Laura “Lollie” Lyal Martin

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

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

William A. Lankford charged: assault with intent to murder

In the mid-19th century, the community of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, witnessed a significant legal battle involving the Lankford family. The case of The State vs. William A. Lankford captured local attention as William faced trial for assault with intent to murder. His brother, Robert C. Lankford, was involved when ordered to ensure his court appearance. Key witnesses, such as Dr. William O. Cheney, played significant roles in the proceedings. This sketch explores the trial, the legal process, and the familial and community ties that influenced the outcome, revealing the challenges and dynamics of life in post-Civil War Georgia. William and Robert are my 4th great uncles, and their brother, James Meriweather Lankford, is my 3rd great grandfather.

The Grand Jury of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, consisting of Thomas A. Hutcheson as Foreman and other members such as Anderson Little, Matthew F. Jackson, Anthony Olive, and Mack H. Young, formally charged William A. Lankford with assault with intent to murder. The indictment specified that on August 16, 1865, in Oglethorpe County, William assaulted James V. Drake with an Enfield Rifle, a weapon likely to produce death. The Grand Jury alleged that William, with malice aforethought, intended to kill and murder Drake, thus violating the laws of Georgia. The indictment was signed by E. P. Edwards, Solicitor General, with James V. Drake listed as the prosecutor.

The Enfield Rifle was used during the American Civil War. The Model 1853 Enfield Rifle-Musket was a muzzle-loading rifle that saw extensive use by both Union and Confederate forces. The Confederacy imported many of these rifles from Britain due to a shortage of arms.

Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket (public domain)

If William failed to provide bond, he was to be committed to jail for safekeeping. The warrant, signed and sealed by Solicitor General Edwards on October 18, 1866, was endorsed by W. M. Reese, the Judge of the Superior Court. The warrant was executed on March 16, 1867, by Sheriff J. W. English, who arrested William and brought him before Justice of the Peace George N. Boswell, who subsequently took bond and security from William.

On December 2, 1865, William and his brother Robert C. Lankford entered into an obligation before J. M. Young, a Justice of the Peace for Oglethorpe County. They acknowledged their indebtedness to James Johnson, Governor of Georgia, in the sum of $500, on the condition that William would make his personal appearance before the next Superior Court of Oglethorpe County to answer charges of assault with intent to murder. On the designated day, William was called to appear in court to address the charges, and Robert, as his surety, was also summoned to present William. Both parties failed to appear, resulting in a default judgment. Consequently, the court ruled that Charles J. Jenkins, successor to James Johnson as governor, could recover the sum of $500 from William and Robert, the amount of their forfeited obligation. This judgment was set unless they showed sufficient cause at the next term of the court, and a writ of Scire Facias (a legal order requiring the defendants to show cause why the judgment should not be made final) was ordered to issue. The Superior Court adjourned until the next session, with the judgment examined and found correct on October 19, 1866, by William M. Reese and George H. Lester, Clerk.

During the April 1867 term, a court order was issued commanding the sheriff, his deputy, or any lawful bailiff to arrest Dr. William O. Cheney and bring him before the court by 9 AM the following day to testify in the case. 

Cheney failed to appear in court and apparently refused to testify. In fact, a court order from the Oglethorpe Superior Court during the October Term of 1867 stated that Cheney, a key witness for the State, was subpoenaed to testify in the case. Cheney failed to appear in court as required. As a result, the court again ordered the sheriff to arrest him and bring him before the court by 9 o’clock the next morning to explain why he should not be punished for contempt of court. Both Robert and William Cheney lived in Bairdstown, a small community located in both Oglethorpe and Greene counties in Georgia. They were likely friends and neighbors, which could explain why Cheney may have been reluctant to testify. Years later, Robert and William Cheney would indeed have a family connection, although this connection would occur long after both were gone. Robert’s son, William Mell Lankford, married Nancy Ella Young in 1883. William and Nancy had a daughter named Pauline Lankford, born in 1899. In 1928, Pauline married Harold A. English, the son of Patrick M. English, born in 1874. Patrick’s father was Stephen English, who married Martha Sarah Cheney in 1849. Martha was the daughter of William Owen Cheney. Both Robert Lankford and William Cheney are buried at Bairdstown Cemetery, a small, well-kept community cemetery.

William appeared in court on October 24 and waived the formal reading of the charges (arraignment). He received a copy of the indictment and a list of witnesses before pleading “not guilty.” The Solicitor General, E. P. Edwards, represented the State. During the jury selection process, the initial pool of 24 potential jurors was exhausted. Consequently, the court ordered the sheriff to summon 10 additional people to serve as a new panel from which to select a jury, ensuring an indiscriminate and impartial selection of citizens from the county. On October 25, the court ordered that Lamar Cobb, Esq. be appointed to record the testimony given in this case. Twelve jurors were sworn in to serve. The jury members included J. B. Guest, E. H. Barnett, W. T. Griffith, John W. Kidd, George W. Smith, Joseph W. Tiller, George H. Day, J. R. Porter, William Tiller, Henry C. Smith, B. P. Taylor, and John M. Hawkins. After hearing the evidence and testimonies, the jury reached a unanimous decision and found William not guilty of the charges. John W. Kidd served as the foreman of the jury and delivered the final verdict to the court.

Looking back at my family tree, I discovered a man named James Drake who lived in Oglethorpe County. He married Sarah Catharine Arnold in 1856, and they had a son named Charles in 1871. Charles married Nancy Crawford Lankford around 1897. Nancy was the daughter of Curtis Caldwell Lankford, who was the brother of William, Robert, and James. Curtis also had a son named George Washington Lankford, who married Jessie Burton. George and Jessie had a daughter named Mattie Bell Lankford, who married Henry Thomas Burnette. Henry’s parents were Thomas Terrell Burnette and Elizabeth Jones, my great grandparents. I believe this is the same James Drake who William Lankford was accused of assaulting. It is fascinating how genealogical research uncovers such unexpected connections.

References

• Oglethorpe, County, Georgia, Court Records 1866–1869, image 232, FamilySearch.org (free account required to access); https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3M5-KW8Y-L?view=fullText&keywords=William%20Lankford%2CWilliam%20A%2CLankford%2CWilliam%2CA%2COglethorpe%2CGeorgia%2Cmurder%2CMurder&groupId=TH-909-81739-172147-67. 
• Oglethorpe, County, Georgia, Miscellaneous Records 1862–1866, 1866–1868, 1868–1871, images 193, 202, 246, 251, 252, 253, FamilySearch.org (free account required to access); https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HS-JSMV-G?view=fullText&keywords=Lankford%2CJames%2CM%2CGeorgia&groupId=TH-909-88277-53287-45.
• Pattern 1853 Enfield; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_1853_Enfield. 
• Schreier, Philip (Senior Curator), English Enfields in Confederate Service, NRA Museums, NRA American Rifleman, July 7, 2016; https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/english-enfields-in-confederate-service/.  

James Stephens Cheney

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

James Stephens Cheney, son of Enoch Reeves Cheney and Sarah Haseltine English, was born in Georgia on September 18, 1860. James’ family lived in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia in June 1860 so that is most likely where he was born. There were at least six children in the Cheney family—William Henry Cheney, Anna Irene Cheney, James Stephens Cheney, Mary Elizabeth Cheney, Enoch Callaway Cheney, and Charles English Cheney. James is my 1st cousin 1x removed of husband of 2nd cousin 3x removed. While we don’t have any common relatives, James’ family lived two houses from my 3rd great grandparents, James Meriweather Lankford and Caroline Hobbs Lankford in 1860 so would have known each other. Life for the Cheney family would have been comfortable at the time with his father having real estate valued at $4000 and a personal estate of $8000.

Before James’ second birthday, his father marched off to war, serving as a private in Company C, Third Georgia Infantry (Dawson Grays) C.S.A. until his furlough in February 1865. 

By the time the census enumerator visited the home on June 28, 1870, the family had moved to nearby Penfield, less than five miles away. James’ father now had real estate valued at $1800 and a personal estate of $1400. He worked as a farmer, assisted by son Henry. James’ mother was keeping house while his sister Anna was in school. At 8 years old, it appears James was not attending school at the time.

On June 5, 1880, the Cheney family lived in the 138th District of Greene County. James (age 20) and his father were both farmers, his mother kept house, and his sister Anna (age 24) was a schoolteacher. Only his sister Mary (age 14) and brother Enoch (age 9) were attending school.

James married Emily A. Young, daughter of John Young and Jane Goolsby, in a ceremony that took place at her father’s house in Greene County, Georgia on January 18, 1882. The Greensboro Herald published the following on January 19, 1882:

Married, at the residence of the bride’s father, on Wednesday evening 18th, inst., by Rev. H. D. D. Straton, Mr. Jas. S. Cheney and Miss E. A. Young. May success attend them through life.

James Cheney and Emma Young marriage license

James and Emily had seven children—Tallulah Cheney (1882), Robert Reeves Cheney (1884), William “Lee” Cheney (1886), Frank Colly Cheney (1888), Eva M. Cheney (1890), Florence Dell Cheney (1893), and Sarah J. Cheney (1895). Sometime after their marriage, James moved the family to Athens, Clarke County, Georgia where he was active in the community. He was selected for jury duty in Athens for the June term in 1892 and then elected an alderman serving the first ward. He began a second term in December 1897. The Athens Daily Banner, which provided a lot of personal information, published the following on December 10:

Alderman, J. S. Cheney. James S. Cheney is the senior alderman from the first ward. He is now serving his second term in that office, having been re-elected last year. He is a livery stable owner and a progressive young business man. As chairman of the fire department committee, he has looked after the affairs of the department most carefully. He also has done good work on other committees and in the general work in behalf of the city.

It was not all work though. In March 1894, he and a Mr. Wynn of Kentucky, visited Bairdstown. In May 1895, he, along with friends John Weir and C. N. Weatherly, traveled to Bairdstown for a fishing and hunting trip “on the waters of Little river about the old Mercer spring.” He made a third trip to Bairdstown in December 1896 with a friend named B. H. Kinnebrew to visit relatives.

On June 6, 1900, James and his family lived on Hancock Avenue in Athens. James worked as a stock dealer. The census enumerator noted that James and Emily had been married for 18 years and that Emily was the mother of seven children, all of which were living. The house was full with the two of them, all seven children, three boarders, and a young servant girl named Elsie Hull (black, 12-years-old). Two of the boarders had the last name Cheney so were probably family—W. P. Cheney, a 16-year-old student, and Roy Cheney, a 19-year-old telegraph operator. The third boarder was Luther Tolbert, a 26-year-old grocery salesman. With the exception of Sarah, all the children were attending school.

The wedding of James’ daughter Tallulah took place in Athens on July 18, 1901. The Atlanta Constitution published the following on July 19:

Were Married in Athens. Athens, Ga., July 18.—(Special.)—This morning at the home of Rev. Ellison D. Stone, Mr. Alonzo C. Hancock, of this city, and Miss Tallulah Cheney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Cheney, were united in married, Rev. Stone officiating.

By 1902, James had completed his second term as an alderman and now worked as a sanitary inspector. The Athens Banner published the following on December 20, 1902:

The Steady March of Progress Made by the City of Athens. Mr. James S. Cheney, an ex-alderman is sanitary inspector and during his term of office has rendered valuable service the city.

There is not a city in the state whose officers rank higher. For the most part they have remained in office for a long term of years and are possessed of the experience that makes their services of additional value.

James continued to work with horses in 1903. The Athens Banner published the following on January 2, 1903 confirming that:

A Lot of Fine Horses Received. Messrs. James S. Cheney and B. C. McWhorter, who have formed a partnership in the stock business, have just received a lot of fine horses which they will set at prices that will astonish the purchasers. These horses are now at Carlton’s stables on Jackson street.

Mr. Cheney is one of the most experienced stock men in Athens, and Mr. McWhorter, who comes to Athens from Greensboro, and who will soon move his family here, has also had years of experience.

They are judges of good horses if there are any judges in Athens, and it will pay any prospective purchasers to call on them at once.

James’ son Robert, a traveling salesman, died at the age of 24 at home in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia on July 8, 1908. The Atlanta Constitution published the following on July 9, 1908:

Robert Reeves Cheney. The funeral of Robert Reeves Cheney, 24 years of age, who died at the residence, 119 East Georgia avenue, yesterday morning at 12:30 o’clock, will be held at the residence this morning at 10 o’clock. Rev. John E. Briggs, pastor of the Capitol Avenue Baptist church, officiating. The body will be taken to Bairdstown, Ga., for interment.

Robert was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown.

On April 15, 1910, James and his family lived in Atlanta. James continued to work as a stock dealer of horses. His son Lee worked as a horse salesman so most likely worked with his father. Son Frank worked as a ticket agent at the railroad office and daughter Eva worked as a stenographer in a real estate office. The census enumerator reflected the death of son Robert noting that Emily, enumerated as Emma, was the mother of seven children, six of which were living. Less than two years later, James was gone. He died of acute alcoholism in Atlanta on August 16, 1912. The Atlanta Constitution published the following on August 18, 1912 (getting his middle initial wrong):

J. W. Cheney, Bairdstown. Athens, Ga., August 17.—(Special.)—Quite a number of Athenians went to Bairdstown today to attend the funeral of J. W. Cheney, a former citizen of this place, and for some years a member of the city council here, whose death occurred in Atlanta yesterday. He was a brother-in-law of Judge C. T. Young, and the father of Mrs. A. C. Hancock of this city.

James was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, two sons, his mother, three brothers, and two sisters.

Note: Updated middle name from Stephen to Stephen on May 5, 2025.

References

• A Lot of Fine Horses Received, Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, January 2, 1903.
• Alderman J. S. Cheney, Athens Daily Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 10, 1897.
• Alderman J. S. Cheney, Athens Daily Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 10, 1897.
• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, December 11, 1896.
• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, March 23, 1894.
• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, May 17, 1895.
• Enoch R. Cheney, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861–1865.
• From Bairdstown, Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, January 19, 1882.
• J. W. Cheney, Bairdstown, Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 18, 1912.
• James S. Cheney, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• James S. Cheney, Obituary abstracts, Georgia, Fulton County Records from the Atlanta History Center, 1827—1955.
• Mrs. Emelyn Young Cheney Death Certificate no. 35474, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Standard Certificate of Death.
• Robert Reeves Cheney, Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 9, 1908.
• Robt. Reeves Cheney, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• The Jurors Drawn, The Weekly Banner, Athens, Georgia, March 29, 1892.
• The Steady March of Progress Made by the City of Athens, Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 20, 1902.
• U.S. Federal Census, Athens Ward 2, Clarke County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Athens Ward 2, Clarke County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta Ward 2, Fulton County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Militia District 141, Greene County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.
• Were Married in Athens, Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 19, 1901. 

James Stephens Cheney

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

James Stephens Cheney, son of Enoch Reeves Cheney and Sarah Haseltine English, was born in Georgia on September 18, 1860. James’ parents lived in Woodville, Greene County on June 9 so he was probably born there. James was the third child of six—William Henry Cheney, Anna Irene Cheney, James Stephens Cheney, Mary E. Cheney, Enoch Callaway Cheney, and Charles English Cheney. Although we have no common relative, I’m actually connected to James in two ways, both through my 3rd great grand uncle, Robert Chester Lankford who was the brother of my 3rd great grandfather, James Meriweather Lankford:

• 1st cousin 1x removed of husband of 2nd cousin 3x removed
• 1st cousin 1x removed of husband of niece of 1st cousin 4x removed

My connection to James is probably the most unusual so far.

By 1860, James’ father Enoch had obtained real estate valued at $4000 and a personal estate valued at $8000. He was doing well. Enoch and Sarah lived two houses from my 3rd great grandparents, James and Caroline (Hobbs) Lankford in Woodville. James was a baby when the Civil War began in 1861 and his father joined as a private in Company C of the Third Georgia Infantry (Dawson Grays) C.S.A. with my 3rd great grandfather, James Lankford. Enoch was promoted to corporal in 1863 and wounded at Malvern Hill in Manassas Gap, Virginia. Scary times for the Cheney family.

On June 23, 1870, James and his family lived in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia. His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $1800 and a personal estate valued at $1200. James’ mother was keeping house, his brother Henry a farm laborer, and sister Anna in school. 

On June 5, 1880, James and his family lived in District 138 of Greene County, Georgia. His parent’s occupation remained unchanged since 1870, farmer and keeping house. Sister Anna, now 24, was teaching school and James, now 20, followed in his father’s footsteps and was also a farmer. His sister Mary and brother Enoch were both attending school.

James married Emily (Emma or Emelyn) A. Young, daughter of John Young and Jane Goolsby, in a ceremony performed by Rev. H. D. D. Straton, in Greene County on January 18, 1882. Rev. Straton was the pastor of the Baptist church in Greensboro, but it’s not known if the ceremony took place there or elsewhere. James and Emily had seven children—Tallulah Cheney, Robert Reeves Cheney, William Lee Cheney, Frank Colly Cheney, Eva M. Cheney, Florence Dell Cheney, and Sarah J. Cheney.

James S. Cheney and Emma A. Young's marriage license

At some point after their marriage, James moved his family to Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. As a business owner, James became active in the community and was elected an alderman. By 1897, he was considered a “senior alderman” as referenced in an Athens Daily Banner article published on December 10:

Alderman J. S. Cheney. James S. Cheney is the senior alderman from the first ward. He is now serving his second term in that office, having been re-elected last year. He is a livery stable owner and a progressive young business man. As chairman of the fire department committee he has looked after the affairs of the department most carefully. He also has done good work on other committees and in the general work in behalf of the city.

On June 6, 1900, James and his family lived on Hancock Avenue in Athens. He and Emily had been married for 18 years. Emily was enumerated as having had seven children, all of which were living. James worked as a dealer in stock. With the exception of the youngest child, Sarah, all were attending school and able to read and write. A 12-year-old black female named Elsie Hull, a servant, lived in the home. There were also three white males living in the home. Two were probably extended family members—W. O. Cheney, age 16 and at school, and Roy Cheney, age 19 and working as a telegraph operator. The third male was a 26-year-old male named Luther Tolbert who was a grocery store salesman. A year later, the family celebrated the July 1901 marriage of daughter Tallulah. The Atlanta Constitution published the marriage announcement on July 19, 1901:

Were Married in Athens. Athens, Ga., July 18.—(Special.)—This morning at the home of Rev. Ellison D. Stone, Mr. Alonzo C. Hancock, of this city, and Miss Tallulah Cheney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Cheney, were united in marriage, Rev. Mr. Stone officiating.

James’ father Enoch died on March 21, 1902, most likely in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. He was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown. 

I found four news articles that provide snippets of information info James’ life. The first was published by the Athens Daily Banner on May 14, 1902. Mr. Maddox, referenced in the article, was from Greensboro so it’s possible James knew him or his family.

Negro Walks Many Miles: Decrepid Darky Picked Up Here Yesterday. An old, decrepid and footsore negro named Madison Maddox, straggled into the city late Monday night and made his way to the home of Sanitary Inspector Cheney, on Jackson Street. The old negro had walked all the way from Greensboro to Athens and had completely collapsed when he reached Mr. Cheney’s home. He had had but little to eat during the five days which his journey required, and the sun had almost blistered his face and hands.

The old man lived in Hoschton and had left there with $1.00 to get to Greensboro to see his children. From there he had set out to make his way back home and he managed to reach this far.

He was given a bed and food and yesterday the mayor furnished him a ticket as far as Winder over the Seaboard.

The second article, one sentence in a larger article published by The Athens Banner on December 20, 1902, tells us that James was no longer an alderman and that he in fact was a sanitary inspector:

The Steady March of Progress Made by the City of Athens. … Mr. James S. Cheney, an ex-alderman is sanitary inspector and during his term of office has rendered valuable service to the city. …

A third article, published by The Athens Banner on January 2, 1903, provides information related to James’ dealings in stock:

A Lot of Fine Horses Received. Messrs. James S. Cheney and B. C. McWhorter, who have formed a partnership in the stock business, have just received a lot of fine horses which they will sell at prices that will astonish the purchasers. These horses are now at Carlton’s stables on Jackson street.

Mr. Cheney is one of the most experienced stock men in Athens, and Mr. McWhorter, who comes to Athens from Greensboro, and who will soon move his family here, has also had years of experience.

They are judges of good horses if there are any judges in Athens, and it will pay any prospective purchaser to call on them at once.

A fourth article, published in The Athens Banner on November 23, 1905, tells us that James started working at the Holman Deadwyler Company:

Mr. J. S. Cheney Invites Friends: To Call on Him at Holman Deadwyler Co., Where he is Now Located. Mr. J. S. Cheney is now connected with the Holman Deadwyler Co., and will be glad to have his many friends call to see him. The Holman Deadwyler Co., is one of the largest sale stables in Georgia, and has on hand at all times several hundred head of horses and mules.

Mr. Cheney invites his friends to call on him when in need of horses or mules, and assures them of the best of treatment.

A tragic event took place in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia on July 8, 1908 when James’ son Reeves died suddenly at the age of 24. Reeves was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery after a service held at Capitol Avenue Baptist Church in Atlanta on July 9.

By April 15, 1910, James had made another move and now lived in a rented home on Crew Street of Ward 2 in Atlanta. James and Emily had been married for 28 years. Emily was enumerated as having had seven children, six of which were living. Only five children were still living in the home—Lee, Frank, Eva, Florie, and Sarah. As we know from the 1903 news article above, James was a stock dealer in horses. Lee must have been working with his father as he was a horse salesman. Frank sold tickets at the railroad office and daughter Eva worked as a real estate stenographer. James’ teenage daughters, Florie and Sarah, were both attending school.

Sadly, all was not well for James. Apparently suffering from acute alcoholism, James died in Atlanta on August 16, 1912. He was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery the following day. The Atlanta Constitution published a news article on August 17 (with an incorrect middle initial): 

J. W. Cheney, Bairdstown. Athens, Ga., August 17.—(Special.)—Quite a number of Athenians went to Bairdstown today to attend the funeral of J. W. Cheney, a former citizen of this place, and for some years a member of the city council here, whose death occurred in Atlanta yesterday. He was a brother-in-law of Judge C. T. Young, and the father of Mrs. A. C. Hancock, of this city.

James S. Cheney, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857-1933

Like the earlier news articles, these provided small snippets of information into James’ life.

References

• A Lot of Fine Horses Received, The Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, January 2, 1903.
• Alderman J. S. Cheney, Athens Daily Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 10, 1897.
• Eva Cheney Cauble death certificate no. 10481, North Carolina State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Extracts from Vital Statistics of the City of Atlanta, Deaths, vol. 11, August 1907–December 1908.
• Frank Colly Cheney, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
• J. W. Cheney, Bairdstown, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 18, 1912.
• James S. Cheney and Emma A. Young, Marriage License, State of Georgia, Greene County.
• James S. Cheney, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857-1933.
• Mr. J. S. Cheney Invites Friends: To Call on Him at Holman Deadwyler Co., Where he is Now located, The Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, November 23, 1905.
• Mrs. Emelyn Young Cheney death certificate no. 35474, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Negro Walks Many Miles: Decrepid Darky Picked Up Here Yesterday, Athens Daily Banner, Athens, Georgia, May 14, 1902.
• Obituary of Robert Reeves Cheney, newspaper unknown, July 9, 1908.
• Personal visit to Bairdstown Cemetery, Bairdstown, Georgia.
• Sarah Lloyd certificate of death no. 76686, State of Texas.
• The City Government: The Affairs of Athens Managed by Able and Careful Men—Alderman J. S. Cheney, Athens Daily Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 10, 1897.
• The Resignation of Mr. Straton, Georgia Home Journal, Greensboro, Georgia, October 26, 1883.
• The Steady March of Progress Made by the City of Athens, The Athens Banner, December 20, 1902.
• U.S. Federal Census, Athens Ward 2, Clarke County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta Ward 2, Fulton, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Penfield, Militia District 141, Greene County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.

Muzette Cheney

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

Muzette Cheney, daughter of William “Henry” Cheney and Martha “Mattie” C. Callahan, was born on October 17, 1879, most likely in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. She was the oldest child of 10—Muzette Cheney, Guy Pleo Cheney, Thomas R. Cheney, Lora Cheney, Sarah A. Cheney, Lucille Cheney, Pauline Cheney, Clara I. Cheney, Carl Brisco Cheney, and Henry J. Cheney. Muzette is my 2nd cousin of husband of 2nd cousin 3x removed. We have no common relative.

Muzette’s father Henry was a “widely popular citizen” in their community and a “veritable pillar” of Bairds Baptist Church in Bairdstown, which is where the census enumerator found the family living on June 5, 1880. Muzette was six months of age and the record noted that she was born in December. Her father was a farmer; her mother was keeping house. There were two servants living with the family in the home—a 17-year-old black female named Ida Brisco and a 47-year-old black female named Josie Craddock. They lived next door to Muzette’s maternal grandparents Thomas and Ann Jane (Briscoe) Callahan.

In August 1886, six-year-old Muzette performed at an exhibition held in the grove of the Bairdstown Academy. The exhibition took place on what was described as a pleasant evening and was attended by “ladies and gentlemen from Union Point, Crawford, Woodstock, Wilkes county, Gray Lands and other places.” It included a series of performances by the “popular Crawford band” and theatrical sketches of comedy and drama. An article published in the Georgia Home Journal on August 6, 1886 mentioned Muzette’s performance by name:

The “Sick Doll,” was a triologue, by little Miss Muzette Cheney, doll’s mother, and Miss Willie Wilson, doll’s friend, and Terry Wingfield, doctor. None of these were over seven years of age. The wee ones, in the delicate drapery of lawn set with nature’s own ornaments of bright flowers, their cheeks aglow with life and pleasure, their merry eyes sparkling with happy excitement, their locks—brown and golden—bewitchingly combed about their pure white brows, had to the reporter’s eyes the witchery of fairies.

The 1890s were hard on the Cheney family with Muzette’s mother losing two infants—Clara, born March 1891 and died September 1891 and the youngest child of the family, Henry, born August 1895 and died December 1895. Little Henry was apparently sick for some time before his death. As the oldest child (and daughter), Muzette would have helped her mother with the smaller children so the deaths of these infants were probably hard on her. Both infants were buried at Bairdstown Cemetery there in Bairdstown.

In January 1900, Muzette left home and moved to Smithville, Lee County, Georgia, to take a job as a school teacher. Smithville, a part of Albany, Georgia, is 168 miles from Bairdstown and a long way from home. On June 12, 1900, she was enumerated in Smithville, living alone and working as a school teacher. In this census record, the enumerator noted that she was born in October, not December as in the 1880 census record.

Muzette contracted typhoid fever sometime in 1904. Sadly, she died from the disease at 6 o’clock in the morning on July 8. Her funeral was held the next day at 10 o’clock in the morning at Bairds Baptist Church in a service officiated by Rev. J. D. Mell. Muzette was only 24 years old when she was laid to rest in Bairdstown Cemetery.

There is a tall obelisk monument and a stone marking Muzette’s grave in the cemetery. Although hard to read in my photos, the photo uploaded to her Find-A-Grave memorial clearly shows the words on the monument. The obelisk monument reads:

There’s a beautiful region above the skies

And I long to reach its shore.

For I know I shall find my treasuer [sic] there

The loved one gone before.

The stone lays flat on the ground and contains her birth and death dates, along with the names of her parents. I don’t know if it is part of the obelisk monument that has come loose or if it was an actual upright stone at one point and has fallen over. 

References

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 29 May 2020), memorial page for Muzette Cheney (17 Oct 1879–8 Jul 1894), Find a Grave Memorial no. 42428307, citing Bairdstown Cemetery, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, US ; Maintained by Shelley Miller (contributor 47081838).
• McRee Jr., Fred W., “Oglethorpe County, Georgia Deaths, 1874–1938,” Oglethorpe Echo, pp. 77, 135 and 310–311, July 15, 1904.
• “Pleasant Evening: An Exhibition by Prof. Wingfield’s School Friday Evening,” Georgia Home Journal, Greensboro, Georgia, August 6, 1886.
• U.S. Federal Census, Bairdstown, Oglethorpe, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, ED 21 Militia District 976 Smithville Town, Lee County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Village of Bairdstown, District 232, Oglethorpe, Georgia, 1880.
• Union Recorder, Milledgeville, Georgia, January 9, 1900.

Robert Reeves Cheney

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

Robert Reeves Cheney, son of James Stephen Cheney and Emily A. Young, was born in Georgia on June 2, 1884. I haven’t found a record yet that lists the city or county of his birth but his parents were married in Greene County in 1882 and lived in Lexington, Oglethorpe County in 1886 so he could have been born in either county. He went by Reeves, the middle name of his grandfather, Enoch Reeves Cheney. There were seven children in the Cheney family—Tallulah Cheney, Robert Reeves Cheney, William Lee Cheney, Frank Colly Cheney, Eva M. Cheney, Florence Dell Cheney, and Sarah J. Cheney.

Reeves is my 2nd cousin of husband of 2nd cousin 3x removed. We have no common relative. The Cheney family connects to the English family which connects to my Lankford family, all from Oglethorpe and Greene counties.

On June 6, 1900, Reeves and his family lived on Hancock Avenue in Ward 2 of Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. His parents had been married for 18 years; his mother had seven children, all of which were living. His father was a dealer in stock, probably horses. He and most of his siblings were in school; only little Sarah was still too young at age four to attend school yet. There were four other people living in the home—three were boarders named W. O. Cheney (age 16), Roy Cheney (age 19), and Luther Tolbert (age 26) and a 12 year old black girl named Elsie Hull who was a servant. Six months after this census was taken, Reeves was involved in a serious accident in Athens. The Augusta Chronicle carried the story on January 30, 1901:

(Special to "The Chronicle.") Athens, Ga., Jan. 29.—Yesterday afternoon, Reaves, the 16-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Cheney, happened to a painful and serious accident. He was driving in a buggy down Lumpkin street hill when his horse took fright and ran away. Reaves was thrown from the buggy and badly bruised, and was in an unconscious condition when discovered. He lay all night under the influence of opiates and is in a serious condition. The buggy was pretty well demolished. Today young Cheney’s condition is somewhat improved.

By 1906, Reeves had moved to Atlanta where he lived at 126 West Cain Street. He had taken a job as a traveling salesman for A. C. Woolley and Company, an egg food dealer on North Forsyth Street in Atlanta. By 1908, Reeves had moved to 119 East Georgia Avenue. And then something tragic happened, resulting in the death of Reeves in Atlanta on July 8, 1908.

Death extracts (Atlanta), vol. 11, Aug. 1907 to Dec. 1908

Obituary abstracts, May-July 1908

I haven’t been able to figure out what the cause of death was so say “tragic” simply because Reeves was only 24 years old. A funeral service was held at his home the next day, officiated by Rev. John E. Briggs, pastor of the Capitol Avenue Baptist Church there in Atlanta. Local area undertakers Greenberg, Bond & Bloomfield’s took care of the arrangements. Reeves was taken to Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia for burial.

Today, there are at least 22 members of the Cheney family buried at Bairdstown Cemetery.

References

• Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1906.
• Extracts from Vital Statistics of the City of Atlanta, Deaths, vol. 11, August 1907–December 1908.
• Georgia, Fulton County Records from the Atlanta History Center, 1827–1955.
• Obituary of Robert Reeves Cheney, newspaper unknown, July 9, 1908.
• Rackham’s Poultry Directory, vol. 3., 1900.
• Robert Reeves Cheney, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 9, 1908.
• Special to The Chronicle, Augusta Chronicle, January 30, 1901.
• U.S. Federal Census, Athens Ward 2, Clarke, Georgia, 1900.

William Owen Cheney Sr.

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “rich man.”

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

William Owen Cheney Sr., son of John Cheney and Catherine “Katie” Evans Owen, was born in Wilkes County, Georgia on September 30, 1809. The Cheney family was a large one. William’s father had eight children by his first wife, Rachel Benson, and eight children by his second wife, Catherine Owen. Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, several of the children did not survive infancy. The children from John’s first marriage were Aquilla Cheney, Thomas Benson Cheney, Julia Cheney, Richard Cheney, Margaret Cheney, John Cheney, Samuel Cheney, and Joseph Cheney. The children from John’s second marriage were Drucilla Echols Cheney, Sarah Harris Cheney, William Owen Cheney, Elizabeth Evans Cheney, Harriet Holcomb Cheney, Melissa Baldwin Cheney, Rhoda Ann Cheney, and Marian Catherine Jane Cheney.

William’s connection to me is very distant—we have no common relative, however, there is a connection. William is the great grandfather of husband of 2nd cousin 3x removed. The connection runs through my 4th great grandfather, Charles L. Lankford. Charles’ son was Robert Chester Lankford > Robert’s son was William Mell Lankford > William’s daughter was Pauline Lankford > Pauline’s husband was Harold A. English > Harold’s father was Patrick M. English > Patrick’s mother was Martha Sarah Cheney > Martha’s father was William Owen Cheney.

William’s father served in Captain Levin Winder’s company in the First Maryland Regiment during the Revolutionary War.

William married Mary Elizabeth Callaway, daughter of Rev. Enoch Callaway and Martha Patsy Reeves, in Wilkes County, Georgia on November 4, 1829. Together they had at least 13 children—Enoch Reeves Cheney, Martha Sarah Cheney, Almarine Catherine Cheney, William Owen Cheney Jr., John Franklin Cheney, Mary Elizabeth Cheney, Rhoda Ann Cheney, Reuben (or Robert) Sumpter Cheney, Thomas Butler Cheney, Felicia Melanie Cheney, Melissa Lurine Cheney, Howell Cheney, and Patrick Mell Cheney. There may have also been a son named Joseph Benson Cheney. Two of his children became ministers—John and Reuben. His son William Jr. became a physician/surgeon.

William’s father died at the age of 72 in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia on October 19, 1837. John was buried at Penfield Cemetery in Penfield.

Marriage license for William O. Cheney and Elizabeth Callaway

William moved from Wilkes to Greene County in December 1839. He remained there the rest of his life.

On October 31, 1850, William, his wife, children, and mother lived in District 161 of Greene County, Georgia. William was a farmer with real estate valued at $5,000. He owned 30 slaves, many of them children. Four years later, William’s mother died at his Greene County home on May 14, 1854. Catherine, a native of Virginia, was 73 years old at the time of her death. She was buried at Penfield Cemetery with his father. William was the administrator of her estate later that year. All of her perishable property, including horses, hogs, plantation tools, corn, fodder, oats, cotton seed, among other things, were sold at her late residence in Greene County, along with a total of 760 acres of land.

On June 2, 1860, William and his family lived in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. At this point, there were only four children remaining in the home—Mary, Rhoda, Reuben, and Patrick. There was a 33-year-old seamstress named Emily Moore living in the home with the family. William was a farmer with real estate valued at $4,750 and a personal estate valued at $18,000. William was managing the farm with the help of 20 slaves, eight of which were children.

On June 3, 1870, William, Elizabeth, and Patrick lived in Penfield. Unlike years past, the census enumerator didn’t record any real or personal estate for William. Instead, he recorded real estate valued at $1,600 and a personal estate of $800 for Elizabeth. William was a farmer, Elizabeth keeping house, and their son Patrick was a farm laborer.

William died of liver and heart disease in Georgia on Sunday, August 6, 1871. He was buried at Bairdstown Baptist Church Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. His will, probated in Greene County on January 28, 1871, left his whole estate and personal belongings to his wife Elizabeth, 150 acres of land as the homestead, and 800 acres of land. William willed that his son Patrick Mell Cheney remain with his mother until he reached majority. William also willed that Patrick’s board, clothing, and education should be paid for by the estate, and that he receive one good horse, bridle, saddle, one bed and bedstead, furniture, and $50 worth of household and kitchen furniture. Should Elizabeth die before Patrick was educated, then he would receive the homestead and 250 acres of land. William appointed his son Enoch as the executor of the will. When Elizabeth died, their son Enoch was to receive 50 acres of land. The remainder of his land was to be sold and the proceeds would be equally divided between sons John and Robert, and his sons-in-law William H. McWhorter and John S. Wheatly. William’s household and kitchen furniture were to be shared between his sons Enoch, William Jr., John, Robert, and Patrick Cheney, and his son-in-law Stephen English.

William’s tombstone at Bairdstown Cemetery reads:

Sacred to the memory of Wm. O. Cheney, Sen.
Born, Sept 30th, 1809
Died, August 6th, 1871
By the grace of God I am what I am

Two things strike me about the grave—the “Sen.” after his name on the stone and the Southern Cross of Honor marker at the head of his grave. I thought the “Sen.” meant that William was a senator but I don’t find him listed anywhere as a state or U.S. senator. I also don’t find that he served during the Civil War. I do find a military record for his son, William O. Cheney Jr., who was a surgeon with the 7th Battalion, Georgia Cavalry (State Guards). I’ll keep an eye out for a record that documents his service, if he in fact did serve.

William's grave (2012)

Southern Cross of Honor Marker at the head of William's grave

William’s marker is also showing its age. Until this past August, it had been seven years since I last visited Bairdstown Cemetery. When I do visit, I always walk the cemetery with my camera and on both occasions, snapped a photo of William’s grave. When you compare the photos, you’ll notice considerable damage has taken place since my last visit.

William's grave (August 2019)

William's grave (August 2019)

By all accounts, William was a rich man. It appears he was very comfortable financially with a large plantation and plenty of land and he was surrounded by his large family, which is worth more than money can buy.

References

• Administrator’s Sale, The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, December 23, 1854.
• Austin, Jeannette Holland, The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984.
• Cheney, William O., U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861–1865.
• Executor’s Sale, The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, September 09, 1854.
• Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 02 November 2019), memorial page for William Owen Cheney, Sr. (30 Sep 1809–6 Aug 1871), Find A Grave Memorial no. 24039548, citing Bairdstown Cemetery, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, USA ; maintained by Alice Wolfe Allen (contributor 47160492).
• Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 03 November 2019), memorial page for John Cheney (30 Aug 1765–19 Oct 1837), Find A Grave Memorial no. 73550153, citing Penfield Cemetery, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia, USA ; Maintained by Don Sharp (contributor 48167782).
• Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 03 November 2019), memorial page for Catherine Evans Owen Cheney (3 Jan 1781–14 May 1854), Find A Grave Memorial no. 14469345, citing Penfield Cemetery, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia, USA ; Maintained by Mz Fish (contributor 46622368).
• Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978 for William O. Chaney.
• Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Georgia, Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.
• Lasher, George William, The Ministerial Directory of the Baptist Churches in the United States of America, Ministerial Directory Company, 1899.
• Last Will and Testament, William O. Cheney, Sr.
• McCall, Howard H., Roster of Revolutionary Soldiers in Georgia, Genealogical Publishing Company, 2010.
• Obituary, Catherine E. Cheney, The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, May 27, 1854.
• Orrell, R. L., Descendants of Richard Cheney of Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 161, Greene County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Penfield, Militia District 141, Greene County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Slave Schedule, Greene County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.
• William O. Cheney, Sr. Death, Herald-Journal, Greene County, Georgia, date unknown.
• William Owen Cheney photo from Brown, Tomlin, Hearn, Fambrough tree, stewartbrown71, www.ancestry.com, August 15, 2009.