Mollie Mae Burnette

Mollie Mae Burnette, daughter of Samuel Pride Burnette and Millicent Virginia “Jinnie” Overton, was born on April 26, 1889, in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia. She was the youngest of 14 children born to Samuel and Jinnie: John William “Will,” Thomas “Tom” Terrell, C. B. Annbelle, Abijah Winkfield, Oscar Lee, Mathew E., Laura Jane, Frances Elizabeth “Lizzie,” Mattie “Lou,” Benjamin Franklin, Virginia “Jennie” Olivia, Joseph Benjamin, Mollie Mae, and one child who died young whose identity has not been determined. Mollie is my second great-aunt. Her parents are my second great-grandparents.

Mollie, her husband Will, and likely two grand or great grandchildren

The second “e” in the surname Burnette comes and goes in this family line. For this biography, I have chosen to use Burnette, although records for Mollie and her relatives appear under both Burnett and Burnette.

On June 6, 1900, Mollie and her family lived on a rented farm in the Buncombe District of Walton County. Her father was a farmer, assisted by sons Benjamin and Joseph. Mollie’s mother was enumerated as having given birth to 14 children, 12 of whom were still living. The deceased children would have been Annbelle and the unidentified child. Both of Mollie’s parents and her sister Frances were able to read and write. Her brother Benjamin was able to read but not write. Mollie’s uncle, Abijah Winkfield Burnette, his wife Eugenia, and their daughter Robena lived next door.

Mollie married William Allen, son of Ambus Allen and Mary Knight, in Walton County on August 13, 1908. Together they had four children: Ernest W., Millie Frances, William Wardell, and Junie Herman Allen. One mystery I encountered while researching this family involves their son William Wardell Allen. In earlier census records, he appears as William, but in later records William disappears and a son named John appears in the same place within the household. I believe William Wardell Allen may have gone by the name John as he grew older, although I have not found a record proving they were the same person.

Marriage license (1908)

On May 5, 1910, Mollie, Will, and 10-month-old Ernest were living on a rented farm in the Buncombe District of Walton County. Mollie assisted Will with farm work. Both Mollie and Will were able to read and write. They had been married for one year.

Mollie’s mother, Jinnie, died in Georgia on January 10, 1916. She was buried at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Loganville. Her brother Will died suddenly at the age of 48 on November 28, 1916, after returning from the fields in Liberty Grove, Lawrence County, Tennessee. It was reported that he suffered from stomach sickness, although the cause may have been a heart attack. He was buried at St. Truitt Cemetery in Lawrence County the following day. Mollie’s sister Laura died in Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia, in 1918.

Mollie was living in Loganville when her son William was born on May 24, 1919.

By January 31, 1920, the Allen family was still living in the Buncombe District and had grown by two children, daughter Millie and son William. Will continued to farm while Mollie cared for the household. Ernest, now 10 years old and attending school, was able to read and write.

Mollie’s father Samuel died on August 27, 1926, at his home in Monroe from endocarditis, a serious condition affecting the lining and valves of the heart. He was buried beside Jinnie at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Loganville on September 3, 1926.

By April 2, 1930, Mollie and her family had moved to Walnut Grove in Walton County, where they lived on a rented farm located on the Covington and Walnut Grove Road. Mollie and Will had been married for 19 years. Will continued farming with assistance from their son Ernest.

On July 19, 1936, Mollie’s son Ernest, who lived in Snapping Shoals, Newton County, Georgia, was shot in the abdomen during a dispute with his father-in-law, O. D. Harcrow. According to newspaper accounts, the argument began at a store in Snapping Shoals and continued at Harcrow’s home, where the shooting occurred. Ernest was transported to Grady Hospital in Atlanta by family members but died of his injuries the following morning. His death certificate records the immediate cause of death as hemorrhage with surgical shock resulting from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Harcrow surrendered to authorities shortly after the incident, and newspapers reported that the case was expected to be investigated by the Newton County grand jury. Ernest was buried at Corinth Christian Church Cemetery in Loganville on July 22, 1936.

Mollie’s brother Oscar died in Loganville in October 1938 from heart lesions and was buried at Bay Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Her brother Thomas died in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, in February 1940 from chronic myocarditis, a long-lasting inflammation of the heart muscle. He was buried at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery in Greensboro.

On April 27, 1940, Mollie and her family were living on Conyers Road in the Broken Arrow District of Walton County. The household included Mollie, her husband Will, daughter Frances, and sons John and Junie. I believe the son recorded as John may have been William Wardell Allen, who appeared as William in earlier records, although I have not found evidence proving they were the same person.

The entire household participated in farm work. During the week preceding the 1940 census, Will worked 50 hours, Mollie 16 hours, Frances 20 hours, and John 40 hours. Junie, age 15, was also recorded as a farm laborer, although no hours were listed for him. For 1939, the census reported earnings of $150 for Will, $30 for Mollie, $58 for Frances, $90 for John, and $60 for Junie.

When William submitted his World War II draft registration card on October 16, 1940, he listed his mother as the person who would always know his address. William was still living at home at the time, and the address given was R.F.D. 3, Covington, Newton County, Georgia.

Mollie’s sister Virginia died on December 23, 1943, and was buried at Corinth Memorial Gardens. Her sister Mattie died on January 13, 1948, and was buried with their parents at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Both cemeteries are located in Walton County.

Sisters Mattie and Jenny (front); Lizzie and Mollie (back)

By April 1, 1950, Mollie, Will, and Junie had returned to the Buncombe District. At age 60, Will still farmed on a part-time basis, working 20 hours during the week before the census was taken. Junie carried most of the workload and had worked 50 hours as a farm helper. Mollie was no longer recorded as assisting with farm labor. Her son William lived three farms away.

Mollie’s brother Abijah died in Atlanta on September 16, 1954, and was buried at Mt. Vernon Christian Church Cemetery in Monroe. Her sister Lizzie died suddenly from a heart attack in Walton County on February 24, 1959, and was buried at Bay Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Loganville. Her brother Joseph died on May 6, 1960, and was buried at Bay Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Her brother Benjamin died in Newton County on October 22, 1965, and was buried at Corinth Memorial Gardens in Monroe.

Mollie died at Newton County Hospital in Covington, Newton County, Georgia, on September 27, 1974. Funeral services were held at Corinth Christian Church on September 29, with Rev. Robert Murrell officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. At age 85, Mollie had spent nearly all of her life in Walton County. She was a member of Gum Creek Baptist Church.

Mollie was survived by her husband Will; daughter Frances; sons John and Junie; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

References

• Abijah W. Burnette, Joseph B. Burnette, and Benjamin F. Burnett, Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
• Burnette family information shared by Austin Landis Burnett.
• Family Row Blamed for Fatal Shooting at Snapping Shoals, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 1, July 20, 1936. 
• Funeral Notices, Mr. Abija W. Burnette, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 17, 1954.
• Funeral Notices, Mr. Joseph B. (Joe) Burnette, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, May 8, 1960.
• Funeral Notices, Mrs. Frances A. Burnett, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 23, 1975.
• Mollie Burnett Allen, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• Mollie Burnett, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Mollie M. Allen, Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
• Mr. Ernest Allen, Certificate of Death no. 19701 3607, Georgia Department of Public Health, Burean of Vital Statistics, 1936.
• Obituaries, Mrs. Will Allen, Walton Tribune, Monroe, Georgia, p. 13, October 1, 1974.
• Obituaries, Will P. Allen, Walton Tribune, Monroe, Georgia, p. 2, June 28, 1977.
• Oscar L. Burnette, Certificate of Death no. 29672, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1938.
• Personal visit to Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Corinth Memorial Gardens, and Bay Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Walton County, Georgia.
• Personal visit to Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia.
• Sympathy, Mrs. Lizzie Guthrie, Walton Tribune, Monroe, Georgia, March 4, 1959.
• Thomas Terrel Burnette, Certificate of Death no. 4275, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Broken Arrow, Walton County, Georgia, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Buncombe, Walton County, Georgia, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Walnut Grove, Walton County, Georgia, 1930.
• Victim of Gunshot in Critical State, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 7, July 20, 1936.
• William Wordele Allen, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.

Frances J. Burnett

Frances J. Burnett was born on September 24, 1859, in Georgia, the daughter of Joseph B. Burnett and Drucilla Henson. Before Frances’ birth, Drucilla had been married to William Caton, with whom she had three children: Samuel Pride, Edward George, and Mary Elizabeth. After William’s death, Drucilla married Joseph Burnett sometime after 1845, and the couple had four children together: Madison T., Frances J., Laura, and Jane Burnett. Samuel and Edward adopted the Burnett surname following their mother’s remarriage. Frances is my half 3rd great aunt, our shared ancestor being her mother, Drucilla Henson.

By June 26, 1860, the blended Burnett–Caton household was living in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Joseph worked as a miller and held a personal estate valued at $100. Drucilla’s older children—Samuel, Edward, and Elizabeth—were still at home. Samuel, then a young farmer, held a small estate valued at $30. Frances, an infant at the time, was the youngest in a household that included her parents, her brother Madison, and her older half‑siblings. Sometime between 1860 and 1862, the family relocated to Newton County, Georgia, where they remained throughout the 1860s.

Frances grew up during the Civil War, a conflict that deeply affected her family. Her two older brothers, Samuel and Edward Burnett, both served in the Confederate Army, and each was taken prisoner—Samuel in Virginia in 1864, and Edward twice, first in 1862 and again in 1864. Both young men endured harsh conditions in Union prison camps before eventually returning home.

On September 22, 1870, the Burnetts were living in Conyers, Newton County. Only two children remained in the home: Frances (12) and Laura (10). Joseph continued working as a miller, while Drucilla kept the household. The Burnetts lived next door to the family of John M. Overton, brother‑in‑law to Frances’ half‑brother Samuel, who had married Millicent “Virginia” Overton. Other Overton relatives—including Abijah and Elizabeth Overton and Elizabeth Wooley—lived nearby. I descend directly from Abijah and Virginia Overton, linking my family to Frances’ through both the Henson and Overton lines.

On December 25, 1875, Frances married James T. Harrison, son of Asa Harrison and Mary A. E. Taylor, in Gwinnett County. Rev. G. J. Bagwell performed the ceremony. Over the next 15 years, Frances gave birth to 12 children: Garland Winfield, Charles “Charley” S., Georgia Savannah (“Georgie” or “Vanie”), Effie P., Felix P., Joseph “Joe” B., Emily Ophelia, Maggie L., William “Willie” V., and three unnamed children who died young.

Marriage license for Frances and James

On June 18, 1880, the Harrisons lived in the Harbins District of Gwinnett County. James farmed while Frances managed the home. Their sons Garland (3) and Charles (1) were their only children at the time. Frances’ brother Samuel, his wife, and their eight children lived next door. Sometime after 1880, Frances’ mother Drucilla died. Around 1893, her father Joseph remarried a woman named Elizabeth, and in 1894, Frances’ half‑brother Edward died and was buried at Almand Cemetery in Conyers.

On June 25, 1900, Frances and James were living in the Cains District of Gwinnett County. They had been married 23 years, and Frances had given birth to 10 children, with 9 living. James continued farming, assisted by sons Garland, Charles, Felix, and Joseph. Frances, James, Charles, Georgia, and Felix were recorded as literate; Effie, Joseph, and Emily were not. James’ widowed mother Mary (72) lived with them. Next door lived Frances’ father Joseph and his second wife Elizabeth, who reported having borne five children, four living—though it is unclear whether any were Joseph’s, which would make them additional half‑siblings to Frances.

The Harrisons remained in the Cains District through at least April 1910. Frances had now borne 12 children, nine still living. She and James had been married 34 years. James and their son Garland worked the home farm, while Felix and Joseph labored alongside them. The youngest child, William, was 16. Six adult children still lived at home, ranging from ages 18 to 29. All could read except Felix, and Georgia, Felix, and William were unable to write.

Frances’ husband James died on July 7, 1916, and was buried at Hog Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery in Dacula. When their son Felix registered for the World War I draft in September 1918, he listed Frances—then living in Winder, Barrow County—as his nearest relative.

Frances died on August 26, 1919 in Winder. The physician listed the primary cause of death as acute dilatation of the heart, meaning her heart suddenly enlarged and failed. The secondary (contributory) cause was chronic endocarditis, a long‑term inflammation of the heart’s inner lining that weakened it over time. Together, these show that her long‑term heart disease eventually led to a fatal heart failure. Frances was buried at the old Hog Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery in Dacula with her husband on August 28. Her death certificate listed her parents as Joe Burnett and Drucilla Henderson—a slight error, as Drucilla’s maiden name was Henson. Frances’ son Charles served as the informant.

Photo by Toni McCall, Find A Grave
 member 46868460

References

• Asa Harrison, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Edward G. Burnett, U.S., Civil War Service Records (CMSR) - Confederate - Georgia, 1861-1865
• Felix Harrison, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Frances Burnett, J. B. Burnett, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Francis Harrison, Certificate of Death no. 10276, Commonwealth of Georgia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health, 1919.
• Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933. 
• Knox County, Tennessee, Marriage Records 1792–1900, image 112, FamilySearch.
• Samuel P. Burnett, Georgia, Confederate Pension Applications, 1879–1960.
• Samuel P. Burnett, U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861–1865.
• U.S. Federal Census, Cains District, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1900, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 407, Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Harbins, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Hog Mountain, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Subdivision 163, Conyers, Newton County, Georgia, 1870. 

Claudia Burnette

Claudia Burnette, daughter of Thomas Terrell Burnette and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jones, was born in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia, on November 23, 1905. The Burnette family had 13 children: Luther Terrell Burnette, Eva Drucilla Burnette, Floria Mae Burnette, Jesse Burnette and his twin, Willie Loyd Burnette, Prince Albert Burnette, Maudie Burnette (twin), Claudia Burnette (twin), Henry T. Burnette, Eleanor Estelle Burnette, Samuel A. Burnette, and Julia Virginia Burnette. Claudia and Maudie were fraternal twins, with Maudie arriving first. Claudia is my great‑aunt, with our nearest common relatives being her parents, my great‑grandparents. Daddy always referred to his twin aunts as Maudie and Claudie—always in that order—so I will use Claudie for the remainder of this sketch.

According to one of Claudie’s grand‑nephews, the twin sisters were named after the two mules their father Thomas kept on the family farm outside Monroe. He fondly recalled his Granny Maudie laughing about the unusual origin of their names. Around 1908, Claudie and her family attended a Jones family reunion in Walton County, where two photographs were taken. In the first, Floria (my grandmother), Eva, and Luther stand in back; mother Lizzie is seated with Henry in her lap; Prince, Thomas holding the twins Claudie and Maudie (though it is unclear which is which), and Willie are also present. The second photo shows the entire Jones family, in which I have identified 39 relatives.

 

On April 28, 1910, Claudie and her family were living in Greshamville, Greene County, having moved from Monroe in a wagon pulled by a horse. Her father was listed as a farmer on a general farm, while siblings Luther, Eva, and Floria were recorded as laborers on the home farm. Claudie’s parents had been married 16 years, and her mother was noted as having borne 10 children, 8 of whom were still living. According to my father, Elizabeth lost a set of twins, which accounts for the two no longer recorded. One of the twins was a boy named Jesse, who appeared in the 1900 census. That record, however, incorrectly states Elizabeth had five children at the time, all living. I have found no records for the other twin, leaving the identity unknown, though Claudie recalled it was a boy. In 1910, Claudie was four years old, and the youngest child in the household was Henry, age two.

The Burnette family felt the impact of World War I when Claudie’s brother Luther entered the U.S. Army on July 24, 1918. His service lasted until August 30, 1919, marking more than a year away from home. By February 13, 1920, the family had moved to the Walkers District of Greene County, where her parents would live out their lives. The 1920 Soundex card recorded her as Claud Burnett. Her father Thomas continued farming, assisted by his 78‑year‑old widowed father, Samuel Pride Burnette, who now lived with them, and 7 of the 10 Burnette children. Claudie’s mother was enumerated as Lizzie. Claudie’s brother Luther and his wife Etta Belle lived next door, both farmers. None of the children were attending school.

1920 Census Soundex cards

Claudie married Jesse “Peek” Bryan, likely in 1929 in Greene County, though I have not located a marriage record to confirm this. Peek was four years older than Claudie. My Daddy once recalled that Peek was a good man, quiet and cheerful. After their marriage, Claudie and Peek settled in Greensboro, Greene County, on Mill Street, according to the April 23, 1930 census. Peek worked as a weaver at the Mary Leila Cotton Mill, a major employer in the area. Mill Street was part of the surrounding mill village, a tightly knit community of about 75 worker houses and an industrial complex northwest of downtown Greensboro. Claudie and Peek likely rented one of these modest homes, typical of mill families during that era. The census also notes that both Claudie and Peek were literate.

Peek and Claudie

Their daughter Lizzie “Ree” Bryan was born in 1930 and Evelyn “Joyce” Bryan in 1936. Claudie had a difficult birth with Joyce and developed epilepsy afterward. Although she underwent extensive testing, doctors were unable to determine the cause, which was likely due to oxygen deprivation. Claudie’s father Thomas died from chronic myocarditis at age 71 on February 6, 1940, in Greensboro, and was buried at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery. By April 22, 1940, the Bryan family was still living on Mill Street, with Jesse now working as a loom fixer at the mill. He earned $724 in 1939, working 40 hours a week. Claudie maintained the home, and their daughters were ages nine and three.

Peek died in 1941 at age 38 in Athens, Clarke County. Other than his tombstone, I have not found records to determine the exact date, cause, or location of his death. Peek’s siblings helped care for Claudie after his death. He was remembered as fun‑loving and kind.

In April 1945, Claudie married George “Frank” Moore in Greene County. Frank was about 10 years older, tall and slender, with light blue eyes and light hair, and missing a finger on his right hand. He had previously married Anna “Annie” Bertha “Berta” Wright in 1918, with whom he had seven children: George Thomas Moore, Emma Louise Moore, John “Jack” Harris Moore, Edna Fay Moore, Mary “Mae” Frances Moore, Ethel Goodwin Moore, and Charles E. Moore. Annie died in 1936 of pulmonary tuberculosis and was buried at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery. Frank’s son George served in the Army in France during World War II, when his wife Hazel gave birth to their daughter Anne in 1945. Hazel, who lived with her father at the time, died a month later, and George’s sister Mae convinced Claudie and Frank to take Anne in until George returned. When he did, Anne remained with Claudie and Frank until she married at 18, having been raised as their own. During wartime rationing, Claudie struggled to obtain formula for Anne, but a friend shared ration cards, allowing her to feed the baby. Anne always called Claudie and Frank “Mama and Daddy.”

Claudie and Frank’s son, Claude “Bo” Franklin Moore, was born in 1949. Near the end of her pregnancy, Claudie had a seizure and fell onto a stove, suffering severe burns to her belly and arm. She was rushed to a hospital in Madison, Morgan County, Georgia, where she gave birth to Bo. Her arm healed with scars that left it permanently drawn. Years later, another seizure caused burns to her hand in a frying pan, and she lost her little finger and part of her ring finger. For the most part, Claudie controlled her seizures with medication, though they tended to occur around the full moon.

On April 8, 1950, Claudie and her family lived in the first house on the right of Appalachee Avenue in Greensboro. Joyce, her daughter from her first marriage, was 13 and still at home. Anne, age 4, was recorded as Claudie and Frank’s daughter, and their son Claude was an infant. Claudie maintained the household while Frank worked as a tractor driver at the county convict camp, part of Georgia’s chain gang system. He worked 55 hours a week. Anne later recalled they lived on Elm Street in 1950, so they likely moved shortly after the census was taken.

On December 31, 1955, Claudie’s brother Henry was accidentally killed while squirrel hunting in Putnam County, Georgia. His companion heard a gunshot and found Henry dead from a head wound. Two nearby fishermen helped carry his body out of the woods. The death was ruled accidental by a coroner’s jury and reported as Putnam County’s first hunting fatality of the year. Henry was buried at Pine Grove Cemetery following a service at Oak Street Baptist Church. Claudie’s brother Sam made the emotional trip to her home to share the news.

Claudie’s mother Lizzie died on December 2, 1956, at Minnie G. Boswell Hospital in Greensboro. She was buried beside her husband at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery. In her final week, Lizzie suffered acute renal failure caused by adrenal insufficiency, following a fractured shoulder. She also had generalized arteriosclerosis, chronic bronchitis, and senility.

Claudie’s sister Eleanor died in 1963 and was buried at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in McDonough, Henry County, Georgia. Her sister Floria died in 1970 in Greensboro and was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Oglethorpe County. Her brother Willie died in 1974 in Monroe and was buried at New Hope Methodist Church Cemetery in Between, Walton County. Claudie’s second husband Frank died on December 14, 1976 in Greene County and was buried beside his first wife Annie at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery. Her brother Luther died in 1977 and was buried at Greenview Cemetery in Greensboro, and her brother Samuel died in 1983 in Clarke County and was buried at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Claudie died at a nursing home in Union Point, Greene County, Georgia, on October 8, 1988, at the age of 82. At the time, she was living with her son and his family. She was laid to rest beside her first husband, Jesse “Peek” Bryan, at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery in Greensboro.

Claudie is remembered as kind and loving, as was Frank. Family members who knew Claudie remember her as sweet, quiet, and soft-spoken—traits she shared with her sister Floria. My Aunt Betty once said she loved her Aunt Claudie like a second mama. 

Maudie, Claudie’s twin sister, lived on for just over 13 more years as a twinless twin. In her later years, dementia slowly reshaped her world. She moved into a nursing home in Watkinsville, Oconee County, Georgia, where she passed away on January 16, 2002. She was buried at Greensboro City Cemetery in Greensboro.

Though twins, Claudie and Maudie were complete opposites. Claudie was gentle and soft‑spoken, while Maudie was fiery, cantankerous, and hard to please. For much of her life, Maudie bossed Claudie around, yet when storms gathered—both in the sky and in life—she sought her twin’s comfort. Living nearby, she often walked to Claudie’s house, especially when thunder threatened, knowing her sister’s presence could calm her fears. Maudie—the elder twin by birth—often assumed the role of leader, but even with her cantankerous nature she leaned on Claudie’s quiet strength, finding comfort in the sister who was always her safe harbor.

Maudie herself was taller by six inches. She was known for dyeing her hair jet black, a trademark look that defined her for decades. But in the nursing home, her hair grew out white as snow. Dementia softened her sharp edges, and the once bossy, hard‑to‑please Maudie became unexpectedly sweet, offering a tender final chapter to her life.

References

• Annie Bertha Moore, Certificate of Death no. 16703, Certificate of Death, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1936.
• Charles E. Moore, Certificate of Death no. 30-16071, Certificate of Death, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1930.
• Claudia B. Moore, Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
• Claudia B. Moore, Social Security Death Index.
• Claudia Burnett Moore, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• Eatonton Hunter is Accidentally Killed Saturday, Eatonton Messenger, Eatonton, Georgia, January 5, 1956.
• Elizabeth Jones Burnette, Certificate of Death no. 30983, Certificate of Death, Georgia Department of Public Health, 1956.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58710640/frank-moore: accessed November 18, 2025), memorial page for Frank Moore (1895–1976), Find a Grave Memorial ID 58710640, citing Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery, Veazey, Greene County, Georgia, USA; maintained by: Find a Grave.
• Frank Moore, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• George F. Moore, Georgia, U.S., Death Index, 1919–1998.
• George F. Moore, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• Greene County, Georgia, Census Soundex card, 1920.
• Luther T. Burnett, U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850–2010.
• Luther Terrell Burnett, U.S., Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty, 1917–1918,
• Maudie Lord, Oconee County, Georgia, U.S., Probate Death Certificates, 1927–2010.
• Mr. Geo. F. Moore, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978,
• Personal memories of Sam Lankford, Betty Elrod, Mickey Lord, and Anne Garner.
• Thomas Terrel Burnette, Certificate of Death no. 4275, Certificate of Death, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, 1930, 1940, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Greshamville, Greene County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Walkers District, Greene County, Georgia, 1920. 

Frances “Fannie” Adline Overton

Frances “Fannie” Adline (or Adeline) Overton was born in September 1843 in Newton County, Georgia, to Abijah Overton and Elizabeth Ann Rhodes. She grew up in a large family of eight siblings: Mary J. Overton, James Henry Overton, Julia Saphronia Overton, Elizabeth B. Overton, John M. Overton, Willilam Mosby Overton, Louisa E. Overton, and Millicent Virginia “Jinnie” Overton. Fannie is my 3rd great-aunt, with our nearest common relatives being her parents (my 3rd great-grandparents). Her sister Virginia was my 2nd great-grandmother.

When the 1850 census was taken on September 26, six-year-old Fannie lived with her family in Subdivision 65 of Newton County, Georgia. Her father, recorded as Elijah Overton in the census, worked as a farmer with real estate valued at $1,500. The household would have been active, housing 11 people, including 9 children. That year, only two of her siblings attended school—15-year-old James and 10-year-old John.

Fannie’s childhood years were marked by several family celebrations and changes. At age 8, she witnessed her sister Elizabeth’s marriage to Vardamond Woolley in Newton County on October 19, 1853. Around age 10, she became an aunt when Elizabeth began her family with Vardamond. When Fannie was about 12, her brother James married Nancy Sparks in Newton County. The following year, at age 13, her sister Julia married Hansford D. Woolley, Vardamond's brother, on June 15, 1858. A year later, Julia and Hansford welcomed their son, John L. Woolley, in Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia.

By October 1860, the Overton’s had established themselves in Conyers where they maintained a thriving farm. Under her father’s guidance, the family’s real estate holdings grew significantly, reaching a value of $2,000—a $500 increase—along with personal assets worth $850. Fannie’s mother and sister Mary contributed to the household through their seamstress work, while her brother John labored alongside their father in the fields. Though the family enjoyed financial stability, access to education varied within the household. Fannie’s mother could neither read nor write, and of all the children, John and Louisa were the only ones who had attended school that year. The household was very active with family members ranging from 28 to 10 years old, including the young children of Fannie’s sister, Mary—5-year-old Thomas L. Overton and 2-year-old Emma G. Overton.

The years 1861 and 1862 brought deep sorrow to the Overton family through deaths both at home and in the war. In March 1861, Fannie’s young nephew John Woolley died in Conyers just before his second birthday. Two weeks later, on April 15, her sister Julia died at age 26. They were buried together in Old Conyers City Cemetery.

Julia’s death came three days after the Civil War began, a conflict that would take more family members. Fannie’s brothers John, William, and James joined the Confederate forces. Her brother-in-law Hansford, age 30, enlisted on October 2, 1861, while still mourning his wife Julia and son John. After being wounded near Richmond, Virginia, he died in a hospital there on April 29, 1862. His body was returned to Georgia, where he was buried next to Julia and John at Old Conyers Cemetery.

The losses continued when Hansford’s brother Varadamond, also Fannie’s brother-in-law, enlisted in the war. He died of typhoid fever in Chattanooga seven months after joining the Confederate army.

In her early twenties, Fannie became a mother to Mattie L. Overton, her daughter born outside of marriage. Meanwhile, her brother William married Nancy Boyd in DeKalb County on January 3, 1867.

By September 20, 1870, Fannie, now 24, remained in her parents’ home in Conyers, along with her sisters Mary and Louisa. The household included several children: her nephew Thomas, now 14, and niece Emma, 12, as well as two newer additions—4-year-old nephew Fletcher L. Overton, Louisa’s son, and Fannie’s own daughter Mattie, age 3. A 24-year-old white male named Lewis Sudduth also lived with the family, though his connection to the Overton’s is unclear. The family maintained their traditional roles, with Abijah continuing his work as a farmer, helped by Thomas who was listed as ‘farm works.’ The women of the household—Fannie's mother, Mary, Fannie, and Louisa—managed the domestic duties together. Records show that Thomas, Emma, and Lewis could not write. Just five houses away lived Fannie’s brother John, who was neighbors with Joseph and Drucilla (Henson) Burnett. Drucilla would later become connected to the family when her grandson Thomas Terrell Burnett married Fannie’s sister Virginia.

During October and November 1875, Fannie provided nursing services to Mrs. Aley Rhodes in Rockdale County, charging $0.75 per day for 21 days, totaling $15.75. After Rhodes’ death in early 1876, Fannie was an individual documented in relation to financial transactions connected to her estate. To ensure payment, Fannie swore before a justice of the peace on May 22, 1876, certifying that the account was just and accurate. On July 9, 1877, Fannie’s name appeared on a list of payments made by D. N. Hudson, the administrator of the Rhodes estate. The estate paid Fannie $10 (noted as “in compromise”) on March 31, 1877, less than the $15.75 owed to her. The remaining $5.75 may in fact have been paid to Fannie, however, I have not located a record that shows that. Given that Fannie’s mother’s surname was Rhodes, Aley Rhodes may have been an extended family member.

The 1880 census of June 21 found Fannie living in District 476 of Rockdale County, Georgia, sharing a home with her aging father Abijah, who was 75 and widowed. Her sisters Mary, 48, and Louisa, 34, also lived there, along with nieces Emma, 22, and Mattie, 14, and nephew Fletcher, 14. The absence of Fannie’s mother Elizabeth from this record, combined with Abijah’s widowed status, suggests she died sometime between their last known record in September 1870 and this census, though no death record has been found. The household included two black boarders who worked as farm hands: Jacob Clay, 30, and Wesley Hendrix, 22. While Abijah continued to oversee the farm operations, Mary had taken charge of running the household. Fletcher helped with farm work, and Mattie attended school.

Five years later, on August 26, 1885, Fannie’s daughter Mattie married William A. Smith in Rockdale County. Less than two years after this wedding, the family lost their patriarch when Abijah Overton died in Conyers on June 14, 1887. The following day, The Conyers Weekly reported his burial at Daniel Cemetery in Rockdale County, noting his status as an “old and honored citizen” of the community.

In his will dated June 10, 1887, Abijah carefully provided for his daughters and granddaughter. He left his home place—76¼ acres of land in lot 366 of the 16th District, originally in Henry County, then Newton, and now Rockdale County—to his three daughters Mary J., Fannie A., and Louisa E. Overton, along with his granddaughter Emma G. Overton. The property included two mules, two cows, a calf, a yearling, all farming tools, a two-horse wagon, and all household and kitchen furnishings.

The will specified that these women could live together on the property throughout their lives, but marriage or departure from the home would end their individual interests. Abijah included specific provisions for succession: if Mary died, her interest would pass to her son Thomas L. Overton; if Fannie died or married, her share would go to her daughter Mattie L. Smith; and if Louisa left through death or marriage, her portion would transfer to her son Fletcher L. Overton. Emma would forfeit her interest upon marriage and leaving the property. Abijah stipulated that the property should remain intact as a home for these women until the last one left through either death or marriage. At that point, the land and remaining property would be sold at public auction under the ordinary’s direction, with proceeds divided equally among his heirs.

Just over a month after her father’s death, Fannie married James Harris Scott on July 21, 1887, in Rockdale County, with Isaac Hamby performing the ceremony. This was James’ second marriage, as he had previously been married to Sarah A. Richardson, though the fate of that first marriage—whether it ended in Sarah’s death or divorce—is unclear. James brought three sons to the marriage: James A. Scott, born around 1862, Walter Levi Scott, born about 1871, and John R. Scott, born approximately 1874.

Marriage certificate

The Georgia Enterprise in Covington announced the marriage in its July 29, 1887 edition with a brief notice: “Mr. J. H. Scott was married to Miss Fannie Overton one day last week. Both of Rockdale County. Elder Isaac Hamby officiated.”

James brought with him a history of Civil War service and survival. He endured some of the war’s most brutal battles, including the Seven Days Battles near Richmond from June 25 to July 1, 1862, the Second Battle of Manassas in Virginia, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Battle of the Wilderness in Spotsylvania and Orange Counties, Virginia, fought May 5–7, 1864. His war experience culminated in capture at Petersburg, Virginia, where he was sent to Point Lookout, Maryland as a prisoner of war. He remained there until the war’s end, when he was finally released.

1907 census of confederate soldiers card (Alabama 1907) for James H. Scott

Fannie received two distributions from her father’s estate: an initial payment of $12.05 in December 1887, followed by a final settlement of $24.15 in April 1889.

By 1892, Fannie and James had relocated to Alabama. The 1900 census of Goddard, Marion County, Alabama, reveals what I believe to be Fannie’s middle name, the only record I found recording it. All others simply use her middle initial, A. The census lists an Adline Scott living with James H. Scott, and evidence suggests this was Fannie: the couple resided in Goddard, where other records place Fannie and James, and their recorded marriage length of 14 years aligns perfectly with Fannie and James’ July 1887 wedding, as noted in the June 15, 1900 census. 

As I researched James, I noticed some variation in his birth date—while October 4 remains consistent, the year varies from 1833 to 1839, with the 1900 census listing October 1839. Though this census recorded “Adline” as having no children, we know from her father’s will that Fannie had a daughter, Mattie L. Overton, before her marriage to James. Such omissions were common in the 19th century when children were born outside of marriage, as families often chose to keep these matters private.

While some census details appear incorrect, such as listing both of Adline’s parents as Virginia-born, other evidence strengthens the connection. The census describes James as a literate farmer who owned his farm, noting both he and his wife could read and write. A strong piece of evidence comes from their neighbor Stephen P. Hanson, who lived just two houses away. Stephen’s daughter Martha Ursula Hanson would marry John William Burnett, brother of Thomas Terrell Burnette, my great-grandfather. According to one of John’s descendants, he lived with his aunt Fannie and uncle Jim Scott before his 1899 marriage to Martha, suggesting he may have met his future wife during this time given their nearby homes.

Back in Georgia, Fannie’s brother John passed away on April 4, 1906, in Newton County and was laid to rest in Almand Cemetery in Conyers.

The 1910 census, taken on April 26, shows Fannie and James still residing in Goddard. Unlike the 1900 record, this census showed that Fannie had one child, though the enumerator left blank the question about its survival. The record contains two notable errors: Fannie appears as “Frances M” instead of Fannie A, and her parents’ birthplaces are incorrectly listed as Virginia for her father (who was born in South Carolina) and Tennessee for her mother (who was born in Georgia, though the 1900 census had claimed Virginia). James maintained his occupation as a farmer, working and owning a general farm.

That same decade brought another loss to the family when Fannie’s sister Virginia, known as Jinnie, died on January 10, 1916. She was laid to rest at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia.

By 1920, Fannie and James had settled on Jordan Road in Bear Creek, Marion County, Alabama. The January 20 census shows James, at 86, still actively farming his own land. This census entry adds to the amusing inconsistencies in their records—James’ parents, consistently listed as South Carolina-born in previous records, were suddenly recorded as being from Ireland (father) and Holland (mother), with his mother’s tongue noted as Scotch. The following year found Fannie and James living in Haleyville, another Marion County community.

Loss touched the family again when Fannie’s oldest brother James died on July 28, 1921, at age 89. He spent his final days at his son John’s home in the Grove Level community of Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia, and was buried the next day in Grove Level Cemetery.

Fannie’s own story ended in October 1925 when she passed away in Marion County, Alabama. The details of her death date and burial location remain undiscovered, leaving her story partially untold until future records might emerge online to complete it.

References

• Abijah Overton’s will, Rockdale. Wills 1872–1916, image 75, FamilySearch.
• Elizabeth B. Overton, James H. Overton, Sophronia Julia Overton, William M. Overton, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Fannie A. Scott, Alabama Deaths, 1908–59.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32242310/john_l-woolley: accessed May 13, 2025), memorial page for John L. Woolley (24 Aug 1859–30 Mar 1861), Find a Grave Memorial ID 32242310, citing Old Conyers Cemetery, Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Scott and Priscilla Butler Fraser (contributor 46859858).
• Frances A Overton, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Hansford D Woolley, U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861–1865.
• J. H. Overton, North Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, August 4, 1921.
• James H. Scott, Alabama, U.S., Census of Confederate Soldiers, Multiple Regiments (Marion County #47), 1907, 1921.
• James Harris Scott, Alabama, U.S., Census of Confederate Soldiers, Georgia CSA Commands (Folder #1), 1907, 1921. 
• Jinnie Burnette’s tombstone, Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Loganville, Walton County, Georgia (personal visit).
• John M. Overton, U.S., Civil War Service Records (CMSR) - Confederate - Georgia, 1861–1865.
• Person visit to Almand Cemetery, Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Annual Returns 1876–1891, images 70, 72, 577, and 636, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Court Minutes 1872–1936, image 20, FamilySearch.
• Sarah A. Richardson, Georgia Marriages, 1699–1944.
• Town and County: Everything and Everybody, The Georgia Enterprise, Covington, Georgia, July 29, 1887.
• U.S. Federal Census, Bear Creek, Marion County, Alabama, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Conyers, Newton County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 476, Rockdale County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Goddard, Marion County, Alabama, 1900, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Subdivision 163, Newton County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Subdivision 65, Newton County, Georgia, 1850. 

Martha Ursula Hanson

Martha “Mattie” Ursula Hanson was born in Cleburne County, Alabama on July 29, 1880, to Stephen P. Hanson and Martha “Caroline” Durrett. She was the eldest of seven children, with siblings James Petty “Pet” Hanson, George Henry Hanson, Margaret Hanson, Lucious Franklin Hanson, Thomas Jefferson Hanson, and Robert Jackson Hanson. Mattie was married to my 2nd great-uncle, John William “Will” Burnett. We have no common relatives. Will’s brother, Thomas Terrell Burnette, was my great grandfather.

Record of births from Stephen P. Hanson’s Bible
Mattie is on the fourth line. 
(used with permission of Carrie Romoser.)

Due to the 1880 census day being June 1, Mattie, born in July, was not recorded. Around 1896, the Hanson family moved from Cleburne County to near Bear Creek in Marion County, Alabama. Research compiled by Austin Landis Burnette (Mattie’s grandson) shows they purchased land in Marion County in 1896 and sold it in 1906, indicating their residence there for at least 10 years. I have not yet located any online land records or deeds.

On March 21, 1899, John William “Will” Burnett applied for a marriage bond in Marion County. Mattie’s parents signed the bond, giving their consent to the Marion County Probate Judge for the marriage. John, son of Samuel Pride Burnett and Millicent “Virginia” Overton, was born in Georgia in 1868 and had moved to Alabama at an unknown date. Samuel and Virginia are my 2nd great grandparents. 

According to Austin, Will lived with his uncle Jim and aunt Fanny Scott in Marion County before the marriage. While writing this sketch, I realized that uncle Jim was James Harris Scott and aunt Fanny (Fannie) was Frances A. Overton, sister of Millicent Virginia (Overton) Burnett. The 1900 Marion County census shows James H. and Adline Scott as a married couple of 14 years. This new piece of information revealed that Frances’ (Fannie), previously known only Frances A. Overton, had the middle name Adline (or Adeline).

Mattie and Will were married at Bear Creek in Marion County on March 26, 1899. There was a 13-year age difference between them. I have not found Mattie and Will in the 1900 census. It is likely they lived near Mattie’s close-knit family in Goddard, but census records do not show them there. I also checked Walton County, Georgia, where Will’s parents lived, without success. Other online researchers seem to have faced the same difficulty, as no one has attached the 1900 census to their family tree. 

Will and Mattie Burnett (photo provided by Austin Burnette)

Mattie and Will’s marriage bond and license

Mattie and Will had eight children: Samuel Stephen Burnett (1900), Julia Virginia “Virgie” Burnett (1902), Herbert Newton Burnett (1903), Amy Leona Burnett (1905), Jasper Pettye Burnett (1906), William “Ellis” Burnett (1908), Charles “Charlie” Noel Burnett (1911), and Leonard Dixon Burnett (1914). 

Hanson family, minus Leonard (photo provided by Austin Burnette)

In 1908, the Hanson family, except for Mattie and Will, moved to Lawrence County, Tennessee, to the community of Liberty Grove, located south of Loretto. The women and children traveled by train to Loretto, while the men and boys drove the cattle and wagons along narrow dirt roads, carrying their belongings. Mattie, Will, and their children stayed behind for one more year before moving to Lawrence County in 1909.

In January 1909, Mattie’s parents purchased over 500 acres of land for $1,256.46, about five miles south of Loretto, in the southern part of Lawrence County. In October 1909, they divided the land among their children as follows: James received 71 acres, George received 79 acres, Lucious received 75 acres, Thomas received 77 acres, Robert received 56 acres, and Martha received 92 acres. The Hansons kept the remaining acres for their home place. Martha did not receive her land until a year after her brothers did.

Later that year, Will and Mattie moved their family to Liberty Grove, a year after the Stephen Hanson family settled there. Everyone built homes on their land and engaged in farming, except for Mattie’s brother Petty, who became a school teacher. Mattie and her family attended Liberty Grove Baptist Church, where Will was one of the founding members.

By April 21, 1910, Mattie and her family were living on Livington Road in Civil District 2 of Lawrence County. At that time, she and Will had been married for 12 years, and Mattie was recorded as having six children, all of whom were living. Will worked as a farmer on a general farm he owned, with Mattie and their son Samuel both working as farm laborers on the home farm. Mattie would have had her hands full with six children, the youngest being just under two years old. Although at least three of the children were school-age, none of them were attending school at the time. Mattie and John were the only family members able to read and write.

On November 28, 1916, Will suddenly passed away at the age of 48 after returning from the fields in Liberty Grove. While it was said he had a stomach illness, it may have actually been a heart attack. He was buried at St. Truitt Cemetery on November 29, 1916, in Liberty Grove. His untimely death left Mattie a widow with the daunting task of raising their eight children alone.

Just a few months later, on January 13, 1917, Mattie’s mother, Caroline, aged 65, passed away in Lawrence County, after suffering from heart dropsy. She was laid to rest at Liberty Grove Cemetery.

On December 18, 1919, Mattie’s son Samuel married Cora Mae Mashburne in Lawrence County.

On January 9, 1920, Mattie, aged 40, and her children, ranging from 5 to 19 years old, lived in the Second District of Lawrence County. Mattie was surrounded by her extended family, with her brother Frank in dwelling 33, brother Henry in dwelling 31, brother Thomas in dwelling 32, brother Robert in dwelling 35, and her father and his second wife Alice in dwelling 36. Mattie herself lived in dwelling 34. In total, 31 family members, including spouses and children, resided side-by-side in the neighborhood.

Mattie managed her farm, which she owned, with the assistance of her son Samuel, who was listed as a laborer on his mother’s farm. Except for Leonard, all of her children attended school, and everyone except Charles and Leonard could read and write.

On February 5, 1922, Mattie’s daughter Virgie married Hobert E. Plunkett in Lawrence County. Sadly, on June 5, 1925, Mattie’s father, Stephen, passed away at the age of 68 in Liberty Grove. He was laid to rest at Liberty Grove Cemetery on June 6.

Hanson family
Front row: Robert Hanson holding Alice, Annie Hanson holding Nellie,
Stephen P. Hanson, his wife Caroline, Mattie Burnett holding Charles, Will Burnett
holding Ellis. Second row: James Petty Hanson, George Henry Hanson, his wife
Romer holding Loela, Samuel Stephen Burnett, Lucious Franklin Hanson,
Thomas Jefferson Hanson. Third row: Amy Lenora Burnett, Julia Virginia
Burnett, James Ezra Hanson, Pierce Hanson, Eva Hanson, Jasper Burnett,
Herbert Burnett (photo provided by Austin Burnette).

On November 15, 1925, Mattie’s daughter Amy married Fred B. Vanderford in Lawrence County. Fred lived five farms away from the Burnett farm. Tragically, Mattie’s son Herbert passed away on September 9, 1929, at the age of 26, at his home near Liberty Grove Church. According to his death certificate, Herbert suffered from malarial hematuria for 22 days, a serious complication of malaria. He was laid to rest at St. Truitt Cemetery the following day, after a funeral service at Liberty Grove Church, where he had been a member since his 16th birthday.

By April 10, 1930, census records show that Mattie and four of her children—Jasper (23), Ellis (21), Charles (19), and Leonard (16)—continued to live on their family farm in Lawrence County. In addition to attending school, all the children worked on the farm. Everyone in the household was able to read and write. Although the family dynamics and dwelling numbers had changed slightly since 1920, the Hanson family remained closely clustered together in the neighborhood. Mattie’s brother Henry lived in dwelling 113, Robert in dwelling 114, Thomas in dwelling 115, and Mattie in dwelling 116. Mattie’s daughter, Virgie, and her husband Hobert Plunkett, now lived next door to Mattie, where her father previously resided. With wives and children combined, there were a total of 35 Hanson family members living side-by-side in the neighborhood. All her brothers were farmers.

On October 7, 1933, Mattie’s son Charles married Esther Mae Fleming in Lawrence County.

Sadly, on July 14, 1936, Mattie’s son Ellis died suddenly from appendicitis at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, Lauderdale County, Alabama. It is believed his appendix ruptured. At the time of his death, Ellis lived in Loretto, where he was a farmer. He was 27, nearly 28, years old. Ellis was buried at Saint Truitt Cemetery in Lawrence County. He never married.

On April 11, 1940, Mattie, aged 61, and her son Leonard, aged 24, lived in Loretta. Mattie was unemployed, while Leonard worked as a garage mechanic. In 1939, Leonard worked for 26 weeks, and during the week of March 24–30, 1940, he worked a grueling 70-hour week. Despite having no recorded earned income, both Leonard and Mattie appeared to have other sources of income, likely from their farm.

When Leonard filled out his World War II draft registration card on October 16, 1940, he listed Mattie as the person who would always know his address. At that time, Mattie resided at R.F.D. 1 in Appleton, Lawrence County, Tennessee.

Despite thorough searches, I was unable to locate Mattie in the 1950 census, even after checking near her children and siblings.

The photo below is believed to have been taken at a Hanson family reunion in Tennessee, likely in the 1950s.

Believed to be a Hanson family photo.
Front: James P. Hanson and Mattie Burnett.
Back: Frank and Emma, Henry and wife, Tom and wife.
(Used with permission of Carrie Romoser.)

In January 1954, Mattie visited her son Jasper in Knoxville, Tennessee. The following year, in June 1955, she visited her son Sam in the Bluewater community of Lawrenceburg before continuing on to visit another son, Charles, in Loretto.

After being a widow for 41 years, Mattie passed away at the age of 77 in Lawrenceburg on November 11, 1957. She had been suffering from heart disease for six months. Mattie was laid to rest beside her husband Will at St. Truitt Cemetery on November 13.

Photo provided by Austin Burnette

When I wrote the sketch for Mattie’s husband, Will, in 2015, I included the text below. I thought it fitting to share a slightly revised version for Mattie’s sketch.

Anyone who has researched their family history knows you make new friends and discover “cousins” along the way. In late 2000, through the wonders of the internet, my sister and I connected with several researchers working on the Samuel P. Burnette and Virginia Overton lines. We were scattered across five states—Virginia, Georgia, Maine, Alabama, and Tennessee. Each of us could document our direct lines and knew of Samuel and Virginia, but we did not know much more. We shared what we knew, compared notes, and embarked on further research together. It was a wonderful experience, sharing stories, photos, and simply enjoying each other’s company, even though it was all online.

Although our research eventually slowed down, we kept in occasional contact through Facebook. The only man in our group was Austin Landis Burnette, a direct descendant of John William Burnette. Austin was always joking around with us, and I enjoyed his wit and humor. Then he went silent for a while, and I later learned he was suffering from depression and hadn’t been doing much research.

In mid-February 2011, I received an email from Austin telling me he was in hospice care. He did not want to leave this world without “us girls” knowing what had happened to him. Less than two weeks later, I saw his obituary posted on his Facebook page. Austin was a kind, southern gentleman, and it was a pleasure working with him and being his virtual friend and cousin.

The personal details in this sketch were shared with the group by Austin himself. I hope he would approve.

References

• Amy Burnett, Lawrence County Lawrenceburg Tn. County Clerk marriages: Lawrence. Marriage Records December 1924–December 1926, image 173, FamilySearch.
• Blue Water, Democrat-Union, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, June 17, 1955.
• Burnett, Baptist and Reflector, Nashville, Tennessee, October 17, 1929.
• Chas. Burnett, Lawrence County Lawrenceburg Tn. County Clerk marriages: Lawrence. Marriage Records December 1932–May 1935, image 105, FamilySearch.
• DuBose, MD, F. G., Malarial Hematuria, JAMA, 1899;XXXII(10):539–540. doi:10.1001/jama.1899.92450370025001j; https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/474607.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16458374/martha_caroline-hanson: accessed February 16, 2025), memorial page for Martha Caroline Durrett Hanson (1 Mar 1851–13 Jan 1917), Find a Grave Memorial ID 16458374, citing Liberty Grove Cemetery, Lawrence County, Tennessee, USA; maintained by J C (contributor 47219112).
• Funeral Held in Pomona for James Hanson, Hi-Desert Star, Yucca Valley, California, October 23, 1969.
• George Henry Hanson, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Herbert Newton Burnett, Certificate of Death no. 22613, State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Tennessee, 1929.
• James Petty Hanson and Robert Jackson Hanson, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Jasper Pettie Burnett, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Leonard Dixon Burnett, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Lone Star, Democrat-Union, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, January 29, 1954.
• Lucious Franklin Hanson, Certificate of Death 66-036347, Tennessee Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Statistics, 1966.
• Lucious Franklin Hanson, Certificate of Death no. 66-026347, Tennessee Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Statistics, State of Tennessee, 1966.
• Mattie Burnett, Certificate of Death no. 57-27685, Department of Public Health, State of Tennessee, 1955.
• Mattie W. Hanson, Alabama, County Marriages, 1805–1967.
• Personal memories, photos, and research of Austin Landis Burnette.
• S. P. Hanson, Certificate of Death no. 417, State of Tennessee, State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1925.
• Samuel Burnett, Lawrence County Lawrenceburg Tn. County Clerk marriages: Lawrence. Marriage Records September 1919–April 1921, image 88, FamilySearch. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Civil District 2, Lawrence County, Tennessee, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Goddard, Marion County, Alabama, 1900.
• Virgie Burnett, Lawrence County Lawrenceburg Tn. County Clerk marriages: Lawrence. Marriage Records April 1921–February 1923, image 143, FamilySearch. 

Eugene and Patricia Gregory wedding photo

Patience is sometimes a virtue. In 2019, I converted many of Mama’s slides to digital. Among them was an image of a couple on their wedding day. I had no idea who they were and never had the chance to ask Mama. Fast forward to October 2023, when I decided to write a sketch for Eugene Gregory, a 1st cousin 1x removed. While drafting the sketch, I checked Find A Grave to see if there was a memorial for him. Whenever a memorial includes a tombstone photo, I typically ask the photographer for permission to use it on my blog.

Unfortunately, my request hadn’t been fulfilled by the time I was ready to publish, so I moved on. In mid-February 2025, I received an email that it had finally been fulfilled. I clicked the link to review the photo and noticed that Eugene’s wife, Patricia, had sadly passed away recently. This led me to search for her obituary, where I discovered her family had uploaded 48 photos of her, one of which was a wedding photo.

I recognized the couple in the photo and decided to search through my family photo archives. I found the wedding photo, and they were the same couple. If you follow my blog, you know it always makes me happy to identify people in unnamed photos!

My thanks go to the volunteer who kindly took the time to visit the cemetery, take the photo, and post it on Find A Grave. He helped me more than expected.

Abijah Overton

Abijah Overton was born in 1805 in South Carolina. Although I have not yet confirmed his parents, I have verified that he had at least six siblings: Henry Overton, John Overton Jr., James Overton, Mary Overton, Bersheba Overton, and Jane Overton. Abijah is my 3rd great-grandfather, with our nearest common ancestor being his daughter, Millicent Virginia Overton.

According to the Alabama Official and Statistical Register published by the Alabama Department of Archives and History in 1911, the Overtons were of Welsh descent. This aligns with the 12 percent Wales ethnicity estimate in my DNA. Additionally, while researching Fletcher Overton, Abijah’s grandson, I discovered something intriguing. According to WikiTree, a collaborative site for genealogists, Abijah is 20 degrees from Robert the Bruce, King of Scots from 1306 to 1329. If this connection is accurate, it could explain the five percent Scotland ethnicity estimate in my DNA.

The Cahaba Creek Tribal Association claims that this line is one of the Creek Overton lines, showing Abijah as 3/8ths Indian. Additionally, they indicate that Abijah’s brother married women who are part Catawba Indian.

On November 9, 1829, L. Hopkins, Clerk, authorized the marriage of Abijah to Elizabeth Ann Rhodes in Newton County, Georgia. They were married by Justice of the Peace Farr H. Trammell in Covington, Newton County, Georgia on November 12, 1829. I have not yet conducted enough research on Elizabeth to provide detailed information about her family.

Newton County, Georgia marriage record

Abijah and Elizabeth had a large family with nine children: Mary J. Overton, James H. Overton, Julia “Saphronia” Overton, Elizabeth B. Overton, John M. Overton, William Mosley (or Mosby) Overton, Frances A. Overton, Louisa E. Overton, and Millicent “Virginia” Overton. I descend from their daughter Virginia, who was also known as Milly or Ginnie. 

In 1830, Abijah and Elizabeth lived in Newton County. The census record indicated that the household consisted of one male “of twenty and under thirty” and one female “of fifteen and under twenty.” They resided next door to a man named Mercer Rhodes, though it is unclear if he was related to Elizabeth.

On November 4, 1830, Abijah served as one of two witnesses to a legal agreement between John Traylor and John Hales in Newton County, where Traylor sold a 70-acre parcel of land to Hales for $375. Then, on January 7, 1831, Abijah entered into an agreement with Asa Harper, also of Newton County, in which Harper sold 20 acres of land to Abijah for $45. This land was located in the 16th District of what was formerly Henry County, now Newton County. The boundaries of the land were meticulously described, starting from a post oak corner and following specific directions to various stakes and corners. Harper granted all rights and appurtenances (e.g., a barn, well, or stream) associated with the land to Abijah and his heirs forever, and he promised to defend the title against any claims by others.

The deed transfer was recorded in Deed Book D, page 2, in 1831 in Newton County.

General Index to Deeds, Newton County, Georgia, 1831

Abijah was one of the “fortunate drawers” in the 1832 Cherokee Land Lottery. As part of the lottery, he was awarded 40 acres on lot 137 in the 7th District, 4th Section of Martin’s District in Newton County.

On December 6, 1834, Abijah and Bartlett Thomason, both residents of Newton County, entered into an agreement where Thomason sold 25 acres of land (lot 365) to Abijah for $125. This land, originally surveyed in Henry County but now part of Newton County, was situated in the 16th District. Thomason transferred all rights and appurtenances associated with the land to Abijah and his heirs in perpetuity. Additionally, he pledged to defend the title against any claims by others. The transaction was witnessed by Mercer Rhodes and John Hudgins, Thomason’s agent.

By 1836, if not earlier, Abijah had become a Justice of the Peace in Newton County. In 1840, he resided in District 166 of Newton County. His household included four free white males (two under age 5, one aged 5–9, and one aged 30–39), four free white females (three aged 5–9 and one aged 20–29), and a female slave (aged 10–23) working for him.

On January 22, 1842, Abijah entered into a legal agreement with John Griffin of Fayette County, Georgia, to purchase a tract of land for $300. At that time, Abijah was living in Newton County. The land, originally part of the 13th District of Henry County and now in the 9th District of Fayette County, consisted of 101.25 acres, specifically the southern half of lot 97. The boundaries of the land were described as starting at the southeast corner, extending north halfway across the lot, then west to a pine corner, south to the original corner, and east back to the starting point. Griffin guaranteed his right to sell the land and promised to defend Abijah’s ownership against any claims. The document was witnessed by William Wakefield and Harrison Walker, Justice of the Peace, and was recorded on July 23, 1842, by James F. Johnson, Clerk. This indenture ensured that Abijah had full ownership and rights to the property.

Between 1843 and 1864, Abijah, serving as Justice of the Peace, certified an annual list of children aged 6 to 18 who were eligible to receive benefits from the poor school fund. Although another researcher mentioned that he “was overseer to the public school for poor children,” I have not been able to confirm this detail.

On September 23, 1843, Abijah witnessed Mathis Smith signing a deed in Newton County while acting as Justice of the Peace.

By 1848, Abijah resided in the Ball Rock District of Newton County.

On September 26, 1850, Abijah and his family were living in Subdivision 65 of Newton County. He was mistakenly recorded as “Elijah” in the census. At 45 years old, Abijah worked as a farmer and owned real estate valued at $1,500. His daughter, Saphronia, was listed as “Ciphonria,” and daughter Virginia was recorded as “Milly.” Of their nine children, only James and John had attended school within the past year.

In 1851, Abijah owned lots 365 and 366, totaling 222.5 acres of third-quality oak and hickory upland in District 10 of Newton County. He also owned lot 80, which comprised 250 acres of the same type of land in District 10.

1851 Newton County, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digest

On March 24, 1851, Abijah served as a Grand Juror for the Newton County Superior Court during the March 1851 term. He participated in hearing cases involving divorce, maintaining a disorderly house, and trespassing. A review of the court records reveals that he served multiple times throughout the year.

Abijah’s daughter Elizabeth married Vardamond Woolley in Newton County on October 19, 1853. Later that year, on December 12, Abijah’s brother Henry passed away in Perry County, Alabama.

On June 28, 1856, Abijah, serving as Justice of the Peace, officially recorded a document in Newton County describing a mule found wandering without an owner. The record stated that Robert S. Stanton reported a bay mare mule with a roached mane (cut short), a tail trimmed partway down and then cut square off, and wearing three old shoes. The mule was estimated to be about eight or nine years old and was appraised at $50 by James B. Zachary and John Haygood. This record was later extracted from the Estray Book on July 19, 1856, and certified by William D. Luckie, the Clerk.

On June 15, 1858, Abijah’s daughter Saphronia married Vardamond’s brother, Hansford Woolley, in Newton County.

On July 14, 1860, Abijah witnessed an agreement between Joshua H. Glenn and John J. W. Glenn, both of Newton County. Joshua Glenn acknowledged receiving $10,000 from John Glenn and, in return, sold him a tract of land in Newton County. This land, approximately 400 acres, was bounded by the Yellow River and the lands of John P. Carr, Abijah, Joshua Glenn, and May L. Zachary. It included water privileges on the east side of Baldrock Shoal, preventing others from erecting machinery there, as well as saw and grist mills at the shoal. Joshua Glenn granted all rights and appurtenances associated with the land to John Glenn and his heirs forever, and promised to defend the title against any claims.

By October 15, 1860, Abijah was living in Conyers, Newton County, Georgia. Five of his children—Mary, John, Frances, Louisa, and Virginia—still lived at home, along with two grandchildren: Thomas (aged 5, son of Mary) and Emma (aged 2, daughter of Frances). Abijah was a farmer with real estate valued at $2,000 and a personal estate of $850. His wife Elizabeth and daughter Mary (aged 28) contributed to the household income by working as seamstresses. Son John (aged 21) also worked as a farmer alongside his father. John and Louisa were the only two in the household who had attended school. Unfortunately, Abijah’s wife Elizabeth was unable to read or write.

Abijah’s brother James passed away on September 1, 1860, in Toledo, Cleveland County, Arkansas, and was buried at Cash Cemetery in Toledo.

The year 1861 was a tragic one for the Overton family. Abijah’s infant grandson, John L. Woolley, son of Saphronia, died on March 30, 1861. Just two weeks later, on April 15, Saphronia also passed away. Both deaths occurred in Conyers, likely due to some form of disease. Saphronia and her son were buried at the Old Conyers Cemetery.

Saphronia’s widowed husband, Hansford Woolley, enlisted as a private with Company B, 18th Georgia Infantry on October 2, 1861, to serve in the Civil War. Before leaving, Hansford signed a will on September 30, 1861, leaving his estate to his father, Boswell (Basel) Woolley, and Abijah, his father-in-law, to be shared equally. Sadly, Hansford was wounded at Chancellorsville and died in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, on April 29, 1862. His body was brought back to Conyers by a brother and buried beside his wife and son. Hansford’s will was proven in Newton County court on September 1, 1862, and Abijah was officially named Executor.

Elizabeth’s husband, Vardamond Woolley, served with Company F, 42nd Regiment, Georgia Infantry during the war. He died in captivity of typhoid fever on December 19, 1862. His wife brought him home for burial in the family plot at Old Conyers Cemetery.

On February 11, 1863, Abijah appeared before a Justice of the Peace to make a sworn statement. As the executor of Hansford’s estate, he detailed Hansford’s military service and death, noting that he left behind no surviving wife or children. Abijah made this deposition to claim any bounty owed to Hansford by the Confederate government, having already received his back pay. This statement was part of the process to settle the estate and ensure all entitlements were collected. On March 26, 1863, T. A. Walker, the clerk of the Inferior Court of Newton County, certified the document, confirming that D. T. White, who took Abijah’s deposition, was a duly commissioned and qualified Justice of the Peace at the time he signed the affidavit. This certification ensured that D. T. White’s attestations were legally valid and trustworthy both in and out of court.

On April 3, 1863, Abijah submitted a claim for deceased soldiers from Georgia to the Office of the Confederate States Auditor for the War Department. He received a $50 settlement on January 11, 1864.

As requested, Hansford was buried at Old Conyers Cemetery beside his wife and child.

In 1864, Abijah lived in the 27th Senatorial District-566th Militia District of Newton County, where he worked as a farmer and served as Justice of the Peace.

In March 1867, Abijah’s unmarried daughter, Louisa, gave birth to a son in Conyers, whom she named Fletcher L. Overton. The father is unknown and Fletcher remained close to Abijah throughout his life.

On July 6, 1867, Abijah registered to vote in Precinct Number 6, Election District 27 of Newton County.

On April 10, 1868, Abijah purchased commercial manure from Wilcox & Gibbs for $22.50, secured by a promissory note due on November 1, 1868. He intended to use the manure on his plantation in Newton County. To ensure repayment, Abijah granted Wilcox & Gibbs a superior lien on his 1868 crops and mortgaged his livestock, farming equipment, and household items. He also agreed to cover all related costs, including attorney fees up to 10 percent of the note’s principal and interest, if legal action was needed to enforce the lien or mortgage. The mortgage would be void once he paid the note in full.

On November 4, 1869, Abijah’s son, John, married Mrs. Jane E. (Smith) Denard at her father’s home in Newton County. The ceremony was performed by Elder Isaac Hamby. Jane had previously been married to Frances Marion Denard, who died in Richmond, Virginia, on June 13, 1862, during the Civil War.

The Georgia Enterprise, Covington, Georgia, January 8, 1869

Francis served as a private with Company B of the 18th Georgia Volunteer Infantry. Within his military record, there is a document dated August 30, 1862, indicating that both Abijah and Francis’ father, James Smith, were deposed to confirm that Jane and Francis were legally married.

Excerpt from Francis M. Denard’s military service record

On September 20, 1870, Abijah lived in Conyers, Subdivision 163 of Newton County. At 66 years old, Abijah continued to work as a farmer. His wife, Elizabeth, managed the household, while their daughters Mary (39), Frances (24), and Louisa (23) were listed as being “at home.” Grandson Thomas (14, son of Mary) worked on the farm. Also living in the home were granddaughter Emma G. Overton (12, daughter of Frances), grandson Fletcher L. Overton (4, son of Louisa), and Mattie L. Overton (3, daughter of Frances). A 24-year-old white male named Lewis Sudduth, who was apparently unemployed, also resided with them. Thomas, Emma, and Lewis were all unable to write.

Next door lived Abijah’s daughter Elizabeth Woolley and her children: Nancy (15), James (13), Julia (11), and Roxey (9). Abijah’s grandson James was also unable to write.

In 1870, Abijah’s farm consisted of 110 acres of improved land and 110 acres of woodland, valued at $1,000. His farming equipment was valued at $35, and he paid $288 in wages, including the value of board. Abijah owned 2 horses, 3 milch cows, 2 working oxen, 25 other cattle, 15 sheep, and 16 swine, all valued at $400. His farm produced 66 bushels of wheat, 175 bushels of Indian corn, and 50 bushels of oats. Additionally, it yielded 4 bales of cotton, 18 pounds of wool, 50 pounds of sweet potatoes, and 100 pounds of butter, valued at $100. The value of animals slaughtered or sold for slaughter was $175.

The 1874 U.S. Property Tax Digest shows that Abijah (enumerated as “Ebijah”) owned 200 acres in the 16th District of Newton County, specifically lots 365 and 366, valued at $1,300.

In 1875, Abijah was listed as the guardian for two children living in his home, both between the ages of 6 and 18. He employed two laborers who were between the ages of 12 and 65. Abijah owned 220 acres of land (lots 365 and 366) in the 16th District, valued at $1,300. Additionally, he was listed as the executor for the estate of H. D. Woolley, which had property valued at $100.

 

In 1877, Abijah Overton continued to serve as a Justice of the Peace, now in Rockdale County.

On January 24, 1878, Abijah’s grandson Thomas married Georgia Ann Cowan. The Conyers Courier published the announcement on January 26:

Married. On the 24th, at the residence of the bride’s father by A. M. Helms, Esq., Mr. T. L. Overton to Miss G. A. Cowan.

I have been unable to locate a death record for Abijah’s wife, Elizabeth. However, by the time the 1880 census was taken on June 21, 1880, Abijah was recorded as a widower. He continued to reside in District 476 of Rockdale County, Georgia, with his daughters Mary, Frances, and Louisa, and his grandchildren Emma, Fletcher, and Mattie. At 75 years old, Abijah still worked as a farmer. Mary, aged 48, managed the household. Fletcher, aged 14, worked as a farm hand and attended school, as did Mattie, also aged 14.

Two black males were enumerated as boarders in the household: Jacob Clay, aged 30, a farm hand who had attended school within the census year but was unable to write, and Wesley Hendrix, aged 22, a farm hand who was unable to read or write.

In 1880, Abijah’s farm included 20 acres of improved tilled land and 15 acres of unimproved woodland, valued at $900. His farming equipment was worth $40, and his livestock was valued at $60. Additionally, he had 400 acres of mown grasslands. The tax digest noted that in 1879, Abijah’s farm produced 20 pounds of cheese from one milch cow, 20 dozen eggs from 16 chickens, 50 bushels of Indian corn from 7 acres, and 6 bales of cotton from 18 acres.

On February 23, 1886, Abijah sold approximately 25 acres in Rockdale County to Joseph H. Almand for $389. The parcel of land was located in the 16th District, originally part of Henry County, then Newton County, and now Rockdale County. It was part of lot 300, specifically the southwest corner. The boundaries of the land were described as starting at a Chestnut post at the southwest corner, running east to a pine knot corner, then north to a rock corner on the land running from [unreadable] to Conyers, then west along the road to the Chestnut Corner stake, and finally south along the road back to the starting point.

On June 10, 1887, Abijah wrote and signed his will in Rockdale County. He directed his Executor to promptly settle all outstanding debts and liabilities upon his death. He bequeathed 76.25 acres of land, along with livestock, farming tools, and household furniture, to his three unmarried daughters—Mary, Fannie, and Louisa—and his granddaughter, Emma. This property was to be maintained as a home until the last of them either married or passed away. Should any daughter or granddaughter marry or die, their interest in the property would cease and transfer to their respective children. Once all had left the home, the property was to be sold, with the proceeds divided among the heirs.

Additionally, Abijah instructed that all other lands be sold by the Executor to pay off any remaining debts, with any surplus funds distributed equally among the heirs. The proceeds from the current crops were to be used to settle debts incurred from running the farm, with any remaining balance given to the three daughters and granddaughter. Arnold Whitaker was appointed as the Executor to oversee these directives.

Abijah Overton’s will (pages 1 and 2)

Abijah passed away of unknown causes on June 14, 1887, in Conyers. The Conyers Weekly published an obituary on June 15, 1887. Unfortunately, the left side was partially cut off, making it difficult to read two items:

Mr. Obijah [sic] Overton, an old and honored citizen of this county, died at his home yesterday morning at ?:30 o’clock. He was 83 years old ???king 15 days. He never connected himself with any church, but was a strong and faithful believer of the doctrines of the Primitive Baptist church. He will be buried at the Daniel cemetery in this county this evening. Elder Isaac Hamby will conduct the funeral services. 

Abijah was buried the day following his death, but his funeral was held on August 8. While many sources online suggest that Abijah was buried at Sheffield Cemetery in Conyers, his obituary disputes this. On July 13, the Conyers Weekly published the following:

At the close of services Sunday, Elder Isaac Hamby announced that he would preach the funeral of Mr. Obijah Overton, D.V., on the second Sunday in August.

At the time of his death, Abijah’s real and personal estate was valued at $2,000.

Abijah’s will was probated in Rockdale County on June 18, 1887. Witnesses S. H. Anderson and E. G. Burnett of Rockdale County attested that they were present when Abijah signed the will. E. G. Burnett, whose full name was Edward George Burnett, was the brother-in-law of Abijah’s daughter Virginia, who was married to Samuel Pride Burnett.  

Five men were appointed to appraise Abijah’s estate: S. H. Anderson, W. G. Sterling, W. J. Gee, T. R. Rice, and J. H. Smith Sr.

The following bill of sale, dated November 6, 1887, shows that on November 1, Arnold Whitaker, the executor of Abijah’s will, sold 79 acres of Abijah’s land in Rockdale County to T. K. Rice for $907, 72 acres of land to Fletcher Overton for $420, and one mule to Fletcher for $40.75, totaling $1,367.75.

On November 1, 1887, lot 365, containing 72 acres of land in Conyers, was sold to Augustus C. McCalla, the highest bidder, for $420 at the Rockdale County Courthouse. Lot 365 was located in the 16th District, originally part of Henry County, then Newton County, and now Rockdale County, specifically in the southeast corner of the lot. It was bounded on the south by Abijah’s home place, on the west by J. R. and A. C. Rice, on the north by A. C. Rice, and on the east by W. J. Gee and W. Z. Sterling.

Abijah’s estate papers dated November 5, 1887, reveal several interesting items found within the vouchers. 

Voucher 1 indicated that A. Almand received $420.08 from the estate in full payment for five notes, each valued at $77.87, dated February 23, 1885, and due on October 1, 1886. Additionally, there was an endorsement on the back of one of the notes for $51.50. The voucher was signed by Langford & Tucker, confirming the receipt of the payment. Langford, Tucker & Company in Conyers sold general merchandise such as clothing, shoes, hats, house wares, carpenter tools, harnesses, and a full line of groceries. In addition, they kept a stock of buggies and wagons, and undertaker goods. They also performed blacksmith, carriage, and plantation work.

Voucher 2 shows that on the day Abijah passed away, someone purchased one suit of clothes and one pair of shoes from the J. H. Almand Company in Conyers at the cost of $15.75 for his burial. The J. H. Almand Company of Conyers sold dry goods, notions, groceries, shoes, hats, seasonal goods, and farming stock. 

Voucher 3 is a list of items purchased by Abijah from Dr. J. A. Stewart for the period 1881–1886. The items include Tutt’s Pills, which were used for various ailments such as liver disease, indigestion, and constipation; bitters and rheumatic bitters, which were used for rheumatism; pomade cologne; snuff; camphor; liniment; tincture of iron; chloric earth, a type of bleaching powder or similar compound used for disinfecting and bleaching purposes; strychnine; iodine salve; black drops and salve; morphine; and other miscellaneous medicines. These items were for the care of himself, his daughters Frances (Fannie) and Mary, and his granddaughter Emma.

Voucher 4 reveals that on February 26, 1886, a promissory note and mortgage agreement were created. The signer promised to pay J. H. Almand (or the bearer of the note) $125 on October 1, 1886, with an agreement to pay 8 percent interest on the principal amount and 10 percent attorney fees on both the principal and interest if the debt needed to be collected through legal action. To secure this payment, the signer mortgaged a black horse mule named Mike, said to be four years old, to J. H. Almand, his heirs, and assigns. The note also mentioned a credit of $25.78 dated September 24, 1886. On October 1, 1887, J. G. Almand acknowledged receiving $107 from the estate, as full payment for the note and mortgage.

Voucher 5 indicates that M. Wood, likely a Justice of the Peace (J.C.), received $9.36 from the estate. This amount was paid in full for the state and county taxes owed for the year 1887.

Voucher 6 indicates that on November 6, 1887, O. Seamans, Ordinary (a judicial officer responsible for probate matters), received $14.30 from the estate to pay in full for all Ordinary expenses up to that date.

Voucher 7 reveals additional medicines purchased in 1887 from Dr. Stewart for Abijah, Louisa, and Emma. The voucher totalled $89.75.

Voucher 8 indicates that on November 5, 1887, T. D. Shelley, the County Surveyor, received $8 from the estate in full payment for surveying services.

Voucher 9 indicates that H. M. Austin received $2 from the estate for services rendered as a salesman. 

Voucher 10 indicates that on November 3, 1887, M. D. Previn received $11.28 for advertising land of the estate for sale in the newspaper Solid South.

Voucher 11 indicates that on June 14, 1887, J. W. Langford provided a coffin for Abijah’s burial at the cost of $15. Langford did not receive payment for the coffin until November 5, 1887.

Voucher 12 indicates that Richardson and Cowan, a millinery store in Conyers, received $26.75 in payment for various sewing supplies, including ribbons, buttons, hats, trimmings, handkerchiefs, hairpins, chalk, lace, gloves, corsets, and fans, which were purchased on Abijah’s account from 1884 to 1886. Interestingly, the store also sold eggs and butter, which were purchased as well. The establishment received payment on November 8, 1887.

Vouchers 13–19 reflect payments to Abijah’s children in the amount of $12.05 each. Interestingly, John did not receive this payment.

Voucher 20 indicates that on November 22, 1887, the estate paid Abijah’s grandson, Fletcher Overton, $35.92 for labor related to making and gathering a crop. 

Voucher 22 documents a payment of $10.35 to W. G. Almand for the purchase of wagon and plow parts, as well as tools, by Abijah. These purchases were made between February and September 1887.

Voucher 23 indicates that on December 9, 1887, the estate paid L. J. Almand of J. H. Almand and Sons a total of $203.02. This payment covered a variety of items, including snuff, tobacco, salt, soda, starch, buttons, sugar, meat, shot powder, assorted materials such as cashmere and calico, flour, coffee, hoes, nails, candles, a parasol, lace, thread, seeds, corn, a bridle, butter, a tablecloth, towels, crackers, and lard. Additionally, the payment included compensation for Dennis Baker for his labor in hoeing.

Voucher 24 records a payment of $77.75 made by Abijah’s estate on November 16, 1887, to H. P. and D. M. Almand and Company. It represents the full settlement of a mortgage note that was originally created on February 17, 1887. The mortgage was secured by 75 acres of land described in the mortgage document. The note was due on October 1, 1887, and the payment was processed by J. C. Stephenson on behalf of H. P. & D. M. Almand and Co.

Voucher 25 documents a payment of $114.80 made by the estate on September 17, 1887, to H. P. and D. M. Almand and Company. This payment covered a wide range of items, including nails, snuff, tobacco, clothes, flour, shoes, syrup, sugar, polish, thread, soda, coffee, corn, buttons, potatoes, seed, oil, cotton, pepper, bran, soap, a hat, crackers, meat, rice, and gingham.

Voucher 27 documents a payment of $5.64 made to Jim Jones by the estate on December 13, 1887, for services he provided to Abijah, likely related to farm or tool maintenance. The voucher lists various tasks, including sharpening axes and plows, and making and repairing items such as mold boards and scooters. It also included specific dates and quantities for each service.

Voucher 29 is an account or bill from Hudson Brothers, dated August 15, 1887, detailing items purchased by Abijah. The items listed include a pair of shoes, 12 pounds of sugar, 3 pounds of coffee, 50 pounds of flour, 48 pounds of meat, and 2 units of an unknown object (unreadable). The total cost for these items was $12.20. E. Hudson, a member of the Hudson Brothers firm, swore before a notary public, J. Coleman, on December 15, 1887, that the account was correct and unpaid. The document also included a receipt indicating that Arnold Whitaker, the executor of Abijah’s estate, paid the amount in full on the same day.

Voucher 30 indicates that Fletcher Overton received an $8 payment from the estate for his labor. Additionally, Voucher 31 shows that Fletcher was paid $4.20 for picking cotton. Both payments were made on December 15, 1887.

Voucher 33 documents a payment of $97.86 made to Arnold Whitaker on December 15, 1887 for services rendered by Whitaker in his role as executor.

The first annual return of Abijah’s estate, filed by Arnold Whitaker on September 11, 1888, revealed that the estate had received $2,006.88. This amount was generated from the sale of 20 bales of cotton, 45.5 bushels of cotton seed, remnants of cotton, the sale of land, and one mule.

In January 1889, Arnold Whitaker petitioned the courts to be discharged from his duties as executor of Abijah’s will.

The Rockdale Banner, Conyers, Georgia, January 29, 1889

On April 30, 1889, Whitaker submitted the second annual return and final settlement for the estate. The report detailed the amounts received and paid out since the last return. With the amount reported in the first annual return brought forward ($2,006.88), the estate received an additional $231 from the sale of land, bringing the total credits to $2,237.88. Payments were made to various individuals (some of them Abijah’s heirs), including his sons John, William, and James; daughters Louisa, Frances, Virginia, Elizabeth, and Mary; A. M. Helms, W. H. Lee, A. Seamans, and M. L. Wood. Additionally, $238.37 was spent on cultivating and gathering crops. Arnold Whitaker affirmed that this return and final settlement were accurate to the best of his knowledge.

 

Voucher 35 revealed that on June 30, 1889, in Conyers, Georgia, the estate received $13.80. This money was meant for J. M. Overton, one of Abijah’s sons and heir. However, because John owed money to J. A. Stewart, the court ordered that this amount be paid to settle that debt. As a result, the debt obligation was released on January 30, 1889.

Voucher 35 for son John M. Overton

Vouchers 36–41 indicates that Abijah’s children each received $24.15 from the estate representing the full share of their father’s estate. By accepting this payment, they acknowledged that they had received their entire inheritance and had no further claims or demands against Whitaker as the executor of the estate. This final settlement resolved any outstanding issues related to their inheritance. 

Voucher 36 for daughter Mary Jane Overton

Voucher 37 for daughter Louisa E. Overton

Voucher 38 for daughter Frances A. Overton Scott

Voucher 39 for son William M. Overton

Voucher 40 for daughter Millicent Virginia Overton Burnett

Voucher 41 for daughter Elizabeth B. Overton Woolley

Voucher 46 for son James M. Overton

Voucher 42 indicates that Dr. W. H. Lee & Son received $55 from the estate as full payment for goods or services provided. The transaction was originally charged on January 18 and had since been transferred to Mr. Scott. The original voucher would contain more details for this debt. This document, dated January 29, 1887, served as a receipt confirming the settlement of the account.

Voucher 42 for Dr. W. H. Lee & Son

Voucher 43 indicates that $35.53 was received of Arnold Whitaker, the executor of Abijah’s estate, as full payment for all Ordinary expenses up to that date. This amount included the fee for the letter of dismission (a document formally releasing the executor from their duties) and fees for advertising. The voucher was signed by R. Seamans, Ordinary (a judicial officer responsible for probate matters).

Voucher 43 for R. Seamans

Voucher 44 indicates that M. L. Wood, likely a Justice of the Peace (J.C.), received $1.96 from the estate. This amount was paid in full for the taxes owed for the year 1888. The document served as a receipt confirming that the tax payment has been settled.

Voucher 44 for M. L. Wood, Justice of the Peace

Voucher 45 reveals that on March 15, 1884, Abijah’s son John issued a promissory note, promising to pay his father (or the bearer of the note) $17.25 by December 25 of the same year, with interest accruing from the date of the note. Later, on January 30, 1889, John paid $10.45, which was accepted as full payment for the note. This receipt confirmed that the debt was settled in full, and no further payment was required.

Voucher 45 for payment of John Overton’s promissory note

On May 6, 1889, the courts confirmed that Arnold Whitaker had indeed fulfilled his duties as executor and discharged him from his obligations. Although Whitaker was released from his executorship obligations in 1889, he continued to support the estate well into 1902. As evidenced in the Rockdale County Filing Docket, he filed a deed on November 22, 1902.

On June 6, 1918, Fletcher Overton, who declared he was next of kin, filed a request in Rockdale County to be appointed administrator of a will annexed for Abijah’s estate. Although Arnold Whitaker had been dismissed as executor in May 1889, Abijah’s estate remained ongoing. The purpose of the will annexed was to pay debts and legal expenses of the estate and distribute the remaining assets among the heirs. Fletcher determined it was necessary to sell the lands to cover these expenses.

The estate consisted of 76.25 acres of land (part of lot 366) in the 16th District of Rockdale County. It was bounded on the north by lands of C. C. Burnett, on the east by lands of W. S. Almand, on the south by lands of Kate M. Hardwick, and on the west by lands of S. L. Dennard and Farris Jones. C. C. Burnett was Captain Charles Burnett, son of Edward George Burnett and nephew by marriage of Virginia Overton Burnett.

When Fletcher submitted the request, he stated the probable value of Abijah’s real property at the time of his death was $1,000 (vs. $2,000 as previously mentioned). The request was granted by the courts on July 1. On July 10, Fletcher applied for the appointment of five good and discreet persons who were disinterested and freeholders of Rockdale County to appraise the estate. The request was approved on August 3, 1918, and L. T. Roberts, Farris Jones, M. M. Almand, R. P. Biggers, and S. L. Dennard were appointed as appraisers.

 On August 2, 1920, Fletcher submitted a petition to the courts to demonstrate that he had fulfilled his obligations as administrator of Abijah’s estate and requested to be released from his duties. He confirmed that all debts had been paid and the remaining residue had been turned over to the heirs. His petition was approved on September 6, 1920.

References

• A. Overton, 1864 Census for Re-Organizing the Georgia Militia.
• A. Overton, Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867–1869.
• Abijah Jefferson Overton, Cleburne County, Alabama, pp. 105–106, Alabama Official and Statistical Register, 1911.
• Abijah Overton Short Bio, ancestry.com, posted April 13, 2008 by Geoff Duncan.
• Abijah Overton, Agriculture Schedule, District 476, Rockdale County, Georgia, U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1880.
• Abijah Overton, Agriculture Schedule, Subdivision 163, Newton County, Georgia, U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1870.
• Abijah Overton, General Index to Deeds, Newton County, 1831.
• Abijah Overton, Georgia Marriages, 1699–1944.
• Abijah Overton, Georgia, Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.
• Abijah Overton, Newton County, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1848, 1851, 1890.
• Abijah Overton, Probate of Will, Rockdale County, Georgia, Wills 1872–1916, FamilySearch, image 136.
• Abijah Overton, Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedule, 1880.
• Abijah Overton, The Back Rhodes of Our Genealogy; https://rhodesfamily.org/getperson.php?personID=I681&tree=craig_rhodes. 
• Absalom Rhodes, North America, Family Histories, 1500–2000.
• Arnold Whitaker, Rockdale County, Georgia, Deed Books 1890–1899, 1899–1908, Deed Indexes 1870–1888, Mortgages 1870–1888, 1890–1899, 1899–1908, image 559, FamilySearch.
• Blood Purifier, The Conyers Weekly, Conyers, Georgia, June 26, 1885.
• Citations, Southern Recorder, Milledgeville, Georgia, August 5, 1856.
• Ebijah Overton, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1793–1892.
• Elizabeth B. Overton and Vardamond Woolly, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Elizabeth Rhodes and Abijah Overton, marriage license, Newton County, Georgia, 1829.
• F. M. Denard, US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR), Confederate, Georgia, 1861–1865.
• Fayette County, Georgia, Deed Books 1842–1847, image 32, FamilySearch.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7868436/james-overton: accessed September 15, 2024), memorial page for James Overton (1 May 1793–1 Sep 1860), Find a Grave Memorial ID 7868436, citing Cash Cemetery, Toledo, Cleveland County, Arkansas, USA; maintained by Bobby Wayne Smith (contributor 46544692).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32242241/saphronia_julina-woolley: accessed September 4, 2024), memorial page for Saphronia Julina Overton Woolley (15 Jun 1835–15 Apr 1861), Find a Grave Memorial ID 32242241, citing Old Conyers Cemetery, Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Scott and Priscilla Butler Fraser (contributor 46859858).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32242310/john_l-woolley: accessed September 4, 2024), memorial page for John L. Woolley (24 Aug 1859–30 Mar 1861), Find a Grave Memorial ID 32242310, citing Old Conyers Cemetery, Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Scott and Priscilla Butler Fraser (contributor 46859858).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195779620/hansford_d-woolley: accessed September 4, 2024), memorial page for PVT Hansford D. Woolley (1831–29 Apr 1862), Find a Grave Memorial ID 195779620, citing Oakwood Cemetery, Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia, USA; maintained by Dig Up (contributor 47525629).
• Fletcher Overton tombstone, East View Cemetery, Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia.
• For Letters of Dismission, The Rockdale Banner, Conyers, Georgia, January 29, 1889.
• H. D. Woolley, U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861–1865.
• Hansford D. Woolley, Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Georgia, 1861.
• Hansford D. Woolley, U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles.
• Hansford Woolley, Georgia, Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.
• Henry Overton, Alabama, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1753–1999.
• Henry Overton, Alabama, Wills and Probate Records, 1753–1999.
• Hicks, Patrick, Annexed Meaning in a Will: What You Need to Know, Trust and Will; https://trustandwill.com/learn/annexed-meaning. 
• Hill, Joseph Edward, Woolley Family of Conyers, Georgia: The Children and Grandchildren of Basel Woolley (1803–1881) and His Wife Susannah Cumbaa (1808–1880), 1963.
• History: Discovering Chlorine, The Chlorine Institute; https://www.chlorineinstitute.org/history/.
• J. H. Overton, Standard Certificate of Death no. 18936, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1921.
• Julina S. Woolley, Old Town Cemetery, Conyers, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• Land Lotteries, Georgia Journal and Messenger, Macon, Georgia, October 18, 1832.
• Langford, Tucker & Co.: General Deals and Offers of Immense Bargains!, The Conyers Weekly, Conyers, Georgia September 11, 1885.
• Local Items, The Conyers Weekly, Conyers, Georgia, June 15, 1887 and July 13, 1887.
• Married, Conyers Courier, Conyers, Georgia, January 26, 1878.
• Married, The Georgia Enterprise, Covington, Georgia, January 8, 1869.
• New Millinery Goods, Solid South, Conyers, Georgia, November 13, 1886.
• Newton County, Georgia, Court Minutes 1851–1855, 1855–1858, 1858–1863, image 21, FamilySearch.
• Newton County, Georgia, Deeds 1821–1887, 1825–1887, Mortgages 1821–1887, 1825–1887, image 91, FamilySearch.
• Newton County, Georgia, Deeds 1830–1841, 1831–1834, Mortgages 1830–1841, 1831–1834, images 285–286, FamilySearch.
• Newton County, Georgia, Deeds 1834–1837, Mortgages 1834–1837, image 145 and 225, FamilySearch.
• Newton County, Georgia, Deeds 1837–1842, Mortgages 1837–1842, images 52 and 274, FamilySearch.
• Newton County, Georgia, Deeds 1858–1862, 1861–1866, Mortgages 1858–1862, 1861–1866, image 301, FamilySearch.
• Newton County, Georgia, Deeds 1866–1871, 1866–1873, image 258, FamilySearch.
• Newton County, Georgia, Public School Lists, 1838–1866, Conyers, Georgia: J. I. Bruno, c1993.
• Newton, County, Georgia, Deeds 1830–1841, 1831–1834, Mortgages 1830–1841, 1831–1834, image 132, FamilySearch.
• Newton, County, Georgia, Deeds 1842–1854, Mortgages 1842–1854, image 144, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Annual Returns 1876–1891, images 573–581, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Annual Returns 1876–1891, images 636–637, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Deed Books 1870–1876, 1876–1882, Mortgages 1870–1876, 1876–1882, image 373, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Deed Books 1882–1887, 1887–1890, Mortgages 1882–1887, 1887–1890, images 237 and 567, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Probate Administrator Bonds 1871–1949, Guardianship Bonds 1871–1949, image 162, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Probate Records 1871–1990, images 46, 48, 53, 56, and 192, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale County, Georgia, Tax Records 1875–1877, image 17, FamilySearch.
• Rockdale, County, Georgia, Probate Records 1871–1940, image 268, FamilySearch.
• Sale Bill of the Land and Personal Property Belonging to Abijah Overton, Rockdale County, Georgia, Annual Returns 1876–1891, Georgia. Court of Ordinary (Rockdale County), Abijah Overton, Nov 1 1887.
• Smith, James F., The Cherokee Land Lottery, containing a Numerical List of the Names of the Fortunate Draws of Said Lottery, with An Engraved Map of Each District, 1838.
• Sophnnia J. Overton, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• The J. H. Almand Company, Conyers Weekly, Conyers, Georgia, May 5, 1900.
• To Fortunate Drawers in the LAND LOTTERY, The Weekly Telegraph, Macon, Georgia, November 28, 1832.
• U.S. Federal Census, Conyers, Newton County, Georgia, 1860, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 166, Newton County, Georgia, 1840.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 476, Rockdale, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Newton County, Georgia, 1830.
• U.S. Federal Census, Subdivision 65, Newton County, Georgia, 1850.
• Varadmond Woolley, US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) - Confederate - Georgia, 1861-1865.
• Varadmond Woolly, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.