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. 

Oscar Lee Burnette

Oscar Lee Burnette, son of Samuel Pride Burnett and Millicent Virginia Overton, was born in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia on January 12, 1874. His parents had 14 children—John William Burnette, Thomas Terrell Burnette, C. B. Annbelle Burnette, Abijah Winkfield Burnette, Oscar Lee Burnette, Mathew E. Burnette, Laura Jane Burnette, Frances Elizabeth Burnette, Mattie Lou Burnette, Benjamin Franklin Burnette, Virginia O. Burnette, Joseph Benjamin Burnette, Mollie Mae Burnette, and one unknown child. Oscar is my 2nd great-uncle.

Just like my Lankford/Langford lines with the “k” and “g”, the “e” in “Burnette” comes and goes. You see that here with the spelling of Oscar’s and his father’s last name. It seems Oscar’s family used the “e” consistently.

On June 18, 1880, the Burnette family lived in the Harbins District of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Oscar’s father and brother John and Thomas were farm laborers, his was mother keeping house. The census enumerator left a check mark in the box “Is the person [on the day of the Enumerator’s visit] sick or temporarily disabled, so as to be unable to attend to ordinary business or duties?” so apparently Oscar’s father, John, and Thomas were all three sick that day. He did not list what illness each had though.

1880 Soundex Card for the Oscar L. Burnette family

Oscar married Lou Ella J. Peters, daughter of James Marion Peters and Lucinda Julia Andrews, in Gwinnett County, Georgia on October 2, 1898. Their marriage ceremony was performed by T. A. Pate, Justice of the Peace. The couple had eight children together—Clarence Lyman Burnette, Gordon Lee Burnette, Grover William “G. W.” Burnette, Samuel “Pleamon” Burnette, Essie Mae “Mamie” Burnette, James Rowdes Burnette, Simmie “Sim” Courtland Burnette, and Curtis “Matibel” Burnette.

Oscar and Lou Ella's marriage certificate

Sometime after their marriage, Oscar and Lou Ella moved to Walton County, Georgia where the census enumerator found them living in the Vinegar Hill District on June 22, 1900. Oscar was working as a farmer. Lou Ella was enumerated as having had one child, Clarence (age nine months), who was living in the home. Oscar was unable to read or write, while Lou Ella could do both. Oscar and Lou Ella’s second son, Gordon, was born in December 1902. Sadly, he passed away, cause unknown to me, on October 28, 1903. They buried Gordon at Bay Creek Cemetery in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia.

Oscar was listed on the “Veteran and Descendant Registered Voters” list in Walton County on March 26, 1910. Living in Loganville at the time, he worked as a farmer. His brother Abijah was also on the list. 

On April 28, 1910, Oscar and his family lived in the Buncombe District of Walton County. He and Lou Ella had been married for 11 years. Oscar worked as a farmer on a general farm. Sons Clarence and William were both farm laborers on the home farm. Lou Ella was enumerated as having had six children, five of which were living. Oscar’s mother died in Georgia on January 10, 1916. She was buried at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Loganville. On September 12, 1918 at age 45, Oscar registered for the World War I draft. He recorded his address as #4 Loganville, Walton, Ga., and his wife “Ella” as his nearest relative. He also listed his birth year as 1873, a year earlier than would be recorded on his death certificate and tombstone. Oscar was of medium height and build. He had gray eyes and hair. As far as I can tell, Oscar never served during the war. His son Clarence registered for the World War I draft on the same day and listed his father as his nearest relative.

Oscar's WWI draft registration card

On January 19, 1920, Oscar and his family lived at Lawrenceville and Monroe Roads in the Buncombe District of Walton County. Oscar continued to work as a farmer on a general farm while sons Grover (age 17) and Pleamon (age 14) both worked as laborers on the home farm. The only child going to school at the time was Essie (age 12). Grover, Pleamon and Essie were all able to read and write. James (age 10) was not attending school at the time, nor was he able to read or write.

On April 3, 1930, Oscar and his family lived in the Buncombe District of Walton County. Three children were still living in the home—Pleamon, Simmie, and Matibel. Matibel (age 15) was the only one of the three attending school. Oscar worked as a farm operator, running the day-to-day business of the farm. Pleamon and Matibel both worked as farm helpers, while Simmie worked as a farm cropper. 

Oscar (age 64) died from heart lesions at his home in the Split Silk community of Walton County on October 29, 1938. According to Kenneth Krakow, Split Silk was “a small community located between Between and Loganville” and “was reportedly given this name when a girl accidentally tore her silk dress in front of the C. L. Ivey General Store.” Oscar had been attended by a physician for three months. He was buried at Bay Creek Cemetery in Loganville on October 31 following a funeral service officiated by Rev. Weyman Fields at the church. 

Oscar was survived by his wife, sons Clarence, Grover, Pleamon, Simmie, and James; daughters Essie and Matibel; three sisters; and four brothers. According to his obituary, Oscar was a “well known Walton county citizen.” He “spent the greater portion of his life” in Walton County and “was a devoted member of Bay Creek Baptist church and a man of loyal friendships and fine christian character, and occupied a high place in the public esteem.”

Five of Oscar’s children—Grover, Essie Mae, James, Matibel, and Samuel (1948)

References

• Clarence Lyman Burnette, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Curtis Mattie Smith, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38841661/lucinda-julia-peters: accessed 31 October 2023), memorial page for Mrs Lucinda Julia Andrews Peters (20 Nov 1857–23 Mar 1930), Find a Grave Memorial ID 38841661, citing Friendship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Snellville, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Quietly Resting (contributor 47077524).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43349662/james-marion-peters: accessed 31 October 2023), memorial page for James Marion Peters (17 Oct 1845–9 May 1902), Find a Grave Memorial ID 43349662, citing Friendship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Snellville, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by HTH (contributor 47002328).
• Krakow, Kenneth K., Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins, Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 210, 1975; http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/s.pdf. 
• Mr. Oscar Burnette Died Last Saturday, Walton Tribune, Monroe, Georgia, November 3, 1938.
• Oscar Burnet and Lou Ella Peters, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Oscar L. Burnette Certificate of Death no. 29672, State of Georgia, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Personal memories and family photo provided by Priscilla Burnette.
• Personal visit to Bay Creek Cemetery, Loganville, Georgia.
• U.S. Federal Census, Buncombe District, Walton County, Georgia, 1910, 1920, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Cates, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Harbins District, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Vinegar Hill, Walton County, Georgia, 1900. 

Samuel Y. Young

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.

Samuel Y. Young was born in South Carolina on September 6, 1824. I am unable to verify who his parents are but another researcher records them as being John Robert Young and Elizabeth Price. The same researcher also records two siblings that I am unable to confirm—David Wesley Young and Martha Caroline Young. I include them here as a hint should I continue to research Samuel, who was the father-in-law of my 1st cousin 4x removed. Samuel’s daughter Martha Elizabeth Young married John Wesley Lankford and daughter Nancy Ella Young married William Mell Lankford. Both John and William were sons of Robert Chester Lankford, brother of my 3rd great-grandfather, James Meriweather Lankford. We have no common relative.

Samuel married Mariet Masena Morgan in Gwinnett County, Georgia on August 10, 1848. Other researchers record Masena’s parents as George Brown Morgan and Rebecca Bonham, but this is another pair that I am unable to confirm. Samuel and Masena had six children together—Amandeline “Amanda” O. Young (born 1849), John Melvin Young (born 1850), George Young (born 1854), Joseph Jerrigan Young (born 1855), James Walton Young (born 1857), and Nancy Ella Young (born 1859).

Samuel and Masena's marriage certificate

On October 31, 1850, Samuel, Masena, and Amanda (age 1) lived in the Goodwins District of Gwinnett County where he worked as a farmer. The head of the household was a 50-year-old widow woman with six children named Sarah Collins. Samuel was unable to read or write. The Thomas D. Young family lived next door. Thomas was 24 years old and born in South Carolina so it is possible he connects to Samuel but I have not found a link yet. If Samuel’s parents and siblings noted above are in fact correct, then his 15-year-old sister, Martha Caroline Young, died on May 10, 1852 and his father, age 62, on August 12, 1852. Both died in Georgia and Find A Grave shows they were buried at the Young Family Cemetery in Four Points, Macon County, Georgia.

Samuel’s wife Masena died in Greene County, Georgia at the age of 32 on January 27, 1860. Her death followed an eight-month illness of scrofula, a form of tuberculosis. Masena was buried at the Young Family Cemetery, but this one on Road 140 in Greene County, just .4 miles from the Oglethorpe County line. There are approximately 50 unmarked graves in this cemetery according to E. H. Armor’s book The Cemeteries of Greene County Georgia. Her tombstone reads: At rest, each of us hopes to join you at last on that beautiful heavenly shore.

Samuel did not wait long before he took a second wife. He married Matilda H. Guill, daughter of Augustus Guill and Martha Milner, in Greene County on March 11, 1860. I guess he needed help with his six children who ages ranged from 11 to 1.

Samuel and Matilda's marriage license

Samuel and Matilda added to the family with four more children—William Henry Young (born 1860), Lula Jane Young (born 1863), Wesley Bluford Young (born 1865), and Martha Elizabeth Young (born 1867). On June 2, 1860, the Young family lived in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. Matilda’s parents lived next door. Samuel worked as a farmer and had a personal estate valued at $1000. Amanda (enumerated as Mandy), George, and Joseph (enumerated as Jerrigan) were attending school. They shared their home with a 17-year-old female named Jane Morgan and an 18-year-old male named Charles Bagby. Charles worked as an apprentice farmer. 

In April 1862, Samuel enrolled as a private in Company E of the Third Regiment, Georgia State Guards, Carswell’s Brigade, in Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. He appeared on the muster roll as absent, sick at home, for the period September 15, 1863 to January 31, 1864.

On June 10, 1870, the Young family lived in Maxeys, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Samuel worked as a farmer and had a personal estate of $300. Matilda was keeping house and Amanda “at home.” John and George both worked as farm laborers. James, Ella (Nancy), and William were attending school. A 24-year-old female named Nancy Young was living in the home. I have not determined how or if she connects to the Young family at this point in my research. 

On June 2, 1880, Samuel and his family lived in District 137 of Greene County. Samuel continued to work as a farmer while Matilda stayed home keeping house. Seven of their children were still living at home, four of them adults in their 20s. Daughters Amanda, Nancy, and Lula were enumerated as “at home.” Sons Joseph, James, and Wesley were working as farm laborers. Martha was attending school. Lula, Wesley, and Martha could write but not read. A 23-year-old male named Charles Lankford, with the relationship to Samual enumerated as “employee” and working as a farm laborer, lived in the home. He was most likely the son of Robert Chester Lankford, born April 1857. Samuel was listed on the Woodville, Greene County property tax digests for the years 1880–1883. His household goods were valued at $25, livestock at $100, cotton and corn crops at $10, and the value of property of defaulters not doubled was $10 for a total of $145. He paid $100 in taxes for that period. Samuel was listed on the Bowling Green district, Stephens, Oglethorpe County real estate rolls during the years 1883–1887. His household furniture was valued at $25 and his livestock at $120 for a total of $145 personal estate. There was no real estate listed on the rolls for Samuel at that time so he mostly likely rented his farm.

Samuel submitted a Confederate Pension Application in Oglethorpe County on October 11, 1890. At the time, his doctor swore on oath that when he met Samuel (about 1886), “he was afflicted with asthma and permanently, essentially, substantially, and absolutely unable to do any work whatsoever.” Several members of his regiment signed a certified oath in October 1890 stating that Samuel had no disease when he went into the service. Samuel received an annual pension of $50 until his death in Oglethorpe County on July 31, 1893. His illness began with shortness of breath, first noticed while engaged in the siege of Atlanta. This complaint was caused by exposure from constant confinement in the ditches which could not be covered in the summer of 1864. Samuel was diagnosed with severe asthma and bronchitis. The asthma produced dropsy and heart disease some years prior to his death, rendering him helpless for a long time before he died. Samuel was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Samuel and his wife Matilda were apparently well thought of in the Bairdstown community. When their daughter Martha died in 1922, a burial notice published in the Oglethorpe Echo on June 2 stated, “Her father was S. Y. Young and her mother was Matilda Guill whom most of the older citizens remember with great pleasure.”

Matilda submitted a widow’s pension application in Greene County after Samuel’s death and received a pension of $60 every January, most likely until her death in 1911.

References

• Armor, E. H., The Cemeteries of Greene County Georgia, p. 85, Agee Publishers, Inc., 1987.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52991536/samuel-yancy-young: accessed 15 September 2023), memorial page for Samuel Yancy Young (6 Sep 1824–31 Jul 1893), Find a Grave Memorial ID 52991536, citing Bairdstown Cemetery, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54397860/john-robert-young: accessed 15 September 2023), memorial page for John Robert Young Sr. (1790–12 Aug 1852), Find a Grave Memorial ID 54397860, citing Young Family Cemetery, Four Points, Macon County, Georgia, USA; maintained by C. T. Lewis (contributor 46817020).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54397842/elizabeth-young: accessed 15 September 2023), memorial page for Elizabeth Price Young (1 May 1793–3 Jun 1875), Find a Grave Memorial ID 54397842, citing Young Family Cemetery, Four Points, Macon County, Georgia, USA; maintained by C. T. Lewis (contributor 46817020).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54397790/martha-caroline-young: accessed 15 September 2023), memorial page for Martha Caroline Young (28 Sep 1836–10 May 1852), Find a Grave Memorial ID 54397790, citing Young Family Cemetery, Four Points, Macon County, Georgia, USA; maintained by C. T. Lewis (contributor 46817020).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39937348/david-wesley-young: accessed 15 September 2023), memorial page for David Wesley Young (15 Nov 1831–15 Jul 1918), Find a Grave Memorial ID 39937348, citing Winters Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery, Doraville, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Chrysé Wayman (contributor 47104160
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53848096/mariet-masina-young: accessed 16 September 2023), memorial page for Mariet Masina Morgan Young (4 Nov 1826–27 Jan 1860), Find a Grave Memorial ID 53848096, citing Young Family Cemetery, Bairdstown, Greene County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).).
• Massinah Young, U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850–1885.
• Matilda Young, Georgia, Confederate Pension Rolls, 1879–1920.
• Matilda Young, Georgia, U.S., Confederate Pension Applications, 1879–1960
• Mrs. J. W. Young, Oglethorpe Echo, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, June 2, 1922.
• Samuel Y. Young and Masena Morgan, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Samuel Y. Young and Matilda Guill, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Samuel Y. Young, Georgia, U.S., Confederate Pension Applications, 1879–1960.
• Samuel Y. Young, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1793–1892.
• Samuel Y. Young, U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850–1880.
• Samuel Y. Young, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1793–1892.
• Scrofula, Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25156-scrofula. 
• U.S. Federal Census, District 137, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Goodwins, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Maxeys, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.
• William Henry Young, Certificate of Death 30-3911, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Wm. Henry Young, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933. 

Vassie Verlin Lankford

Vassie Verlin Lankford, daughter of Oscar Olan Lankford and Joanna “Anna” E. Pace, was born March 17, 1901 in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She was the second of three children born to Oscar and Joanna—Loy Olen Lankford, Vassie Verlin Lankford, and an unnamed infant. She went by Verlin and is my 3rd cousin 3x removed. Our nearest common relatives are Nathan Lankford and Marion Caldwell (married about 1790 in Rutherford County, North Carolina), my 5th great grandparents.

On May 11, 1910, the Lankford family lived at Lawrenceville and Decatur Roads in the Berkshire District of Gwinnett County. Verlin’s grandparents, John Bailis and Clara A. (Minor) Lankford and uncle John Marcus “Mark” Lankford lived next door. Verlin’s father was a farmer on a general farm. Her parents had been married for 12 years. Her mother was enumerated as Anna, the mother of three children, two of which were living.  

Verlin married Walter Augustus Carroll, son of John Thomas Carroll and Lovely Ann Loucecily McCurdy, on April 26, 1919 in Fulton County, Georgia. Her first name was spelled “Verland” on the marriage license. Verlin and Walter were blessed with four children—John Walter Carroll, James “Eugene” Carroll, Betty Anne Carroll, and Mildred “Charlotte” Carroll. 

On January 26, 1920, Verlin and Walter lived with his parents and brother Mark in the Berkshire District. Walter worked as an automobile machinist. Verlin was 18 and Walter 19 years old. By 1925, the couple had moved to a house located at 67 Lowry Street in Atlanta. Walter had changed jobs and now worked as a roofer. 

On April 3, 1930, the Carroll family (Verlin, Walter, John, Eugene, and Betty) lived in a home located on Trinity Place in Decatur. Verlin and Walter owned the home, valued at $4500. The census record shows they also owned a radio. Walter worked as a policeman for DeKalb County. John and Eugene were both attending school. 

About 1935, Walter became a policeman for the city of Decatur in DeKalb County, Georgia. This was reflected in the 1936 Atlanta, Georgia City Directory, showing they had moved to a house on Lockwood Terrace in Decatur.

On April 13, 1940, Verlin, Walter, son John, and daughter Betty still lived in the Lockwood Terrace home. Verlin was enumerated as “Verlyn.” Her name would be spelled the same way in daughter Charlotte’s 2021 obituary. Betty’s age was inaccurately enumerated as one year old, with the fifth grade being the highest completed. Walter was a city policeman. 

When Verlin’s husband Walter registered for the World War II draft on February 16, 1942, he recorded Lockwood Terrace as his home address. Verlin was recorded as the person who would always know Walter’s address. Walter worked for G. S. Swords at Decatur’s City Hall.

Walter's World War II registration card

Verlin died at home on December 1, 1943. She was buried at Decatur Cemetery on December 3 following a service at Trinity Chapel officiated by Rev. George M. Acree. Verlin was provided an honorary escort by the Decatur Police Department. She was survived by her husband, sons John and Eugene, daughters Betty and Charlotte, parents, and brother Loy.

Photo used with permission of Joe Stoner, Find A Grave ID 47793749

Sadly, Verlin’s husband Walter died on New Year’s Eve 1944 leaving their four children orphans. At the time, John (24) was living in Houston, Texas, and James (22) in the military. Walter’s obituary noted that their son Sgt. Eugene Carroll was serving “with Gen. Patton’s Army during all the invasions” of World War II when Verlin died but was home on leave when Walter died. Both underage at 15 and 14 respectively, Charlotte and Betty were still living in Georgia. Charlotte’s 2021 obituary notes that she “left Decatur and moved to live with her aunt in Houston, Texas, but soon came back to Georgia to be raised by her aunt in Avondale Estates, Georgia and finished school in Decatur.” I do not find a record to show that Betty also moved to Houston. It appears she was attending Decatur High School in 1945 so if she did move, like Charlotte, she did not stay long. Betty would eventually move to Houston though where she lived a full and happy life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and educator.

References

• Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1925, 1936.
• Betty Murdock obituary; https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/betty-murdock-obituary?id=48908342. 
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/77419565/vassie-verlin-carroll: accessed 23 June 2023), memorial page for Vassie Verlin Lankford Carroll (17 Mar 1901–1 Dec 1943), Find a Grave Memorial ID 77419565, citing Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Larry Wynn (contributor 47256286).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/252692650/mildred-charlotte-smithmier: accessed 26 June 2023), memorial page for Mildred Charlotte Carroll Smithmier (27 Jul 1930–29 Sep 2021), Find a Grave Memorial ID 252692650, citing Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Sujava (contributor 47686977).
• Funeral Notice, Mrs. Walter A. Carroll, The Atlanta Constitution, December 2, 1943.
• Mrs. Walter A. Carroll obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, December 3, 1943.
• Obituary of Mildred Charlotte Smithmier, Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home; https://charlottememorial.com/tribute/details/5135/Mildred-Smithmier/obituary.html. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Avondale Estates, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1910, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Militia District 531, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1880.
• Verland Lankford and Walter A. Carroll, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• W. A. Carroll, Decatur Officer 9 Years, Is Dead, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 1, 1945.
• W. A. Carroll, U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1898–1929.
• Walter Augustus Carroll, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947. 

Nathan Mansfield Lankford

Nathan Mansfield Lankford, son of Curtis Caldwell Lankford and Catherine Anne Carruth, was born in Gwinnett County, Georgia on April 22, 1843. He was the fifth child of eight—Mary Elizabeth Lankford, Martha Emily Lankford, Lauraette Mitchell Lankford, James Carruth Lankford, Nathan Mansfield Lankford, John Bailis Lankford, Robert Cotesworth Lankford, and William Perry Lankford. Nathan’s sister Martha died in infancy in 1838, before he was born. 

Nathan is my 1st cousin 5x removed with our nearest common relatives being Nathan Lankford and Marion Caldwell. Nathan and Marion, married about 1790 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, are my 5th great grandparents. According to the book “History of Gwinnett County, Georgia,” by James C. Flanigan, Nathan Lankford “served as a private soldier in the American Revolution. He was in the memorable Battle of King’s Mountain, October 7, 1780 at which time he was only sixteen years of age. He was a brick mason by trade and helped to build the first White House in Washington, D.C. The corner stone was laid by George Washington, October 13, 1782 and Nathan Lankford was present.” The book goes on to say that Nathan Mansfield Lankford’s great-grandfather and my 6th great-grandfather was John Lankford who was born in Cornwall County, England about 1709 and came to America about 1725. John “married a Miss Taylor who was a relative of President Zack Taylor.”

On August 2, 1850, eight-year-old Nathan lived in Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia with his parents and siblings Mary (age 16), Laureate (age 12), James (age 10), John (age 5), Robert (age 3), and William (one month). His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $3000. His 83-year-old grandmother, Marion Caldwell Lankford (enumerated as Mariam Lankford) lived next door, along with Elizabeth Lankford (age 66), and Robert Lankford (43). I believe Robert was his uncle (born 1809)—the age is right. I’m not sure who Elizabeth was at this point in my research.

On September 22, 1860, 17-year-old Nathan and his family lived in the Berkshire district of Gwinnett County. His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $2500 and a personal estate valued at $4500. Nathan was attending school. The Lankford family were clustered together in the neighborhood when the census enumerator visited. Nathan’s cousin, Robert Mansfield Braden Jr., his family, and Nathan’s aunt Rhoda Lankford Braden (sister of Nathan’s father) lived four houses away. Nathan’s uncle (his father’s and Rhoda’s brother) Robert S. Langford and his family lived next door to the Braden’s—three houses from Nathan’s house. Minor Langford lived next door and the age would be right to be Nathan’s uncle but I’m stumped by the other individuals living in the home with Minor—Mary Mathews and her children Harriett, Minerva, John, William, and Eli. I don’t believe they are related to the Lankford’s after finding Mary and her children living as a family unit with no others in other census years. I could be wrong though so take that information with a grain of salt. 

The Civil War began in 1861 and forever changed the Lankford family. In 1862, Nathan traveled to Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia and enlisted as a private in Company C, 12th Georgia Battalion Light Artillery. In November 1864, he was sent to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia by the physician in command and then furloughed home due to chills and fever in January 1865. Nathan didn't recover from his sickness until the fall of 1866 and didn’t return to his command. His regiment surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia on April 9, 1865 without Nathan present. At the time of his discharge, Nathan held the rank of sergeant. Nathan would later become “a member of Gen. C. A. Evans Camp Confederate Veterans” in Decatur, Georgia. Nathan’s brother James didn’t survive the war, dying of measles while in service. There is a Find A Grave memorial for James that shows him buried at Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Following the end of the Civil War, Georgia was in shambles and reconstruction began. According to Ancestry.com, “the Reconstruction Acts of 1867 required Southern states to ratify the 14th Amendment, draft new state constitutions, and register voters, both black and white. In order to vote, men had to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States, and some were disqualified for their participation in Confederate government posts.” Nathan signed this oath on July 8, 1867. 

Nathan's oath of allegiance (click to enlarge)

Nathan married Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” McElroy, daughter of John William McElroy and Margaret Matilda Tilly, in DeKalb County, Georgia on November 14, 1867. Together they had five children—Frances Emily Lankford, William Curtis Lankford, Ellie Margaret (or Margaret Ellie) Lankford, Lenora Dean Lankford, and Allie Nina Lankford. 

Lankford-McElroy marriage record

On August 20, 1870, the Lankford family lived in the Brownings District of Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia. Nathan was a farmer with real estate valued at $800 and a personal estate valued at $525. His wife Mary E. was keeping house. Their first child, one year old Frances Emily, was enumerated as Fannie E. A 13-year-old black female named Frances McDaniel lived in the home as well and was a farm laborer. The 1870 Agricultural Census Schedule showed that Nathan had 280 acres of land—20 of which were “improved,” 200 “Woodland,” and 60 “Other unimproved.” His farm was valued at $800 and tools and machinery at $40. Nathan’s livestock was valued at $225 and included 1 mule, 1 milch cow, 1 other cattle, 5 sheep, and 11 swine. He grew wheat, Indian corn, and oats. During the period 1873–1876, the Georgia Property Tax Digests in Clarkston (Brownings District) of DeKalb County show that he had 202.5 acres of land valued at $1800. That same land was valued at $1500 during the period 1877–1880. 

On June 9, 1880, Nathan and his family lived in Clarkston (Brownings District, Cross Keys) of DeKalb County, Georgia. Nathan was a farmer. The enumerator noted that both of his parents were born in North Carolina. His wife was enumerated as Elizabeth, daughter Frances as Fannie, daughter Margaret Ellie as Ella, and daughter Lenora as Nora. Nathan’s 65-year-old mother-in-law Margaret (Tilly) McElroy lived with them, along with a 20-year-old black hired hand named Raz Turner who helped on the farm. The Manufacturers Census Schedule showed that the nature of his business was “Ginning” with a $1100 capital investment. He employed six hands to help him work the land, five of them above age 16. The “value of material (including mill supplies and fuel)” was $6000. The “value of product (including jobbing and repairing)” was $6300.

The year 1883 was a terrible one for the Lankford family with the death of Nathan’s father, Curtis, in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia on June 27. The Atlanta Constitution published a death notice on June 28: 

“Special to The Constitution. Stone Mountain, June 27.—Died, near this place to-day, Mr. C. C. Lankford, at his residence in Gwinnett county, aged 77 years. He leaves the wife of his youth, about the same age, several children and friends and relatives in Georgia and North Carolina to mourn their loss. Had been a member of the Methodist church for over fifty years.” 

Curtis’ death was soon followed by Nathan’s mother, Catherine Anne Carruth Lankford, in Gwinnett County on August 28, 1883. Both Curtis and Catherine were buried at Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. 

In the year 1890, the Property Tax Digests for Stone Mountain showed that Mrs. N. M. Lankford had 200 acres of land valued at $1500. Nathan himself had 35 acres valued at $1200. That same year, Nathan decided to run for office. The Atlanta Constitution reported this on November 29, 1890:

Interested in becoming a county official—Mr. J. A. Mason, the present county treasurer, wants to serve another term. He is opposed by three clever men, Mr. John G. Brown, N. M. Lankford and I. N. Wilson. Mr. Mason’s opponents are all members of the alliance.

Nathan’s son William married Susan Allen on April 18, 1895. The Houston Home Journal in Perry, Houston County, Georgia reported the marriage on April 25, 1895:

Powersville news. On last Thursday evening at 6 o’clock the marriage of Mr. Wm. Langford, of Midway, Ala., to Miss Susie Allen, of Powersville, was consummated at the residence of the residence [sic] of the bride’s uncle, Mr. W. E. Warren. A few minutes before six sweet notes of the wedding march were sounded on the organ by Miss Stella Tomlin, of Butler, Ga. Then came the bridal party as follows: Miss Maggie Allen with Mr. Tim Allen, Miss Emma Lou Jones, of Macon, with Mr. John Allen, Miss Maud Cliett with Mr. Jimmie Hughes. Mr. Lankford with his lovely bride leaning upon his arm came forward and took their proper place. Dr. W. L. Jones, the silver tongued divine, in a very beautiful and impressive manner joined them together as man and wife. After showers of congratulations and best wishes from their many friends, a very elegant and sumptuous luncheon was served. The bride is the accomplished daughter of Mrs. George W. Allen, and is in every way fitted to make Mr. Lankford a happy companion through life. The groom is a gentleman in every particular. Mr. Lankford has long been a trusted employe [sic] of the C. R. R. Co., and now holds a responsible position as depot agent at Midway, Ala. His friends are numbered by the score, who wish for him and his fair bride a long, prosperous and happy life. The happy couple left on the 7 o’clock train for a bridal tour in North Georgia. While there they will visit several points of interest, such as the Blue Ridge and Lookout mountains, Rome, Ga., and other points, after which they will return to their future home at Midway, Ala.

On June 6, 1900, Nathan, his wife Mary, and daughters Margaret (age 26) and Allie (age 22) lived in Pickneyville, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Nathan and Mary had been married for 30 years. The census enumerator recorded Mary as the mother of five children, all of which were living. Nathan was a farmer. On August 5, 1901, The Atlanta Constitution reported that “Mrs. Will Lankford, of Ozark, Ala., is visiting the family of Mr. N. M. Lankford.” A very sad event took place on March 17, 1903 when Nathan’s grandson, Warren Lankford, died at his home. The Home Journal of Perry, Houston County, Georgia reported the death on April 2, 1903:

In Memoriam. Written for The Home Journal. Little Warren Lankford, the 3-year-old son of Mr. W. C. and Mrs. Susan Allen Lankford, went to sleep March 17, 1903, at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lankford, Clarkston, Ga. Intelligent beyond his years, sweet and winsome, we all loved him. God, in His wisdom, chose this bright jewel for His kingdom. His little voice, though sadly missed here, is making sweet melody in his heavenly home. May the gentle influences of his short life spent here cause his bereaved parents to look over the mystic river of death into the sweet haven of eternal rest. He is not dead, only sleeping; the bud, transplanted, shall bloom again far brighter than moon or stars.

Loved ones, press onward to the Golden City, and there, united with little Warren, you may live through all eternity and there with him praise our Father, who doeth all things well.

Powersville, Ga.  F. D. Chunn.

But the year 1903 ended on a happy note for the Lankford family with the marriage of their daughter Allie. The Constitution reported it on November 25, 1903:

Atlanta, GA. Wednesday, November 25, 1903—ESTES-LANKFORD. Clarkston, Ga., November 24—(Special.) A beautiful and interesting event of the week was the marriage this evening of Miss Allie Nina Lankford and Mr. Thomas Otto Estes. The event was characterized by the sweet solemnity of a home wedding and was witnessed by the relatives and most intimate friends of the young couple. The bride, who is a handsome brunette, wore a traveling suit of brown with hat to match and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley. An elegant course dinner was served the guests and Mr. and Mrs. Estes left on the evening train for their home in Lincolnton. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Lankford and by her sweet Christian character has endeared herself to many friends who regret to give her up. Mr. Estes is a prominent business man of Lincolnton and has many friends there who will delight to welcome his bride.

Nathan’s sister, Lauraette Mitchell Lankford McClain, died on January 23, 1905, just five days after her birthday. She was buried at Harmony Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. In October 1907, Nathan and Mary traveled to Orlando, Florida where they spent the winter. 

At age 60, Nathan filed for an Indigent Pension in Clarkston, DeKalb County, Georgia on December 16, 1908 based on the grounds of infirmity and poverty. He stated that he “has no real estate in the State of Georgia, nor in any other State, but that his wife, Mary E. Lankford, does own a house and let in DeKalb County, Georgia, bought from J. W. Kirkpatrick, administrator [sic] that the purchase price paid thereafer [sic] was $800.00 and that the whole amount of the purchase price was paid by said Mary E. Lankford, and that N. M. Lankford paid no part of the purchase price at all.” He further stated “My physical condition is very poor. … I am not able to make a living at any kind of labor.” Nathan was supported by his wife and children during the years 1901 to 1907. He stated that his support cost about $125 per year and that he contributed $50 of that from his own labor or income. This was the first time he had applied for a pension. Two doctors—W. S. Angelely and C. S. Branyon—examined him on September 22, 1908 and determined that his precise physical condition was “rupture piles, indigestion, and a general breakdown which renders him unable to do manual labor or any other kind of labor to support himself.” 

On August 10, 1909, Nathan’s nephew, George Curtis Lankford, son of his brother John Balis Lankford, married Ramona Bennett. Nathan most likely attended the wedding which was reported in The Atlanta Constitution on August 14: 

Bennett-Langford. A pretty wedding of the week was that of Miss Ramona Bennett and Mr. George Curtis Lankford, at St. Phillip’s Episcopal cathedral, on Tuesday morning, at 11 o’clock. Rev. Gilbert Higgs officiating. Mr. W. Taber player the wedding march. Miss May Belle Yarbrough, maid of honor, wore a white lingerio gown trimmed with lace, and wore a picture hat of white Neapolitan, and carried a shower bouquet of pink roses. The bride entered with her father, Mr. H. W. Bennett, who gave her away. Her gown was of blue silk trimmed in pearl gray, and her picture hat was of blue. She carried a shower bouquet of bride roses. She was met at the altar by the groom and his best man, Mr. Robert Lankford, of Tifton. Mr. and Mrs. Lankford left for an extended trip. They will return the latter part of the month.

On February 20, 1910, The Atlanta Constitution reported that Nathan and Elizabeth hosted the 95th birthday family reunion of Granny McElroy (Elizabeth’s mother Margaret (Tilly) McElroy) at his home. The celebration was attended by about 50 members of the family. On April 16, 1910, the census enumerator found Nathan and his wife living in Clarkston. Their daughter Margaret, her husband Pleasant Collinsworth, and five-year-old son Allen lived with them. Nathan’s 95-year-old mother-in-law Margaret McElroy lived with them as well. Pleasant supported his family by working as a physician in a general practice. In September 1911, Nathan traveled to Rome, Georgia to attend a confederate soldier’s reunion. February 1912 brought the 97th birthday celebration of Nathan’s mother-in-law in Norcross. The Atlanta Constitution reported it on February 15, 1912 and noted that “Mrs. McElroy was considered one of the pioneers of Georgia, having moved to Georgia from Pendleton, S.C., when 11 years old.” A year later, the McElroy family gathered again to celebrate the 98th birthday of Granny McElroy. The Constitution in Atlanta reported it on February 13, 1913:

Mrs. M’Elroy Celebrates Her Ninety-Eighth Birthday—Norcross, Ga., February 13—(Special.)—Descendants of the fourth generation were gathered yesterday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Estes, Clarkston, to celebrate the ninety-eighth birthday of Mrs. Margaret McElroy and to hope that she will pass the century mark as hale and hearty as she is at the present time. 

On February 3, 1914, Nathan’s brother Robert Cotesworth Lankford, died suddenly of heart failure in Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Robert was buried at Harmony Grove Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. That same year, Nathan’s five-year-old granddaughter Elizabeth Catherine Estes, daughter of Allie (Lankford) and Thomas Estes died on October 6. Elizabeth was buried at Clarkston Cemetery.

Nathan’s mother-in-law Margaret McElroy turned 100 years old in February 1915. Five generations of the family gathered at the home of Stephen Tilly McElroy, Nathan’s brother-in-law, in Norcross, Georgia to celebrate. 

Less than two years after the death of Nathan’s granddaughter Elizabeth Estes, her father (and Nathan’s son-in-law) Thomas Estes died on May 10, 1916. Thomas was buried at Clarkston Cemetery.

At the age of 101 years, Granny McElroy, died on August 7, 1916 at Nathan and Mary’s home. The Atlanta Constitution reported her death later that day … “She came here two weeks ago from Norcross to visit her daughter, and on the day of her arrival received a fall, breaking her hip and receiving other injuries. The fall was the immediate cause of her death, as, notwithstanding her advanced age, she had been enjoying fairly good health.”

In late August 1916, Nathan’s grandnephew, Bennett Curtis Lankford, grandson of his brother John Bailis Lankford, died in Atlanta. Bennett was buried at Harmony Grove Church Cemetery. A little over a year later, on October 17, 1917, Nathan’s brother William Perry Lankford died at his home in Tucker, Gwinnett County, Georgia. He was buried at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Stone Mountain.

On January 2, 1920, Nathan and Mary lived with his daughter (Ellie) Margaret and her family (husband Pleasant Collinsworth and sons Allen and Pleasant Jr.) in Omega, Tift County, Georgia. Nathan was 76 years old and no longer working. His son-in-law Pleasant continued to work as a physician in a general practice. 

Nathan died in Omega on June 5, 1920, probably at his daughter’s house. His body was brought from south Georgia to Norcross for a funeral service held at the Methodist church with Rev. Nath Thompson, a former pastor, officiating. After the service, Nathan was buried at Norcross Town Cemetery in Norcross, Georgia with six of his grandsons acting as pallbearers. Nathan was considered a “highly respected citizen of Clarkston.” He was very active in the Methodist church and dedicated much of his life to the church. Nathan was a teacher and superintendent for the church Sunday school. He was known to have a “strong Christian character” and to be a peace maker.

Gravestone photo used with permission of Lisa Spulick

References

• Accident Is Fatal For Granny McElroy; Dies in 102d Year, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 7, 1916.
• Bennett-Langford Marriage, The Atlanta Constitution, August 14, 1909.
• C. R. Lankford, Norcross, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 3, 1914.
• Census Year: 1870; Census Place: Browning, DeKalb, Georgia; Archive Collection Number: T1137; Roll: T1137:7; Page: 43; Line: 34; Schedule Type: Agriculture 17.
• Family Reunion, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 20, 1910.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93965522/laura-mitchell-mcclain: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Laura Mitchell Lankford McClain (28 Jan 1839–23 Jan 1905), Find a Grave Memorial ID 93965522, citing Harmony Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Whitfield (contributor 47786265).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88556032/james-carruth-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for James Carruth Lankford (15 Feb 1841–4 Jan 1862), Find a Grave Memorial ID 88556032, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Linda Hinkle (contributor 47082158).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37121270/nathan-mansfield-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Nathan Mansfield Lankford (20 Apr 1843–5 Jun 1920), Find a Grave Memorial ID 37121270, citing Norcross City Cemetery, Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Quietly Resting (contributor 47077524).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28795020/curtis-caldwell-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Curtis Caldwell Lankford (1 Feb 1806–27 Jun 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 28795020, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by R Hill (contributor 47034378).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28794784/catherine-anne-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Catherine Anne Carruth Lankford (9 Nov 1810–28 Aug 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 28794784, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by R Hill (contributor 47034378).
• Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, Nathan M. Lankford, 1873–1876, 1877–1880, 1890.
• History of Gwinnett County, Georgia, vol. 2, James C. Flanigan, printed by Tyler & Co., 1984.
• In Memoriam, Little Warren Lankford, Home Journal, Perry, Georgia, April 2, 1903.
• In Memorium, The News-Herald, Lawrenceville, Georgia, July 22, 1920.
• Interested in Becoming a County Official, The Atlanta Constitution, November 28, 1890.
• Lankford Funeral Notice, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 27, 1916.
• Marriage of Estes Lankford, The Constitution, November 25, 1903.
• Miss Elizabeth Catherine Estes Funeral, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 8, 1914.
• Mrs. M’Elroy Celebrates Her Ninety-Eighth Birthday, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 15, 1912.
• Mrs. Will Lankford visits family, The Atlanta Constitution, August 5, 1901.
• N. M. Lankford, Georgia, Confederate Pension Applications, 1879–1960.
• N. M. Lankford, Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867–1869.
• N. M. Lankford, U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles.
• Nathan Lankford Dies on Saturday, The Atlanta Constitution, June 6, 1920.
• Nathan M. Lankford and Lizzie McElroy, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Nathan M. Lankford, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• One Hundred Candles Lighted on Cake at “Granny” McElroy’s Birthday Party, The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 14, 1915.
• Powersville news, marriage of William Langford to Miss Susie Allen, Houston Home Journal, April 25, 1895.
• Special to The Constitution, Curtis Lankford death notice, The Atlanta Constitution, June 28, 1883.
• Tombstone photo by Quietly Resting, Find A Grave Memorial# 37121270.
• Travel to Rome, Georgia, The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 24, 1911.
• Trip to Florida, The Atlanta Constitution, October 27, 1907.
• U.S. Federal Census, Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1850, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brownings District, Cross Keys, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brownings District, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Clarkston, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Omega, Tift County, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Pickneyville, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, Agriculture, 1870.
• U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, Manufacturing, 1880.
• W. P. Lankford Obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 18, 1917.
• William Perry Lankford obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, October 18, 1917. 

William Newman Caldwell

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 Newman Caldwell, son of Clayton C. Caldwell and Margaret L. Pounds, was born in February 1854 in DeKalb County, Georgia. I believe he went by Newman. To my knowledge, there were eight children in the Caldwell family—Ann Caldwell, Emmy Caldwell, Margaret Melvinie Caldwell, John Caldwell, Henry Caldwell, William Newman Caldwell, Robert Caldwell, and Mary Elizabeth Caldwell. His maternal uncle was named William Newman Pounds so I’m guessing that he was named for him but I have no way of confirming that.

Newman wasn’t in my database but I knew other Caldwell’s were so I started digging, looking for a connection. It took the better part of a Sunday before I found it—Newman is the step grandson of my 4th great grand aunt. We have no common relative. The connection trail goes this way: my father Samuel Terrell Lankford > his father Carroll Harvey Lankford > his mother Alice Beman Lankford > her father James C. Lankford > his mother Caroline B. Hobbs > her mother Mary Elizabeth Lankford > her father Nathan Lankford > his daughter Marion Lankford > her husband John T. Pounds > his daughter Margaret L. Pounds > and finally her son William Newman Caldwell.

Sometime after the birth of Mary in about 1859 and before the census was taken in 1860, it appears that Newman’s father Clayton died. On September 21, 1860, Newman lived with his mother and siblings in the Berkshire community of the 405th District of Gwinnett County, Georgia. They lived next door to his maternal uncle Richard Davis Pounds and his family.

On July 15, 1870, Newman was living with his sister Margaret, her husband, and children Nancy (3) and William (1) in Cedartown, Polk County, Georgia. He was enumerated as William Newman, age 16, working as a farm laborer. Newman was unable to read or write at the time. Margaret’s husband, John Yarbrough, was working as a farm laborer as well.

Newman married Samantha Elizabeth Seay, daughter of John A. Seay and Samantha Thomas, in DeKalb County on August 1, 1878. Newman was six years older than Samantha.

On June 7, 1880, Newman and Samantha lived in Rockmart, Polk County, Georgia. He was working on a farm while Samantha kept house. The census taker enumerated his as Wm. N. Colwell. Eight and a half years later, Newman and Samantha were finally blessed with a son they named William Melvin Caldwell. William was born in Georgia on January 18, 1889.

On July 9, 1900, Newman, Samantha, and Melvin lived in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia. Norman and Samantha had been married for 22 years. This census record confirms that they had only had the one child, Melvin. Newman was a farmer. Samantha’s birth year was listed as 1860, different than the 1858 that was engraved on her tombstone. Newman’s mother Margaret died in Georgia on February 19, 1905. She was buried at the Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

On May 3, 1910, Newman, enumerated as William N.,” was still living in Stone Mountain. He was a farmer on a home farm. Newman and his wife had been married for 31 years. His son Melvin had apparently just gotten married and he and his wife Willie lived in the home as well and was working on the home farm. Newman was surrounded by family with his brother Robert and his family living on one side of his house and his widowed sister Mary and her family living on the other side. One thing of interest on the 1910 census sheet—Newman’s house was dwelling number 93. Dwelling number 88 was the DeKalb County chain gang with 20 prisoners and one worker living there.

On January 10, 1920, Newman, his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren all lived together on Bairdstown Road in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. The house, which he owned, was classified as a farm. Newman was enumerated as a farmer and his son as a laborer. Newman’s grandchildren were twins John and William (8), Roy (7), Fred (5), Jane (3), and Melvin (5 months). This would have been a busy household.

Newman’s sister Margaret died in Armuchee, Floyd County, Georgia of Influenza type C on February 8, 1930. She was buried at New Armuchee Cemetery in Armuchee. Two months later, the census enumerator visited. On April 15, 1930, both Newman, his wife, and his son William and his family were still living in Woodville, however, were now living in separate houses on Woodville Road. His son William and his family lived four houses away. There were three more grandchildren in the family—Mae (6), Mildred (4), and Curtis (2 months). At age 76, Newman was renting his home and had finally retired.

Newman died from bronchitis and cardiac asthma in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia on April 10, 1935 after nearly a month’s illness. His son William was the informant on his death certificate. Newman was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown.

References

• U.S. Federal Census, District 405, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Rockmart, Polk County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Stone Mountain, DeKalb, Georgia, 1900, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene, Georgia, 1920, 1930.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 25 April 2020), memorial page for Margaret L. Pounds Caldwell (14 Jun 1821–19 Feb 1905), Find a Grave Memorial no. 88547776, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Linda Hinkle (contributor 47082158).
• Certificate of Death no. 11482, Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Certificate of Death no. 10005, W. N. Caldwell, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

William Troy Jones, a veteran of World War I

William Troy Jones

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “military.”

William “Troy” Jones, son of Henry Clayborn Jones Jr. and Martha B. McCarthy, was born on July 11, 1891 near Monroe in Walton County, Georgia. Troy was the third child of six—Henry Allen Jones, James Marshall Jones, William Troy Jones, Pearl Elizabeth Jones, Charles Wesley Jones, and Mary Etta Jones. He was my 1st cousin 2x removed with our nearest common relatives being Henry Clayborn Jones Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Tuck, “former prominent and highly respected Walton county citizens.”

On June 21, 1900, Troy lived with his family in the Vinegar Hill District of Walton County. His father was a farmer with sons Henry and James helping on the farm. Troy’s mother had five children, all of which were living.

On April 15, 1910, Troy and his family continued to live in the Vinegar Hill District of Walton County, in the town of Between. Troy’s father, a general farmer, owned the family farm free and clear. Troy, Pearl, and Charles were living at home. Troy’s brother Henry Allen (enumerated as Allen H. Jones) lived next door. At age 18, Troy was working on the home farm, along with his brother Charles. Everyone in the house could read and write. His sister Mary was not living with the family. His parents had been married for 27 years.

Troy served as a private in the U.S. Army during World War I. He registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 at the age of 25. He lived in Monroe and worked for H. A. Jones as a laborer on a farm nearby. Henry Allen Jones was the registrar that day. I assume both were the same person—his brother. Troy was tall and of medium build. He had blue eyes and light hair. Troy was inducted at Monroe on July 16, 1918. His birth year was recorded as 1892 instead of 1891. The Army sent him to Medical Officers’ Training Camp at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia at Fort Oglethorpe, Chickamauga Park, Georgia. It appears that he stayed there until August 1, 1918 and was then sent to Medical Detachment at Camp McClellan near Anniston, Alabama until October 29, 1918. From there he served in the depot brigade until he was discharged on January 3, 1919. Troy, a private, never served overseas.

Dora, Troy, and son William

On January 2, 1920, Troy, now age 28, still lived at home on the Federal Highway in the Lindleys District of Walton County. Troy and Charles were both helping their father with the farm. Sisters Pearl and Mary, were not working so were most likely helping their mother with the household chores. The year 1921 was full of sorrow for the Jones family. Troy’s father died at home of acute indigestion contributed by gall stones on February 9 and his sister Pearl died on August 30 of pellagra and appendicitis at the age of 26. Both were buried at New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery in Between.

On April 5, 1930, Troy, his widowed mother, brother Charles, and sister Mary lived on State Highway No. 10 in Between. He and his mother were farmers on a general farm, assisted by Charles and Mary. Troy had a sixth-grade education while everyone else made it through the seventh grade.

By April 2, 1940 when the census enumerator came around again, not much had changed—Troy, Charles, and Mary were still living on the farm with their mother. Troy, now 45 years old, was still single, as was Charles and Mary. Troy was the primary worker on the farm having worked 48 weeks prior to the census being taken. His brother Charles had only worked for 20 weeks.

Troy, Dora holding Barbara, and William

Troy married Dora E. Palmer, daughter of Andrew Jackson Palmer and Lula Carter, in Monroe on April 27, 1946. Together they had two children, William Randolph Jones and Barbara Ann Jones.

On September 3, 1946, his brother Henry died in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia and was buried at Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Decatur. Troy’s mother died in Loganville, Walton County on July 6, 1948. She was buried at New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery in Between. Years would pass before the Jones family suffered another death in the family and then they lost three members in three years. The first to pass away was Troy’s brother Charles in Loganville on May 15, 1972. Troy’s sister Mary died in Gwinnett County, Georgia on May 14, 1973. Charles and Mary were both buried at New Hope Methodist Church in Between with their parents. And then Troy himself died in Gwinnett County on January 2, 1974 at the age of 83. His funeral was held two days later on January 4 at New Hope Methodist Church with Revs. Lockridge and Lancaster officiating. Troy was buried in the church cemetery where many other Jones family members rest in eternity. He was survived by his wife Dora (who lived to be 93 years old), his son William, and daughter Barbara.

Dora and Troy Jones

References

• Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
• Miss Martha J. Jones Buried on Wednesday, “Walton Tribune,” January 19, 1934.
• Personal visit to New Hope Methodist Church, Between, Walton County, Georgia.
• Standard Certificate of Death 24245, Pearl Jones, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Standard Certificate of Death 5161, H. C. Jones, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• U.S. Army Medical Department, Office of Medical History, chapter II: Medical Officers’ Training Camps; https://history.amedd.army.mil/booksdocs/wwi/VolVII/ch02part1.html.
• U.S. Federal Census, Between, Walton County, Georgia, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Lindleys District, Walton, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Vinegar Hill, Walton, Georgia, 1900, 1910.
• William T. Jones, Georgia, World War I Service Cards, 1917–1919.
• William Troy Jones funeral notice, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 4, 1974.
• William Troy Jones military marker, New Hope Methodist Church, Between, Walton County, Georgia.
• William Troy Jones, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.