Lovicia Ann Elizabeth Janes

Lovicia Ann Elizabeth Janes, daughter of Simeon R. Janes and Elizabeth Wilson Gresham, was born about 1833 or 1834. Her parents married in Taliaferro County, Georgia on April 14, 1831 so she was most likely born there. Simeon and Elizabeth had three children together. Lovicia was the middle child. The others were Mary Jane Janes, born about 1832, and Martha Selah Henrietta Janes, born about 1836. She is my 1st cousin 4x removed with our nearest common relatives being my 4th great grandparents, William Janes IV and Selah Gresham.

Her’s was an unusual name and I honestly don’t know what the correct spelling was. In my research, I found her listed as Lovicia, Lovica, Lovitia, and Lavicia. I’ve chosen to use Lovicia in this sketch because that is how she signed her will.

 
Lovicia’s father died in 1834. She, along with her mother and sisters, were named share and share alike heirs in his will that was probated in Taliaferro County. 

On February 18, 1841, Lovicia’s mother married Reuben Josiah Dawson of Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia. Lovicia and her family were still living in Taliaferro County at the time. They may have moved to Wilkes County, Georgia for a while but eventually ended up in Greene County. It wasn’t long before the family began to grow.

Married, News & Planters’ Gazette, Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia, March 11, 1841

On November 15, 1847, Lovicia’s stepfather Reuben, along with Henry J. Haynes and Valentine D. Gresham, posted a $5,000 bond in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, after which Reuben was appointed the official guardian of Lovicia and her sisters. 

By the time the census was taken in 1850, Lovicia’s mother had four more children—John T. Dawson, Susan L. Dawson, Emma H. Dawson, and one enumerated as J. H. T. Dawson. They were all living together, along with Lovicia’s sisters Mary and Martha. Reuben Dawson was a farmer with real estate valued at $4000 so the family lived comfortably. Lovicia was not living in the home with the rest of the family when it was counted, and unfortunately, I’ve been unable to find her. As you’ll soon see, this was the only census record she would have appeared in during her lifetime.

In March, April, and May 1852, Reuben advertised the sale of a negro man named Jack who belonged to Mary, Lovicia, and Martha. The advertisement recorded R. J. Dawson as the guardian of the sisters, all minors.

"The Temperance Banner," Penfield, Georgia, March 20, 1852. Two months after date I will apply to the Court of Ordinary of Greene County, for leave to sell a Negro man named Jack, belonging to Mary Y., Lovitia E., and Martha C. Janes, minors, for the benefit of said minors. – R. J. Dawson, Guardian.

The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, March 20, 1852

Lovicia’s sister Mary, age 21, died from pulmonary consumption in Greensboro on January 23, 1853. Perhaps sick herself, Lovicia had a will drawn up in Greene County which she signed on September 3, 1854. She would have been approximately 20 years old at the time. The will was probated in Greene County on December 5, 1854 so she apparently died soon after signing it. Lovicia named her mother and siblings as heirs to her estate.

Last Will & Testament of Lovicia A. E. Janes

Recorded in Wills Book G, pages 146 and 147, December 5th, 1854, Jas. W. Godkin, Ordinary

Georgia, Greene County. In the name of God, Amen.

I, Lovicia A. E. Janes, of said county and state, being mindful of my mortality, yet of sound mind and disposing memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following.

Item 1st. It is my will and desire that all my just debts be paid.

Item 2nd. I give and bequeath unto my beloved sister Martha S. Janes Carlton one hundred dollars in money, to be invested by my Executors in a gold watch for her benefit and as a keepsake. 

Item 3rd. I give and bequeath all the remainder of my undivided estate right interest and property, of every kind, consisting of Georgia Rail Road stock, negroes, notes, money known as the property belonging to the minor heirs of Simeon R. Janes deceased, and most of which is now in the hand of Reuben J. Dawson, as the guardian of said minors, and all and every other property, which I may own at my death, together with its increase to James A. Carlton in trust, for the sole and separate use, benefit and behoof of my affectionate Mother Elizabeth Dawson for and during her natural life, free from the debts, control or management of her present, or any future husband, and after her death for the sole and separate use, benefit, maintenance and education of the following named children of my Mother, to wit. John T. Dawson, Susan L. Dawson, Emma H. J. Dawson, Henry T. Dawson, and Talula Dawson, and any other child or children hereafter borne of my said Mother.

Item 4th. It is my will and desire that the said property given in trust as aforesaid, shall be equally divided, share and share alike, at the death of my Mother, among her said five children and any others hereafter born, as aforesaid, and that those of them who are of age or married at that time, shall take their respective shares and that the shares of those who are minors shall remain in the hands of the said trustee for the purposes and uses above mentioned, to be likewise distributed as the said minors become of age or marry.

Item 5th. It is furthermore my will and desire that the said trust shall invest a suitable portion of said estate on property in a comfortable house and lot, at such place as my Mother may direct, as a home for her, provided she shall desire it to be done.

Lastly, I hereby constitute, nominate and appoint my brother-in-law James A. Carlton, sole executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-four.

“Carlton” in the Second line of the 2d item and “September” in the Sixth line of the last item inter lined before signings.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged on the day and year above in presence of 

James L. Brown

D. C. O’Keefe

William W. D. Weaver

Georgia, Greene County, Court of Ordinary in Chambers Nov 10th 1854.

Personally appeared before the court James L. Brown and William W. D. Weaver, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of Lovicia E. Janes dec’d and on oath say that they saw her sign the same and that each believed her to be of perfect, sound mind, and disposing memory at the time of her signing the same and that they signed their names as witnesses thereto in the presence of D. C. O’Keefe the other subscribing witness, and in the presence of the Testatrix.

Sworn to before me in Chambers this 10th day of Nov 1854.

Jas. W. Godkin, Ordinary

James L. Brown

William W. D. Weaver

Her will was proven to be valid in the Greene County Court of Ordinary in December 1854.

Georgia, Greene County. Court of Ordinary December Term 1854.

The last will and testament of Miss Lovitia E. Janes late of Greene County dec’d, having been proven before this count in Chambers in common form of Law by the oaths of James L. Brown and Wm. W. D. Weaver on the 10th day of November last and whereupon it is ordered that the will of said Lovicia E. Janes dec’d be now admitted to Record, and that Wm. W. D. Weaver, James L. Brown, John E. Jackson, or any three of them appraise the estate of Lovicia E. Janes dec’d and make their return to this court within the time prescribed by law. 

Personally appeared in open court James A. Carlton, the Sole Executor appointed in the will of Lovicia E. Janes dec’d who was duly qualified and letters testamentary was then issued to him.

In 1855, Reuben filed Letters of Dismission in the Greene County Court of Ordinary to have himself removed from Guardianship from all three sisters and estates.

References

• Elizabeth M. Gresham and Simeon R. Janes, Georgia Marriages to 1850 and Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Elizabeth Wilson Janes and Reuben J. Dawson marriage certificate, Greene County, Georgia, February 1841.
• Lovitia Janes, Greene, Court Records 1852–1879, Probate Records 1852–1879.
• Married, News & Planters’ Gazette, Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia, March 11, 1841.
• Obituary, Miss Mary Jane Janes, The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, February 5, 1853.
• The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, March 20, 1852 and February 17, 1855.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 147, Greene County, Georgia, 1850.
• Wilkes Superior Court, News & Planters’ Gazette, Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia, November 10, 1842.
• Will of Lovicia E. Janes, Greene County, Georgia, 1854.
• Will of Simeon R. Janes, Taliaferro County, Georgia, 1838. 

Slaves named in the Will of Thomas Gresham Janes

Thomas Gresham Janes, son of William Janes IV and Selah Gresham, was born July 11, 1794. He married three times—first to Malinda P. W. West on January 30, 1821, second to Emily T. West (sister to Malinda) on January 17, 1828, and third to Elizabeth P. Sanford on July 26, 1839, all in Greene County, Georgia. It appears Thomas had six children—Mary Selah Janes, Athalia E. Janes, George V. Janes, Susan E. Janes, Sarah J. T. Janes, and William F. Janes. He only names five in his will. Unfortunately, I don’t know which wife the children belong to at this time. 

According to the book History of Greene County, Georgia, 1876–1886 by Rice and Williams, Thomas was a physician in Greene County and “represented Greene Co. in the legislature in 1827-28, 34-35 and was Senator in 1836-37-38. He was one of the first Trustees of Mercer University.”

Thomas died in Greene County on September 14, 1843. My DNA results show he is my 4th great uncle. His brother was Absalom Madison Janes.

His will lists the names of 52 enslaved people.

Thomas G. Janes’ Will

Sept. adj. Term 1843

Green Court of Ordinary

Admitted to Record on the oaths of B. M. Sanders and P. H. Mell

Recorded in book G—Pages-10-11-12. 13-

28 September 1843.

Wm. L. Strain, Clk.

Green Court of Ordinary

Sept. adj. Term 1843

Personally appeared in open Court B. M. Sanders and P. H. Mell, two of the subscribing witnesses to the within last Will and Testament of Thomas G. Janes deceased, who being duly sworn say that they saw the within named Thomas G. Janes, sign, seal and heard him acknowledge the same to be his last Will and Testament, and that they each believed him to be of perfect sound mind and memory at the time of his signing the same—and that they together with W. H. Stokes, subscribed their names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the Testator.

B. M. Sanders

P. H. Mell

Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 27 September 1843. 

W. L. Strain, Clk.

State of Georgia, Greene County

In the name of God, amen, I, Thomas G. Janes, of the county and state aforesaid being of sound mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament.

Item 1st. It is my will and desire that all my just debts be paid.

2nd. I bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth P. Janes five hundred dollars in money, and the land and premises whereon I now reside together with all the household and kitchen furniture (with the provision that she be bound to furnish my three children (viz.) Susan E., George V., and Athaliah E. Janes, a bed stead and furniture with forty dollars each) my son William F. and Sarah J. T. having received theirs) also I give to my said beloved wife, all the plantation tools, four wheeled pleasure carriage and carriage horses, the two horse wagon and harnesses, six choice cows and yearlings, thirty choice stock hogs, four choice sows and pigs, all my stock of sheep and geese, also my family bible, hymn books and such other family books as she may choose. I also give to my said beloved wife the following named negroes (viz.) Mariah, a woman and her children Franklin and Sophy, with her increase, a negro man, Jesse and Fanny his wife and her increase, all the abovenamed property both real and personal to belong to my said beloved wife forever in fee simple. It is further my will that my beforesaid, beloved wife, whenever I may die shall have an ample supply of corn, fodder, pork or bacon, wheat, oats to support her and her negroes and stock during the next year following.

3rd. As it is probable that my said beloved wife Elizabeth P. Janes is in a state of pregnancy, I will to my said wife during her lifetime four other negroes (viz.) Len, a boy, Smith, a boy, Rosette and Queen, girls and their increase, but if my said wife should have a living child of her present probable pregnancy, the four last named negroes to belong to said child after the death of my said wife, but if there should be no living child or if such child should die in infancy, the said four negroes to belong to my said wife in her own right forever.

4th. It is my will, that if my said wife should have a living child from her present probable pregnancy, I will to said child, six negroes (viz.) Aron, a boy, Charlotte, Antinette, Isabella, Celin Ann, and Eliza and their increase (they being the children of Jesse and Fanny) but if no living child should be brought forth, or if such child should die in infancy, then and in that case the last six named negroes and their increase, to revert to and belong to my estate to be equally divided, share and share alike between my five other children, my said wife, having no part in them.

5th. I will to the child my said beloved wife may have, if her present probable pregnancy, five hundred dollars in money, ten share of the stock of the Georgia Rail Road and Banking company, and also the tract of land lying and being in this county on the entry of Richland Creek containing about seven hundred acres, called the Mill tract, adjoining Tarpley, Carlton and others, but if no living child should be brought forth or if such child should die in infancy then and in that case, the said money to wit five hundred dollars, the ten shares of stock of the Georgia Rail Road and Banking Company and the same seven hundred acres of land, to revert to and become a part of my estate and be equally divided share and share alike between my five other children, my said wife having no share or part thereof.

6th. It is my will that my Executor, herein after named, shall have full power and authority to rent, lease or sell the same mile tract of land, bequeathed in the 5th item, at their discretion whenever they may deem it for the interest of the estate in any time in fifteen years.

7th. I will to the eldest son William F. Janes, one bed and furniture one desk and book case, together with all my books, excepting those given to my beloved wife, also eight negroes (viz.) John Fitch, and Beddy his wife and her infant child and Miller, Berry, Rachel, Sally and Emily (all the children of John Fitch and Beddy) and their increase. Also, I will to my said son William F. the tract of land he now is improving in Paulding County, Georgia, lying in the second district of the fourth section consisting of numbers 888, 889, 890, 838, 839, 840, 817, 767, 769, and one third of number 768 – containing in all three hundred and seventy three and a third (373 1/3) acres more or less, also three acres of number 990, including the house and improvements where he now lives, together with privilege of water of the spring on said lot. 

8th. I will to my daughter Sarah J. T. Gibson, 1 bed and furniture one bureau, one horse, and all the property heretofore given her and six negroes (viz.) Betty and her five children, Daniel, Harry, Eve, Silsy, and Rebekah and their increase, and also, she may take a settlement of land at the Deason place, or lots number 849 of the 2nd district 4th Section and lands connected therewith lying to the Ninth West including the Scott place, to be laid off by my Executors in such a way as not to injure the realm of my other lands – all lying in Paulding County, Georgia. Also, I will to my said daughter three acres of number 990 – wherever she may see proper to locate it, for the purpose of building, together with privilege of water of the spring on said lot.

9th. It is my will that the property of every description willed to my son William F. Janes and Sarah J. T. Gibson be valued by persons appointed by the court of ordinary (excepting the Books within to my son William F.) and accounted for in the division of my estate between them and three other children Susan E. Janes, George V. Janes, and Athaliah E. Janes.

10th. It is my will and desire that all the negroes I may die papered of, not otherwise bequeathed in this my will, to be equally divided, share and share alike between my five children William F. Janes, Sarah J. T. Gibson, Susan E. Janes, George V. Janes and Athaliah E. Janes, William F. and Sarah J. T. accounting for three negroes willed them. The negroes of the three minor children, Susan E., George V. and Athaliah E. to be kept in common stock and each of them to receive their part when each shall arrive at lawful age or get married.

11th. It is my will that my executors, herein after named have full power and authority to sell any and all lands I may die papered of, besides there herein bequeathed, and excepting the lands I own in Second district fourth section originally Cherokee now Paulding County, in whatever parcels, and such credits and at such time, as they may deem most to the interest of my estate, within ten years.

12th. It is my will and desire that my executors herein after named and I do hereby authorize them to purchase for the benefit of my estate and lots of land in Cedar Dally Paulding County, Georgia, that they may think necessary and important to improve the realm of the settlements of land I own in said really – 

13th. It is my will and desire that whenever either of my three minor children, Susan E., George W. or Athaliah E. Janes, arrives at lawful age or marries, that person be appointed by the court and assign to such one as aforesaid, a settlement of land in Cedar Dally, Paulding County, similar to the tracts willed to my two eldest children, William F. and Sarah J. T. realized at the same rates as those given the two elder, or nearly as practicable, to be accounted for in the settlement between the legatees.

14th. It is my will that my executors have power and authority, to lease, rent, or sell my interest (it being one third part) of the land and mills on Cedar Creek, Paulding County, upon such time as they may deem to the interest of my estate (the other parts owned by William E. and George W. West).

15th. It is my will that my executors keep up the farm in Paulding County, now managed by Mark Jackson for me according to the written agreement between said Jackson and myself by contract with him or some other person so long as they may deem it for the interest of my estate.

16th. It is my will and desire that my Executors be required to be at all expenses necessary to give to my nephew Thomas Janes, son of Archibald G. Janes, a good English education, either at Penfield, Cedar Dally, or Cave Spring and if my said nephew should bid far in their judgement to make a good scholar, they be required to give him a classical education, causing him to graduate at Penfield.

17th. I will my silver watch to my son George V. Janes.

18th. It is my will and desire that all my property both real and personal not herein addressed bequeathed be equally divided share and share alike between my five children, William F., Sarah J. T., Susan E., George V. and Athaliah E.

19th. I do hereby constitute and appoint my son William F. Janes, my son in law Henry A. Gibson, and George W. West of Paulding County and Absalom Janes of Greene County, executors to this my last will and testament, in [unreadable] and ratifications of which I the same Thomas G. Janes hath hereunto set my hand and seal this the twenty eighth day of February A.D. One-thousand and eight hundred and forty three.

Thos. G. Janes

Signed sealed and executed in presence of B. M. Sanders, Wm. H. Stokes, P. H. Mell

Inventory & appraisement of the estate of Thomas G. Janes, deceased

Page 1

State of Georgia, Greene County

No. 1. Maria, a negro woman, valued at $400.00

2. Franklin,  "  boy   "   "   $200.00

3. Sophy,  "  girl   "   "   $150.00

4. Crawford,  "  boy   "   "   $100.00

5. Jesse,  "  man   "   "   $300.00

6. Fanny,  "  woman   "   "   $275.00

7. Len,  "  man   "   "   $500.00

8. Smith,  "  boy   "   "   $100.00

9. Rosetta,  "  girl   "   "   $350.00

10. Queen,  "   "   "   "   $150.00

11. Aron,  "  boy   "   "   $350.00

12. Charlotte,  "  girl   "   "   $350.00

13. Antonett,  "   "   "   "   $250.00

14. Isabella,  "   "   "   "   $250.00

15. Colia,  "   "   "   "   $175.00

16. Eliza,  "   "   "   "   $150.00

17. Jim,  "  man   "   "   $550.00

18. Lucy,  "  woman   "   "   $350.00

19. Stephen,  "  boy   "   "   $300.00

20. Dave,  "  boy   "   "   $275.00

21. Nelson,  "   "   "   "   $250.00

22. Elleck,  "   "   "   "   $200.00

23. Betty,  "  girl   "   "   $150.00

24. Bill,  "  boy   "   "   $125.00

25. Big Lucy,  "  woman   "   "   $400.00

26. Sibba,  "  girl   "   "   $175.00

27. James,  "  boy   "   "   $135.00

28. Maria,  "  woman   "   "   $300.00

29. Harriet,  "  girl   "   "   $400.00

30. Martha,  "   "   "   "   $350.00

31. Adeline,  "   "   "   "   $225.00

Amount Carried Forward $8225.00

Partial snip of Inventory and Appraisement, page 1 (click to enlarge)

Inventory & appraisement of the estate of Thomas G. Janes, continued

Page 2

Amount brt forward -- $8225.00

No. 32 Minerva, a negro girl, valued at $200.00

33. Ellen,   "   "   "   "   $100.00

34. John,   "   man   "   "   $200.00

35. Anna,   "   woman   "   "   $400.00

36. Lizzy,   "   girl   "   "   $350.00

37. Sandy,   "   man   "   "   $400.00

38. Phill,   "   "   "   "   $25.00

39. Mary,   "   woman   "   "   $350.00

30 head of cattle - $135.00

1 yoke oxen $25, 6 cows & yearlings, $60 - $85.00

100 head of Hogs $250, 4 sows & pigs, $20 - $270.00

1 cotton gin $50, 1 Thrashing Machine 50 cts. - $50.50

4 bales cotton - $80.00

1 lot wheat - $16.00

6 stacks oats $30, 6 sheep $9 - $39.00

3 Geese 75 cts., one horse wagon $2 - $2.75

1 Redd Waggon $28, two horse waggon $75.00 - $103.00

1 pleasure Carriage & harness - $125.00

Blacksmiths tools $10, Iron $11 - $21.00

Weeding hose, mattocks & fro---  - $3.00

1 log chain $2, 1 lot plough & cli??? $5 - $7.00

1 lot axes $2, 1 lot tools $1 - $3.00

1 lot spades & shovels $3, 1 lot Gil & pant $2 - $5.00

1 lot of medicines & Jan - $5.00

1 barrel linen $2, 1 Thermometer & Barometer $1.50 - $3.50

1 lot of family books $10, 1 lot of Books $100 - $110.00

1 desk & book case $30, 1 pr. saddle bags $1 - $31.00

1 man saddle $5 - $5.00

1 lot Household furniture - $500.00

1 lot Kitchen furniture - $20.00

2 shot guns $10, Surgical instruments $25 - $35.00

1 lot mea???? 25 cts. - $.25

Amount carried forward - $12,355.00

Partial snip of Inventory and Appraisement, page 2 (click to enlarge)

There are Paulding County, Georgia records to explore but because I'm concentrating on Greene County, I won't include here. 

References

• Rice, Dr. Thaddeus Brockett Rice and Carolyn White Williams, History of Greene County, Georgia, 1876–1886, 1961.
• Thomas G. Janes, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Thomas G. Janes, Georgia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1742–1992.