, a Genealogy and Brief History of the Descendants of William Janes, the Emigrant Ancestor of 1637, pp. 373–374, 1868.
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• Murder of Hon. George W. Fish, The Daily Constitutionalist, Augusta, Georgia, March 2, 1871.
• Obituary, The Federal Union, Milledgeville, Georgia, December 30, 1845.
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• The Restoration of the Fish Vault in Memory Hill Cemetery, Stephen Hammack, Susan J. Harrington, Matthew Williamson, and Hugh T. Harrington, The Society for Georgia Archeology; https://thesga.org/archive/2009/03/the-restoration-of-the-fish-vault-in-memory-hill-cemetery/. 
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