Robert Durie

Robert Durie, son of James Durie and Jane Liddell Braidwood, was born at home on February 6, 1863, at 22 Pitt Street in Blythswood, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was one of at least nine children born to James and Jane: Mary Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, George Durie, Jemima Durie, Andrewina Durie, John Durie, Robert Durie, and Jane Durie. Robert is my husband’s 2nd great-uncle, with their closest shared ancestors being Robert’s parents—James and Jane—who are also my husband’s 2nd great-grandparents. Robert’s sister Jemima is my husband’s great-grandmother.

Robert in the Scotland birth register

At the time of Robert’s birth, his father James worked as an engine fitter (journeyman), a skilled tradesman responsible for assembling and maintaining steam engines—an essential role in Glasgow’s industrial economy.

Tragedy struck the Durie family before Robert was born. In the spring of 1861, young Andrewina contracted dothinenteritis (typhoid fever) and suffered for six weeks, also developing “water in the head” (likely hydrocephalus) in her final two weeks. She died at home on May 26 and was buried at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow, Lair 4964, held by her maternal grandfather, Andrew Braidwood.

Another loss followed just a few years later. On November 6, 1866, Robert’s sister Jane died of croup at the family’s Pitt Street home. Robert was only three years old.

By 1871, the Durie family remained at the Pitt Street address, likely in a tenement-style building. Their home had two windows. James continued his work as an engine fitter. Daughters Mary and Jemima were employed as warehouse girls, while George worked as an iron turner. Robert and his brother John were attending school. A family named Liddell also lived at the same address, possibly related through Robert’s grandmother, Mary Liddell.

1871 Scotland census

By 1881, the family had moved to 46 Lancefield Street in the civil parish of Barony, Glasgow. The home, also likely a tenement, had two windows. James was still working as an engine fitter, and 17-year-old Robert had begun his career as a plumber. Also living in the household was Robert’s nephew, Thomas Alexander (age 8), son of Robert’s sister Elizabeth, who was attending school.

1881 Scotland census

On February 15, 1889, Robert married Mary Lochhead, daughter of Robert Lochhead and Helen (or Ellen) Ramage. The ceremony took place at Mary’s family home at 128 Centre Street in Tradeston, Glasgow, and was officiated by John Hunter of Trinity Congregational Church. Witnesses included William Cocran and Janet Lochhead. At the time, Robert lived at 99 Stobcross Street and had completed his training as a plumber, achieving journeyman status. His father and Mary’s father were also journeymen—James as an engine fitter and Robert Lochhead as a mason.

Robert and Mary in the Scotland marriage register

Five months later, on July 3, 1889, Robert and Mary welcomed their first child, Helen Ramage Durie, at their home at 38 Catherine Street in Anderston. Tragically, Helen died just three weeks later on July 24, 1889, from scrofula—a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes. The cemetery register listed her cause of death as diarrhea. She was buried at Craigton Cemetery in Lair 1422, held by her maternal grandmother, Helen Ramage Lochhead.

On April 3, 1890, their daughter Maria Durie was born prematurely and lived only four hours. Her burial location remains unknown.

By 1891, Robert and Mary were still living at Catherine Street. Robert was employed as a ship plumber, and the census noted their home had two rooms with windows. Mary’s younger brother, James Lochhead (age 16), lived with them as a lodger and apprentice plumber—likely training under Robert.

1891 Scotland census

The Durie family continued to grow:

• James Durie was born on May 10, 1891, at Catherine Street.
• Robert Lochhead Durie followed on February 15, 1893.
• By October 20, 1894, when Jane Braidwood Durie was born, the family had moved to 48 Overnewton Street in Anderston.
• Mary Lochhead Durie was born at the same address on February 7, 1897.

By 1900, the family relocated to 6 Arthur Street in the Seventh Parish Ward of Barony, Glasgow. Their home had two rooms with a window. Robert continued working as a ship plumber, and by the 1901 census, sons James and Robert and daughter Jane were attending school.

1901 Scotland census

On December 13, 1902, Robert’s father James passed away in Anderston from a cerebral hemorrhage. He was buried at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Lair 384 on December 16. His wife Jane died on October 28, 1908, from senile cardiac arteriosclerosis—what we now understand as age-related coronary artery disease. She was laid to rest alongside James on October 31.

By 1911, the Durie family was living at 7 Grace Drive in Govan, Glasgow. The census, spanning two pages, recorded that Mary had given birth to six children, four of whom were still living. Their home had three rooms with windows. Robert was still employed as a ship plumber. Son James worked as a leather cutter in a boot factory, while Robert Jr. was a shipyard carpenter. Daughter Jane held the specialized role of a gut drawer in a fishing and tackle factory, preparing animal intestines for use in fishing lines. The youngest, Mary, was still in school.

1911 Scotland census

On February 23, 1911, Robert’s sister Elizabeth (Durie) Alexander died at 40 Overnewton Street in Anderston. She had suffered from hemiplegia, likely caused by a stroke, for three years. Elizabeth was buried in Lair 384 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery on February 25.

A joyful occasion followed on December 31, 1915, when Robert’s son James married Mary Montgomery at 50 Harmony Row in Govan. James, a 24-year-old leather cutter, lived at 21 Hutton Drive—likely the Durie family home. Mary, also 24, was the daughter of William Montgomery and Jane Knox and lived at 5 Sharp Street. The ceremony was performed by John King, Minister of the United Free Church, and witnessed by Robert Durie (likely James’ father or brother) and Elizabeth McNamara. James and Mary welcomed their daughter, Mary Lochhead Durie, on October 20, 1916, in Govan.

The year 1920 brought two joyful milestones for the Durie family. On August 6, Robert’s daughter Jane Durie married Douglas William Hamilton at the family home on Hutton Drive in Govan. Jane, employed as a boot machinist, worked in a skilled trade operating industrial sewing machines to assemble footwear. Douglas, son of Alexander Hamilton and Annie Taylor, was a quay labourer’s time-keeper, responsible for recording the hours and attendance of dockworkers at Glasgow’s busy quays—ensuring efficient coordination of labor for loading and unloading ships. He lived at 55 Kelvinhaugh Street. The ceremony was witnessed by Robert Murray and Jane’s sister Mary Durie. Interestingly, the marriage register recorded Jane’s name as Jeanie Bradewood Durie, a variation from her birth name, Jane Braidwood Durie.

Later that year, on December 31, Robert’s son Robert Durie Jr. married Helen McNeil, daughter of John McNeil and Helen McCrink. Robert, a journeyman shipwright, lived at 1259 Govan Road, while Helen, a confectioner’s saleswoman, resided at 20 Craigton Road, both in Govan. Their New Year’s Eve wedding took place at the United Free Church on Copland Road, witnessed by William McNeill (likely Helen’s brother) and Robert’s sister Mary Durie.

By 1921, Robert, his wife Mary, and daughter Mary were living at 1259 Govan Road in Govan. Their home had three rooms, and Robert continued working as a ship plumber. Daughter Mary was employed as a fancy box maker, likely producing decorative packaging for retail goods—a common trade in Glasgow’s manufacturing sector.

 

1921 Scotland census

The 1921 electoral register listed Robert, Mary, and their son Robert at the Govan Road address. Robert Jr. was recorded with the suffix “Jr.,” though there’s no evidence that father and son shared the same middle name. Robert Jr.’s birth certificate confirms his middle name as Lochhead, taken from his mother’s maiden name.

In the years that followed, the family experienced several losses. Robert’s sister Mary (Durie) Wark, aged 72, died at home in Anderston on October 18, 1922, from chronic bronchitis and a tumor of the left breast, the nature of which was unknown. His sister Jemima (Durie) Athya passed away in Dennistoun, Glasgow, at age 66 on November 19, 1925, from a cerebral hemorrhage. She was buried in Lair 860 at Southern Necropolis Cemetery on November 21.

On March 28, 1926, Robert’s wife Mary Lochhead Durie died at 1249 Govan Road from double pneumonia, which she had suffered for just two days. The address differs slightly from their 1921 residence, suggesting they may have moved within the same tenement or she was staying elsewhere at the time.

Mary in the Scotland death register

Mary was laid to rest on March 30 in Lair 2146, Compartment HH, at Craigton Cemetery. She received a Class A funeral, indicating a more dignified and lasting burial—either due to financial means or the family’s desire to honor her memory

Mary in the Craigton Cemetery burial register

Just three and a half months later, on June 13, 1926, Robert’s daughter Jane died at age 31 in Govan from valvular heart disease, which she had endured for six months. She was buried on June 16 in the same lair as her mother at Craigton Cemetery, also receiving a Class A funeral.

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

Robert himself passed away on April 11, 1931, at Southern General Hospital in Govan at age 68. His cause of death was listed as cerebral softening—likely the result of a stroke or poor blood flow—and hypostatic pneumonia, a lung infection common in bedridden patients. These conditions suggest Robert had been seriously ill and immobile in his final days. His son James Durie was the informant on the death register. At the time, Robert’s usual residence was 3 Drive Road, Govan.

Robert in the Scotland death register

Robert was buried on April 14, 1931, at Craigton Cemetery, joining his wife and daughter Jane in Lair 2146. Like them, he received a Class A funeral.

Robert in the Craigton Cemetery burial register

The cemetery certificate (No. 26808) records the depth of each burial: Mary at eight feet, Jane at seven, and Robert at six. The lair fee of £4:10s in 1931—equivalent to roughly $450 USD today—reflects the cost and care associated with a permanent and respectful burial.

Craigton Cemetery certificate no. 26808

References

• Andrina Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 442, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Andrina Durie, Weekly interment book, nos. 1–8950, 1855–1861, weekly installments paid on lairs, 1901–1963, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, image 236, FamilySearch.
• Cemetery records for Craigton Cemetery, Glasgow, 1873-2003, Register of interments, vol. 1, 1873-1879; vol. 3, 1885-1891, images 668–669, FamilySearch.
• Douglas William Hamilton, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/21 285, National Records of Scotland, 1920.
• Elizabeth Alexander, Daily interment books, December 1897–August 1912, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, image 759, FamilySearch.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory registers Deaths 644/11 103, National Records of Scotland, 1911.
• Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1857–1962, 1900.
• Helen Ramage Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 883, National Records of Scotland, 1889.
• Helen Ramage Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 562, National Records of Scotland, 1889.
• James Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1902–1906, image 59, FamilySearch.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 682, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 734, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/21 33, National Records of Scotland, 1916.
• Jane Braidwood, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 1325, National Records of Scotland, 1894.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/6 475, National Records of Scotland, 1865.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/21 689, National Records of Scotland, 1926.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 504, National Records of Scotland, 1866.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 881, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Janes Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1906–1912, image 102, FamilySearch.
• Jemima Athya, Southern Necropolis : Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Burial Registers 1914–1954, image 117, FamilySearch.
• Jemima Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/4 1426, National Records of Scotland, 1925.
• John Durie, Census 644/69/19, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• John Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, daily interment books, August 1912–February 1944.
• John Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/12 1137, National Records of Scotland, 1928.
• Maria Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 401, National Records of Scotland, 1890.
• Maria Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 236, National Records of Scotland, 1890.
• Mary Durie, Census 644/10 26/4, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Mary Durie, Census 644/10 48/28, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Mary Durie, Census 644/21 75/6, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Mary Durie, Census 646/2 80/5, National Records of Scotland, 1911.
• Mary Durie, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1857–1962.
• Mary Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/21 335, National Records of Scotland, 1926.
• Mary L. Durie, Craigton Cemetery: Glasgow, Burial Records 1920–1924, pages 166–167, FamilySearch.
• Mary Lochhead Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 303, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• Mary Lochhead, Statutory Registers Births 468/160, National Records of Scotland, 1860.
• Mary Wark, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/11 917, National Records of Scotland, 1922.
• Robert Durie, Craigton Cemetery: Glasgow. Burial Records 1929–1935, images 144–145, FamilySearch.
• Robert Durie, FHL Film 0203666 GRO Ref Volume 644-10, Enumeration District 30, p. 20, ref. no. 506088, Barony, Lanark, Scotland census, 1881.
• Robert Durie, Glasgow Cemetery Records, Craigton Cemetery, Register of Certificates, item 24196–27274, image 342, FamilySearch.
• Robert Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/6 125, National Records of Scotland, 1863.
• Robert Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/21 349, National Records of Scotland, 1931.
• Robert Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/13 17, National Records of Scotland, 1889.
• Robert Lochhead Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 281, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Robert Lochhead Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/20 12, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Thomas Alexander, Statutory Registers Births 644/6 201, National Records of Scotland, 1873. 

Non-payment of a promissory note for the hire of Henry

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

Proceedings of Greene Superior Court – September Term 1858

No. 40 Greene Superior Court – March Term 1858.

H. H. King vs. John W. Jackson and James M. Lankford, Principals, and A. L. Willis, Security – Complaint. $125.00.

On the twenty-fifth day of December next, we promise to pay H. H. King or bearer one hundred and twenty-five dollars for the hire of negro fellow Henry. We also agree to furnish said negro with two good suits of summer clothes and a good winter suit, hat, blanket, and shoes.

Greenesboro, March 11th, 1857
J. W. Jackson, James M. Lankford, A. L. Willis (Security)

Georgia, Greene County. To the Superior Court of said County. The petition of Henry H. King showeth that John W. Jackson and James M. Lankford of said county as Principals and Alfred L. Willis also of said county as Security are indebted to him in the sum of one hundred and twenty five dollars besides interest on a note dated the eleventh day of March eighteen hundred and fifty seven and due on the twenty fifth day of December next thereafter which said note they the said John W. and James M. as principals and the said Alfred L. as Security refuses to pay. Wherefore your petitioner prays process may issue requiring the said John W. Jackson and James M. Lankford, as principals and the said Alfred L. Willis as Security to be and appear at the net Superior Court for said county to answer your petitioners complaint.

Yelverton P. King, Plaintiff’s Attorney

Georgia, to the Sheriff of Greene County—Greeting: H. H. King vs. John W. Jackson and James M. Lankford, Principals and Alfred L. Willis, Security – Complaint

The defendants are hereby required, personally or by attorney, to be and appear at the Superior Court to be held in and for the County of Greene on the second Monday in March next, then and there to answer the plaintiff’s demand in an action of complaint. As in default thereof, said Court will proceed as to justice shall appertain.

Witness The Honorable Robert V. Hardeman, Judge of said Court this 15th of February 1858.

Vincent Sanford, Clerk

Personally served A. L. Willis with a copy of the within Writ February 17th, 1858. – C. C. Norton, D. Sheriff

Personally served James M. Lankford with a copy of the within Writ February 19th, 1858. – C. C. Norton, D. S.

Served a copy of the within Writ on John W. Jackson by leaving it at his residence, his most notorious place of abode. February 20th, 1858. – C. C. Norton, D. Shff. March Term 1858 Default

September Term1858 Judgment Confessed. We confess judgment to the Plff. for the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars with interest and costs with liberty of appeal. – Cone and Fuller, Defts. Atty’s. Principal $125.00, interest $6.29

Whereupon it is considered and adjudged by the Court that the plaintiff do recover of John W. Jackson and James M. Lankford as principals and Alford L. Willis as Security the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars for his principal sum due and the further sum of six dollars and twenty-nine cents. Interest and the further sum of [blank] for costs. 13th September 1858. – Yelverton P. King, Plff’s. Attorney

Recorded the 4th day of November 1858. – Vincent Sanford, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Special Proceedings Records 1856–1860, images 91–92, FamilySearch. 

Matthias A. Jones

Matthias A. Jones, born around 1836 in Walton County, Georgia, was the son of Henry Jones and Sarah Lightfoot Vickers. He was one of 10 children: Abraham Benjamin, Martha Adaline, Elizabeth “Eliza,” Henry Clayborn, Mary Elizabeth, Lydia Ann, John U., Sarah S., and James D. Jones.

Matthias is my 3rd great-uncle; our nearest common ancestors are his parents, Henry and Sarah.

On September 18, 1850, the Jones family was enumerated in Division 88 of Walton County. Matthias, listed as “Mathew,” was 15 years old and living with his parents. His father Henry was a farmer with real estate valued at $1,900, assisted by eldest son Abraham. Also in the household were siblings Martha, Mary, and Lydia, along with a 15-year-old named James Young. They lived next door to the Silas Patton family, whose son George would marry Matthias’s sister Martha two years later.

Although the exact date is unknown, Matthias married Mary E. Rowe, likely in Walton County. Together they had at least five children:

• Sarah Matilda Jones (born about 1858)
• James William Jones (born about 1859)
• Susan Adaline Jones (born about 1862)
• Mary Elizabeth Jones (born about 1868)
• Otis M. Jones (born 1872)

Despite extensive searching, Matthias and his family do not appear in the 1860 census—a frustrating gap during the early years of his marriage.

In 1864, Matthias, then 27, was recorded as a farmer in the 27th Senatorial District, 419th Militia District of Walton County. He was exempted from military service due to disability.

On February 13, 1866, his father Henry made a significant legal gesture: he conveyed 75 acres of land to Matthias—not for Matthias’ benefit, but in trust for his wife Mary. The deed ensured Mary’s right to use the land during Matthias’ lifetime and, if she survived him, throughout her widowhood. Upon her remarriage or death, the land would pass to her surviving children. If none survived, it would revert to Henry or his estate. This arrangement protected Mary’s financial security and preserved the land within the family.

Matthias’ mother, Sarah, died on June 8, 1866, and was buried in the Jones family burial ground in Between, Walton County. His father Henry died on June 22, 1867, though his tombstone incorrectly lists June 13, 1865. Probate records confirm the 1867 date. Henry’s will left cash and personal property to several daughters but no direct inheritance to sons Henry, Abraham, or Matthias. Instead, he directed that approximately 50 acres be divided among their children.

On August 19, 1867, Matthias signed the Reconstruction Oath, swearing allegiance to the United States, which enabled him to vote.

 

Reconstruction Oath signed by Matthias Jones

By 1869, Matthias and Mary were living in the Brooks District of Monroe. He was listed as “in trust for Mrs. Mary Jones,” managing the 85-acre property gifted by his father. The tax digest noted three children—Sarah, James, and Susan—and valued the land at $200.

In the 1870 census, the family lived in the 421st District of Brooks. Matthias, a farmer, had real estate worth $250 and personal property worth $100. Mary maintained the home, assisted by Sarah and James. Matthias, Sarah, and James were unable to read or write. They lived next to his brother Abraham and his large family.

A tax digest from between 1871 and 1876 shows Matthias as trustee for his wife and children, managing 88 acres valued at $300. By then, daughter Mary had been born, and Otis would arrive in 1872.

Matthias remained in the Brooks District into the late 1870s. A property tax digest from between 1877 and 1882 lists his household and kitchen furniture at $15, livestock at $30, and other property totaling $64.

Later property tax records show Matthias acting as agent for:

• Mary E. Jones (deceased): 87 acres valued at $300
• His children: 87½ acres valued at $350, with household goods and livestock totaling $435

These records suggest Mary died before 1880, though her exact death and burial details remain unknown.

In the 1880 census, Matthias—listed as “Mias Jones”—was widowed and living with daughters Susan and Mary. He was still farming. Next door lived a young family headed by William Jones (20), likely his son James W. Jones, though no marriage record has been found. Matthias’s sister Lydia, age 40 and unmarried, lived next door to William.

1880 Brooks, Monroe, Walton County, Georgia census

Based on court and land records, Matthias died between June 1880 and September 1883. He was likely buried in Walton County, though no grave has been located.

On September 22, 1883, Matthias’ children began transferring ownership of the family homestead. The 85-acre tract, originally gifted by Henry Jones Sr., was sold in parts:

• Sarah Matilda Annison and Susan Adaline Jones sold their combined two-fifths interest to James W. Jones for $160.
• On January 14, 1885, James, Mary, Sarah, and Susan sold their combined four-fifths interest to Sheats & Ray for $348. The deed was recorded on January 21, 1885.
• Sheats & Ray quickly sold the land to H. S. Walker, likely acting as agents.

In January 1888, 14-year-old Otis petitioned the court to have his brother James appointed as his guardian. James accepted the role and posted a $200 bond.

On May 7, 1888, James petitioned to sell Otis’ one-fifth interest in the remaining land, citing low income and the need to fund Otis’ education. The court approved, and in June 1888, James sold Otis’ share to Jasper M. Turner for $60.

These transactions marked the complete divestment of the Jones family’s ancestral homestead, which had passed from Henry Jones Sr. to Matthias, and then to his children. The land was sold for a combined total of $310.

Nearly two decades later, the property was still known as the “Mathias Jones place.” In 1897, Jasper Turner sold the 87-acre tract to Mrs. A. L. Vauthorn for $700, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jones family in Walton County.

References

• Artis M. Jones, Certificate of Death no. 23955, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1935.
• Estate Papers: Walton County, Georgia, Probate Estate Case Files 1820–1900, images 8 and 1208, FamilySearch.
• Mathias Jones, Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867–1869.
• Mathias Jones, U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560–1900.
• Matthias A Jones, 1864 Census for Re-Organizing the Georgia Militia.
• Mary E. Jones, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1793–1892.
• Sarah Jones tombstone, Jones Family Cemetery, Walton County, Georgia.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brook, Walton County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Division 88, Walton County, Georgia, 1850.
• Walton County, Georgia, Court Records 1885–1893, images 199 and 213, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1860–1869, image 262, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1882–1885, 1885–1887, images 225 and 299, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1892–1896, image 215, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1896–1901, image 184, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Probate Administrator Bonds 1857–1878, 1879–1891, Guardianship Bonds 1879–1891, 1857–1878, image 486, FamilySearch. 

Sale of Hecktor, Ransome, Charles, Nelley, Nathan, and Nelson

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

Account of the Sales of the Negroes belonging to the Estate of Arthur Lovins, Decd. Sold by an Order of the honorable Inferior Courts of Green County on first Tuesday in February 1827. On credit untill the first day of January 1828.

William Buck Warker - Hecktor = $600.00

John Bird - Ransome = $591.00

Jonathan Kanneday - Charles = $200.00

Martha Lovins - Nelley & Nathan = $405.00

Martha Lovins – Nelson = $226.00

Total = $2022.00

Reference

Estate Records: Greene County, Georgia, Probate Estate Case Files 1790–1943, image 244, FamilySearch.

Esther Marie Davis

Esther Marie Davis, daughter of John Grant Davis and Jennie F. Church, was born on August 13, 1913, likely in Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia. John and Jennie had four children: Chester Leo Davis, Lavester Otto “Vester” or “Speck” Davis, Esther Marie Davis, and an unnamed daughter.

Esther is my husband’s 1st cousin 1x removed. Their nearest common ancestors are Robert Church and Lucinda Murphy—Esther’s grandparents and my husband’s great-grandparents.

In 1911, the Davis family lived in Clarksburg, where Lavester was born. By August 2, 1915, they had moved to Smithfield in Wetzel County, where five-year-old Chester died of diphtheria. A daughter was born in Smithfield on August 18, 1917. The Wetzel County General Index and Register of Births lists a female child born alive to John G. and Jennie Davis, identified only by the surname “Davis.” She apparently did not survive.

By September 1918, the family was living in Littleton, Wetzel County, when John registered for the World War I draft. He worked as a driller for the South Penn Oil Company in Mannington, Marion County. He was described as medium height and slender, with grey eyes and brown hair.

In November 1919, John had Jennie institutionalized at Weston State Hospital in Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia, for reasons unknown to the family. She remained there for the rest of her life, leaving Esther without her mother’s care. By December, John and the children had relocated to Hood County, Texas, where he enlisted Sarah Isabelle “Belle” (Black) Mitchell to raise Esther and Lavester. Initially, I was unsure of Belle’s connection to the family, but I have since confirmed she was the wife of Charles Marion Mitchell. More on her family ties will follow.

On January 14, 1920, Esther and Lavester were living with Belle in Justice Precinct 6 of Hood County. Both were listed as adopted daughters (an error in Lavester’s case), recorded as “Vesta” (8) and “Esta” (6). Belle, age 63, owned her home and worked as a washwoman. She was literate and shared the household with Uria C. Hidd (or Kidd), his wife Anna E., stepson William M. Davis, and mother-in-law Ellen Johnson.

At some point, John moved to Ranger in Eastland County. The Granbury News reported in July 1928 that Esther and “Vester” were visited by their father. Granbury is about 90 miles from Ranger.

In February 1930, Esther and Belle traveled to Dallas to visit relatives. By April 10, 1930, Esther and Lavester were still living with Belle (enumerated as Sara Mitchell), now a 74-year-old widow, in Hood County. The census listed Esther as 16 and Lavester as 17. Esther was not attending school and was unable to read or write; Lavester was in school and literate. No one in the household was employed. Belle’s home appeared on the census sheet just after the household of William “Will” N. Mitchell, Belle’s son, whose family included Thail Mitchell—later Lavester’s wife. Thail essentially grew up alongside Esther and Lavester.

Esther was 17 or 18 when she was institutionalized at Abilene State Hospital in Taylor County, Texas, a facility originally founded to treat epileptic patients. The Abilene State Hospital was later renamed the Abilene State School. According to the Granbury News on April 17, 1930, “Vester and Ester left Thursday to go to Abilene where they will be near their father.” While her exact admission date is unknown, it likely occurred shortly after their arrival. The hospital, later renamed Abilene State School, operated as an epileptic colony until the late 1940s.

In October 1930, John and Lavester returned to Granbury to visit Belle, who then accompanied them to Abilene to see Esther. Ranger is about 55 miles east of Abilene and 90 miles west of Granbury.

With Esther institutionalized and Lavester now an adult, Belle moved in with her son Will in Thorp Spring in July 1935. She died there on April 5, 1936.

The 1940 census showed Esther, age 27, still a patient at Abilene State Hospital. A sidebar noted that the 40 women listed were all inmates of the hospital for epileptics. Esther had never attended school and had worked three hours the previous week.

On October 23, 1944, Lavester married Era “Thail” (Mitchell) Long in Fort Worth, Johnson County. Their father John lived with them for much of their second year of marriage before eventually relocating to California.

Esther remained a patient at the hospital as of April 22, 1950. She was 37 and had never married. In 1957, the facility was renamed Abilene State School and transitioned into a residential center for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Jennie (Church) Davis, Esther’s mother, died from a cerebral hemorrhage and arteriosclerosis at Weston State Hospital on February 26, 1963, following more than four decades of institutionalization. It is likely that Esther never saw her mother again after Jennie’s commitment in 1919—a separation that spanned nearly Esther’s entire life. Jennie was laid to rest at Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Littleton, West Virginia.

Around 1965, Thail was notified that Esther was her responsibility, as she was her only living relative. In a 1966 letter to Esther’s uncle Ralph Murphy, Thail explained that John had informed the hospital before becoming too ill to continue caring for Esther. He believed Thail would love Esther enough to ensure her well-being—a commitment she and her father had upheld for most of Esther’s life. Thail wrote that her father treated Esther as one of his own children.

Esther became seriously ill in March 1969 and was visited by her sister-in-law Thail in Abilene. 

She passed away on October 7, 1973, at the Abilene State School, where she had lived for 43 years. Her death was attributed to bronchopneumonia caused by aspiration of vomit, a complication of a congenital brain disorder—the exact nature of which was never identified. Before entering the institution, Esther had lived in Granbury, Hood County. She was buried on October 9 in Colony Cemetery on the school grounds, following a service led by Rev. Don Cauble, the school chaplain. Esther was survived by her brother Lavester and several nieces and nephews. She was 60 years old and had never married. Her mother’s name was listed as “Unknown” on her death certificate. Like her mother Jennie, who spent over four decades at Weston State Hospital, Esther lived most of her life within the walls of an institution.

Photo by HuntCoTx, Find A Grave member 46918649

Esther’s life was shaped by early separation from her mother, years of institutional care, and the absence of meaningful support from her father. She spent more than four decades at the Abilene State School, largely isolated from her family. Her passing in 1973 marked the close of a long and often solitary journey—one that unfolded quietly, far from the attention of those who might have offered comfort. Though much of her life was lived in silence, Esther’s story deserves to be remembered.

References

• Abilene State School: History and Services for the Intellectually Disabled, Texas State Historical Association, Handbook of Texas Online; https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/abilene-state-school. 
• Abilene State School; https://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php/Abilene_State_School. 
• Chester Leo Davis, General Index and Register of Deaths—Wetzel County, West Virginia.
• Esther M. Davis Services Tuesday, Abilene Reporter-News, Abilene, Texas, October 8, 1973.
• Esther Marie Davis, State of Texas, Certificate of Death 80995, Taylor County, 1973.
• Jennie F. Davis, Register of Deaths—Lewis County, W. Va., 1963.
• John Grant Davis, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• John Grant Davis, United States, Military Records 1917–1918, FamilySearch.
• Lavester Otto Davis, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Letter from Era Thail (Mitchell) Long Davis to Ralph Junior Murphy, October 26, 1966.
• Obituaries, L. O. "Speck" Davis, Hood County News, Granbury, Texas, November 25, 1984.
• Personal memories of Murphy family members.
• September 4, 1944 letter to L. S. Hall of New Martinsville, West Virginia from Thail Long of Thorp Springs, Texas. 
• Thorp Spring News, Hood County News-Tablet, Granbury, Texas, March 6, 1969, July 20, 1928, and April 10, 1930.
• Thorp Spring, The Granbury News, Granbury, Hood County, Texas, February 21, 1930, April 17, 1930, October 30, 1930, and July 19, 1935.
• U.S. Federal Census, Abilene State Hospital, Abilene, Taylor County, Texas, 1940, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Justice Precinct 6, Hood County, Texas, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Precinct 6, Hood County, Texas, 1930. 

Thomas Harris bequeaths Quawguar, Ephraim, Suke, and Jenny

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

Last Will and Testament of Thomas Harris

In the name of God Amen, I, Thomas Harris of the County of Greene and State of Georgia, being sick in body but of perfect mind and memory do constitute and order this my last will and testament.

And first of all, I commend my soul to God who gave it, and my body to the dust to be buried in a decent Christian manner of the discretion of my friends. And as lacking such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to give me, I bequeath in the following manner is to say …..

I bequeath in the following manner that is to say to my beloved wife Jeney Harris, I give and bequeath one negro man named Quawguar together with all the property which I have received as dower with her and all that may be coming to her as her share of her father’s estate.

To my beloved son John W. Harris, I give and bequeath one negro man named Ephraim.

To the child with which my wife is now pregnant, I give and bequeath one negro woman named Suke and one negro girl named Jenny, the remainder of my property including all that is or may become due me from my father’s estate to be equally divided between my two children after all my just debts are paid. Lastly, I ordain and appoint James Harris and John Bethune executors of this my last will and testament.

Tho. Harris
Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presents of this 5th day of November 1807.
Test.
Price Bird, John McGuire

Note: Quawguar is a best guess of the transcription.

Reference

Thomas Harris, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.