Ancestors of Ora Lee Carter

 

 

Generation No. 1

 

        1.  Ora Lee Carter, born 17 June 1906 in Wesson, Copiah Co MS, Mississippi; died 03 March 1975 in Louisville, KY.  She was the daughter of 2. Robert Wiley Carter and 3. Malinda Bell Leonard.  She married (1) Rollie Jeff Walker 03 November 1924 in Crystal Springs, Copiah Co. Mississippi.  He was born 03 June 1894 in Lola, Crittenden Co. Kentucky, and died 12 April 1964 in Louisville, Ky.  He was the son of Aaron Walker and Emeline C. Malcom.

 

Notes for Ora Lee Carter:

Ora Lee worked in the boarding house in Crystal Springs, MS run by her mother, Malinda.  It was here that she met Rollie Jeff Walker while playing a player piano for a silent movie.  The romance was frowned upon by her mother, Malinda,  because of the age difference.   Ora Lee worked for the Brown and Williamson Tobacco plant in Louisville KY for many years.  She developed diabetes mellitus and was forced to give herself shots of insulin for much of her adult life.  She died of a heart attack and stroke in 1974.

 

Ora Lee Carter Walker and Rollie Jeff Walker lived most of their adult lives, and raised their children, living at 2203 Lytle Street, in Louisville, KY.

 

More About Ora Lee Carter:

Burial: 05 March 1975, Portland Cemetery, Louisville, KY

Record Change: 02 February 2002

 

Notes for Rollie Jeff Walker:

According to Mary Walker Bracksieck (daughter):

 

"Dad was born in 1894.  He could not remember the town he was born in. As a young boy, he was farmed out to other farmers who needed someone to work their farms.  He was very yong and could not remember much of his Mother and Father.  He lost track of his brothers.  He finished the second grade in school and said he was about 8 years old when he got his first pair of shoes.  He worked for his keep.  His Mother and Father had too many kids to feed and could not afford to keep him.  He lived with several families in Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana before he went out on his own.  He was married and divorced before he met our Mom.  Her last name, I believe was Darnell, some of her family attended the same church we did as kids.  It was a short marriage.  They married just before he was shipped overseas to France during WWI.  She apparently found someone else while he was gone.  When he joined the Army, he met his brother Dan at (I believe) Fort Taylor in Louisville. Dan got him together with his other brothers.  Dan was married 5 times, twice to Aunt Agnes, who I remember.  Charlie lived next door to us for a time, (before I was born). He was killed, the killer never found.  Mom thought his wife Billie did it.  Charlie made illegal gin during prohibition.  The others, Dad never mentioned.

 

Dad met Mom in Crystal Springs.  She was playing the player piano for the silent movie at the time.  After they were married, they lived in a box car for 2 or 3 years.  Dad worked for the raliroad (L&N I think) as a carpenter.  They lived in several towns, just hooked the boxcar home to a train to transfer.  Your Dad, Rollie was born during this time.  He is the oldest, followed by Mable.  Dad lost his job with the railroad and worked, helping build the Selbach Hotel in Louisville until her started working for the K&I Railroad.  He worked there until he retired."

 

According to Edna Ray Walker Hendrickson (daughter):

 

"I wonder if you have found any information on Uncle Luke?  We had a picture in our dining room that was always there and we refered to him as Uncle Luke, as did Mom and Dad.  We never questioned who he was and Mom and Dad never explained.  Now I am curious as to who he was and seems none of my sisters know, but they do remember the picture.  Don't even know what happened to the picture.

 

Also have oftern wondered what happened to the tool box my dad made for your dad when he was just a teenager.  Dad made a normal size one for himself and smaller one identical for Rollie.  They were both so proud of them."

 

In the 1910 Federal Census in Kentucky, Marshall Co. Enumeration District 138 p. 4 Rollie is listed as Jeff Walker (he was often known by his middle name throughout his life), age 15 and is living as a Lodger with the family of John Devine a 41 year old WM farmer, his wife Nettie L. age 40, and their 6 children.  In 1920 he is living with his brother Charlie and Charlie's wife Virginia in Jefferson Co. KY, Louisville, ED 171, sheet 12.  His name is spelled as "Raleigh" on this document.  In this census, the father of both Charlie and Rollie was shown as being born in Louisiana.  Charlie was listed as a carpenter on the railroad and Rollie was a carpenter on a bridge.  I remember being told as a child that my grandfather was a carpenter who built bridges for the railroad.  In the 1930 Census, Rollie was listed in Jefferson CO KY, ED 138, page 6A living on Lytle St. with his wife Ora, son Rollie Jr., daughter Mable E. and daughter Edna R.  The monthly rental on their house was $18.00

 

                Honorable Discharge from the United States Army

 

To all whom it may concern...This is to certify that Rollie J. Walker, 1577858 Pvt unassigned, last assigned Co B 113 Eng the United States Army, as a testimonial of honest and faithful service is hereby honorably discharged from the military service of the United States by reason of expiration term of service June 25, 1919.  Said Rollie J. Walker was born in Crittenden, in the State of Kentucky.  When enlisted he was 23 years of age and by occupation a carpenter.  He had blue eyes, brown hair, dark complexion, and was five feet nine inches in height.  Given under my had at Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky this 26th day of June, one thousand nine hundred and nineteen. signed (indecypherable) major, F.A.

 

                on the reverse side is the Enlistment Record:

 

Name:  Rollie Walker, Grade:  Private  Enlisted or Inducted May 6 1917 at Louisville, KY.  Servingt in 1st enlistment period at date of discharge.  Prior service, none. 

 

 

 

More About Rollie Jeff Walker:

Burial: April 1964, Portland Cemetery, Louisville, Ky

Military service: 06 May 1917, Co. B 113 engineering Battalion, KY

Record Change: 02 February 2002

 

Generation No. 2

 

        2.  Robert Wiley Carter, born 15 March 1866 in Smith Co. Mississippi; died 16 June 1919 in Mississippi.  He was the son of 4. Robert N. Carter and 5. Amanda Hayes.  He married 3. Malinda Bell Leonard 02 February 1893 in Wesson, Copiah, Mississippi.

        3.  Malinda Bell Leonard, born 12 November 1871 in Mississippi; died 30 November 1941 in Mississippi.  She was the daughter of 6. William M Leonard and 7. Abi Wilson.

 

Notes for Robert Wiley Carter:

Robert Carter was born in Smith County, Mississippi.  After marrying, He and Malinda owned a store in Wesson, Mississippi.   He also served as Justice of the Peace in Wesson.  He had a stroke at age 44 and was confined to a wheelchair until his death at age 53. 

 

In the Wesson Enterprise dated June 20, 1919 the following obituary is printed:

 

"Robert Carter died in his home at Crystal Springs last Monday.  His body was buried in the Little Bahala Cemetary, six miles East of Wesson, last Wednesday.  Mr. Carter was a brother of A. N. Carter of this city.  He leaves a wife and several children."

 

Malinda and Robert are buried side by side in the Little Bahala cemetery in Wesson, Miss.  His grave is marked "Father", hers is marked "Mother" and they are flanked by the graves of children Rowen and Frank.  Clarence is also buried closeby.

 

The following note is from a letter written by Mrs. Helen Eady Jones, daughter of Minnie Carter Eady, to the "Carter cousins" on Dec. 20, 1985.

 

"Our grandparents (Robert W. and Malinda Leonard Carter) were very poor.   All of our parents had to quit school and go to work at an early age.  My own mother (Minnie) quit school after the sixth grade.  She worked in a box factory with Aunt Mabel.  As you can see, Grandma and Grandpa were married Feb 2, 1893 and Uncle Hugh was born one year later, January 6, 1894, and from then on they had a baby nearly every two years.  Two of the babies died in infancy, Clarence Richard Carter and Walter Rowan Carter.  Our Uncle Frank (William Franklin Carter) lived to be 22 years old.  He died of pneumonia.  The other six children lived to be grown and married.  Among them they had 14 children who lived to be grown and married and that is us - The Carter Cousins.  We are scattered all over the United States."

 

Little Bahala Baptist Church

 

Rr 2 Box 106a Wesson Ms 39191-9802

 

601-835-0474

 

 

 

More About Robert Wiley Carter:

Burial: 1919, Little Bahala Cemetary, Wesson Mississippi

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

Notes for Malinda Bell Leonard:

Malinda was known by her family as "Linnie".

 

Obituary taken from the December 5, 1941 edition of the Crystal Springs, MS "Meteor"

 

"MRS. M.B.CARTER DIED SUNDAY, NOV 30, AFTER LONG ILLNESS - Friends were grieved to hear of the death of Mrs. M. B. Carter, highly respected citizen of this city, who passed away at the family residence Sunday, November 30, at 2:30 O'clock.

 

Mrs. Carter was the widow of the late R. W. Carter and moved here with her family from Wesson 26 years ago.  She has been in bad health for several years but has been confined to her bed for the past three or four months.  She was a member of the Baptist Church and funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Little Bahala Church near Wesson, Rev. A B Pierce, officiating. Internment took palce in Little Bahala Cemetery.

 

Mrs. Carter is survived by three daughters, Mrs, J. W. Walker (note...should have read Mrs. R. J. Walker) of Louisville, Ky; Mrs. J. T. Weeks, Mrs. R. H. Eady of Crystal Springs, and three sons, R.H.Carter, Laurel; Ray Carter, Milan Tenn. and Albert E. Carter, Crystal Springs.  One brother William Leonard of Wesson and several grandchildren also survive."

 

I have on file, a copy of a hand written document dated 2 Feb 1893 that reads:

 

"What therefore god hath poined together man put asunder.

This is to certify

 

That Mr. R. W. Carter

and Miss M. B. Leonard

 

were united by me in

Holy Matrimony

 

at 4 miles East of Wesson on the 2nd day of Feb. 1893

 

In presence of friends and relations

 

signed Rev. D. C. Farmer"

 

More About Malinda Bell Leonard:

Burial: 1941, Little Bahala Cemetary, Wesson Mississippi

Record Change: 25 January 2002

       

Children of Robert Carter and Malinda Leonard are:

                           i.               Robert Hugh Carter, born 06 January 1894 in Mississippi; died 07 February 1956 in Mississippi; married Zeola Campbell; died 14 October 1985 in Hattiesburg, MS.

 

More About Robert Hugh Carter:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

More About Zeola Campbell:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                          ii.               Maybell Carter, born 05 May 1896 in Wesson, Copiah, Mississippi; died 14 October 1984 in Jackson Mississippi; married Terrell Weeks.

 

Notes for Maybell Carter:

According to Mrs. Helen Eady Jones, niece of Maybell Carter Weeks, "Robert Carter's store in Wesson, Miss. fell on hard times and they sent Maybell to Crystal Springs to work in the box factory.  Maybell did so well there, the entire family loaded their belongings on a boxcar and moved from Wesson to Crystal Springs.  Malindia Leonard's family remained in Wesson.  Aunt Maybell and Uncle Kidd had no children, but they had two dogs named JoJo and Jack. "   Aunt Maybell was living in the Manhattan Health Care Center in Jackson MS when I visited her in 1980, and at her death in 1984.

 

In the Crystal Spring Meteor, 17 October 1984, the following obituary appeared:

 

"MABLE WEEKS - Mrs. Mabel Carter Weeks, 86 (an error, it should have read 88), died October 14, 1984 at Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital, Hazelhurst.

 

Mrs. Weeks was a native of Copiah County and a member of the Crystal Springs United Methodist Church.  She was the widow of Terrell Weeks and a longtime employee of Crystal Springs Shirt Corporation.

 

Funeral services were held October 16 at 2 P.M. at STringer's Funeral Home Chapel in Crystal Springs with her pastor, the Rev. Thomas L. Pace officiating.  Internment was in Crystal Springs City Cemetary."

 

More About Maybell Carter:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

Notes for Terrell Weeks:

[real one.ged]

 

Uncle Kidd died from throat cancer and was an alcoholic

 

More About Terrell Weeks:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                         iii.               Clarence Richard Carter, born 16 November 1898 in Mississippi; died 04 February 1900 in Mississippi.

 

Notes for Clarence Richard Carter:

[real one.ged]

 

DEATH: Died of Whooping Cough

 

More About Clarence Richard Carter:

Burial: 1900, Little Bahala Cemetary, Wesson Mississippi

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                         iv.               William Franklin Carter, born 23 January 1901 in Mississippi; died 06 March 1923 in Mississippi.

 

Notes for William Franklin Carter:

Frank went to Topeka, Kansas for work with Western Union.  While there, he developed pneumonia.  His brother Hewey went to care for him, but he died at age 22.

 

More About William Franklin Carter:

Burial: March 1923, Little Bahala Cemetary, Wesson Mississippi

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                          v.               Minnie Estelle Carter, born 14 February 1903 in Mississippi; died 19 June 1963 in Mississippi; married Robert Eady 15 August 1928.

 

Notes for Minnie Estelle Carter:

DEATH: Minnie died sitting in a chair at the family owned fruit stand, drinking a cold drink.  She had just finished hanging out the laundry. Her daughter lived in the same house which has been in the family for more than 100 years, in Crystal Springs, Miss.

 

DEATH: Helen Eady Jones was the source for much of this information.

 

Minnie and Bob Eady did rather well in Crystal Springs.  They ran a fruit stand and had a farm outside of town.

 

More About Minnie Estelle Carter:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

Notes for Robert Eady:

Bob Eady died in a nursing home in Biloxi MS

 

More About Robert Eady:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

        1               vi.               Ora Lee Carter, born 17 June 1906 in Wesson, Copiah Co MS, Mississippi; died 03 March 1975 in Louisville, KY; married Rollie Jeff Walker 03 November 1924 in Crystal Springs, Copiah Co. Mississippi.

                        vii.               Albert Earl Carter, born 14 November 1908 in Mississippi; died 16 December 1972 in Mississippi; married Susie Mae Sellers 02 June 1932.

 

Notes for Albert Earl Carter:

[real one.ged]

 

Spouse: Susie Mae Sellers

 

Albert was married to Susie Mae Sellers on 2 Jul 1932.  He died of a heart attack.   He was a produce buyer, and a Baptist.

 

More About Albert Earl Carter:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

More About Susie Mae Sellers:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                       viii.               Walter Rowan Carter, born 24 November 1911 in Mississippi; died 16 January 1912 in Mississippi.

 

Notes for Walter Rowan Carter:

William Leonard had a daughter named Rowena and there was a doctor in Wesson at the time named Dr. Rowan.  I'm not sure if there's a connection or not.

Rowan is buried at his mother's right hand side in Little Bahala Cemetary in Wesson, MS.

DEATH: Died as a child

 

More About Walter Rowan Carter:

Burial: January 1912, Little Bahala Cemetary, Wesson Mississippi

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                          ix.               Ray Virgil Carter, born 11 January 1913 in Mississippi; died 05 April 1956 in Mississippi; married Dorothy Sue Lessenberry 07 September 1940.

 

Notes for Ray Virgil Carter:

 

Spouse: Dorothy Sue Lessenbury

 

DEATH: Uncle Ray died of a heart attack while driving his car from his home in Milan, Tn. to Humboldt, Tenn.   He left one son, Hugh Allen Carter who now resides in Milan, Tenn.

 

According to a letter from Uncle Ray's son, Hugh Allen, Ray died in April of 1956.  He married Dorothy Sue Lessenbury while he was in the Army.  When he got out of the Army, he moved the family to Milan, TN in order to take a job with the Milan Army Ammunition Plant (now called American Ordinance.)   He was still working at the same place as an electrician when he died.

 

More About Ray Virgil Carter:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

More About Dorothy Sue Lessenberry:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

 

Generation No. 3

 

        4.  Robert N. Carter, born Abt. 1843 in Mississippi.  He was the son of 8. Unknown Carter and 9. Unknown.  He married 5. Amanda Hayes.

        5.  Amanda Hayes, born 1847.  She was the daughter of 10. Ebenezer Hays and 11. Anna Unknown.

 

Notes for Robert N. Carter:

In the 1860 MS census, Robert (age 18) was living in Smith Co in the household of I. P. and Martha Young ages 32 and 29 respectively.   With him was a 24 year old George W. Carter whom I believe to be the brother of Robert N. Carter.  Robert Wiley Carter was born in Smith Co in 1866.  At the time of the 1880 census, Robert N. Carter had the following people living in his home in addition to the children already listed:  Mary J. Carter - age 13 - neice - Working in the cotton mill, Rose (indecipherable) Carter - age 9 - neice, Weley Hayes - age 21 - brother in law - MS, SC, SC, and Odom (indecipherable) age 17 - white female border - working in cotton mill - MS, AL, AL.  Since the brother-in-law listed shows the same birthplace for his parents that Amanda (Robert N. Carter's wife) showed in 1880 and 1870, I have made the assumption that Amanda was also a Hayes.

       

Children of Robert Carter and Amanda Hayes are:

        2                 i.               Robert Wiley Carter, born 15 March 1866 in Smith Co. Mississippi; died 16 June 1919 in Mississippi; married Malinda Bell Leonard 02 February 1893 in Wesson, Copiah, Mississippi.

                          ii.               Amanda Carter, born Abt. 1867.

                         iii.               Anna J. Carter, born Abt. 1869.

                         iv.               Andrew N. Carter, born Abt. 1870.

                          v.               Nancy Carter, born Abt. 1875.

                         vi.               Charlie Carter, born Abt. 1878; married May Ollie Gray; born Abt. 1883.

 

Notes for Charlie Carter:

The following obituary was printed in an undated clipping from an unknown newspaper in Jackson, MS.

 

"KLANSMEN PLACE WREATH ON GRAVE....Waynesboro, Sept. 6 - (Special)  The funeral of Charlie Carter, one of the best known and most popular citizens of Wayne County, who died suddenly at his home in Clara, was held at the Methodist church at Clara, Rev. C. M. Baggett of Buckatuna, assisted by Rev. W. O. Carter of this place, were in charge of the services.  The large number of people attending the last sad rites over the body bore mute testimony to the high esteem and love in which he was held.

 

The internment took place at the White House cemetery, and just as the flowers were being placed upon the grave, eight men, robed in the regalia of the Ku Klux Klan, marched slowly to the grave and placed a beautiful wreath upon the mound.  Besides his wife, he leaves six children to mourn his passing."

 

More About Charlie Carter:

Burial: Whitehouse Cemetary, Wayne Co. Mississippi

 

Notes for May Ollie Gray:

AKA "Sukie"

 

According to Charles Gray, "Aunt Sukie was the postmistress at Clara (MS). 

 

                        vii.               Laura Carter, born Abt. 1879.

 

 

        6.  William M Leonard, born 1826 in Scotland; died 26 May 1906 in Mississippi.  He was the son of 12. William Leonard.  He married 7. Abi Wilson.

        7.  Abi Wilson, born 1834 in Mississippi; died 1930 in Mississippi.  She was the daughter of 14. Turner Wilson and 15. Mother Of Abi And Vasti Unknown.

 

Notes for William M Leonard:

 

 

William and his brother Hansford are believed to have stowed away on a ship from Scotland.   They were discovered half-way across and forced to work hard to pay for their passage.  The ship landed in Louisiana and Hansford remained in Louisiana.  William and Hansford (Hanse) saw each other only one time after that. William migrated to MS and Hansford stayed in Louisiana.   On 16 Jan 1850 William married Abi (pronounced A-BYE) Wilson in Lincoln County MS.  Before the civil war, he owned 680 acres of land.  He lost all of it but 140 acres during the occupation of Mississippi.  William enlisted in the Confederate army in Jan 1862.  He served in CSA Co K, 3rd MS Regiment. and was captured in Nashville and held prisoner by the Union until the war's end.   According to his military records he enlisted on Mar 6, 1862 at Handsboro.   During Sep-Oct 1862 he was listed as "sick in camp", Jan and Feb of 1862 - no entries, July and Aug 1862 - "Absent without leave", Sep - Oct 1863 - "Present", Nov - Dec 1863 - no entries, Mar - Apr 1864 - "left with pass from Gnl. Loring 6 days 12-25-1863",

 Aug - Feb 1864 - "absent without leave since 2-18-63". 

 

A brief history of the 3rd Mississippi Infantry follows:

 

 

Colonels -- John B. Deason, until reorganization; Thomas A. Mellon, wounded at Peachtree Creek; James M. Stigler, Third Consolidated, April, 1865. Lieutenant- Colonels -- Robert Eager, resigned; Thomas A. Mellon, to reorganization; E. A. Peyton, resigned; James B. McRae, resigned; Samuel M. Dyer. Majors -- Thomas A. Mellon, E. A. Peyton, Samuel M. Dyer, W. H. Morgan. Adjutants -- Benjamin Jones, 1861; Junius Poindexter, 1862; Fred S. Hewes, 1864.

 

Total original enrollment, 806 officers and men.

 

This was the Third Regiment, Third Brigade, Army of Mississippi, Charles G. Dahlgren, Brigadier-General, M. R. Clark, Adjutant-General, headquarters Camp Clark, at Shieldsboro. The organization was not completed until other regiments bearing higher numbers, were in the field. The nucleus of the regiment was the Shieldsboro Rifles and Gainesville Volunteers, which Captain Deason reported in camp at Shieldsboro under his command August 1, 1861. The regimental field officers were elected September 25, 1861. Company I was assigned to the regiment October 14, at Pass Christ/an.

 

In the fall of 1861, when the coast was menaced by the expedition to Ship Island under General Butler, General Polk, who had established a post at Columbus, Ky., made an urgent demand for reinforcements. In meeting this Gen. Mansfield Lovell, in command of New Orleans and the Mississippi coast, sent north nearly all the troops he had. In the latter part of November, General Lovell called the Third in from Mississippi Sound, and sent it, 800 strong, to the aid of General Polk at Columbus, Ky. There was protested against this by Governor Pettus and President Davis and General Lovell secured the return of the Third in January, 1862, as "a regiment peculiarly adapted to, and indeed, raised mainly for the defense of the intricate coast of Mississippi Sound." It was the plan of Governor Pettus to have three regiments, including the Seventh, Colonel Goode, and a battalion already organized (December, 1861), for coast defense. He said: "The Legislature has made an appropriation of $250,000 to build gunboats on the coast, and force will be required to protect the points at which they are to be constructed."

 

General Lovell reconnoitered, the enemy January 19, and found twenty-four vessels at Ship Island. "Two of the steamers got under way and drove us back to Pass Christian. Biloxi is not and never has been occupied by the enemy," he then wrote. "The reports about outrages and communications with the enemy are grossly exaggerated." The Third was stationed at Handsboro and Pass Christian. In February, 1862, General Lovell manned two one-gun launches with men of the Third for the defense of Bay St. Louis and Biloxi, but the boats were soon ordered sent to Mobile.

 

February 24, General Lovell notified Governor Pettus that on the request of General Beauregard he would send the Seventh Regiment to Tennessee: "There will be left as a guard upon the Mississippi coast Colonel Deason's Regiment and two batteries, together with Captain Norman's cavalry. I have heard from Ship Island recently and am convinced that we have little to apprehend from that quarter. I shall add, however, to the troops already near Handsboro, Captains Taylor's and Jones' companies of Mississippi Volunteers, making in all upwards of over 1,200 men."

 

April 3, 1862, seven companies of the Third were at Handsboro, under Colonel Deason, and three at Pass Christian, when the Federals landed 500 men at Biloxi, the expedition including three steamers. General Mansfield Love1l, commanding on the coast, arranged that Commodore Whittle should attack the enemy's boats with the steamers Carondelet, Pamlico and Oregon, while Deason attacked the troops but the Federals re-embarked, and reinforced with two steamers, compelled the Confederate boats to retire, landed 1,200 men and a battery, at Pass Christian April 4, and burned the camp and part of the clothing and stores of the three companies, which retired to Gainesville. Meanwhile, according to orders, Denson had marched to Biloxi. The regiment afterward returned to Pass Christian. The flag of the Third, captured that day by the Ninth Connecticut, was returned by that command on Connecticut Day at the New Orleans exposition, February 26, 1885, and received on behalf of the regiment by Colonel Dyer and Captain Curran.

 

In May, 1862, the regiment was re-enlisted for the war and reorganized in camp at Tangipahoa, La.

 

May 29, 1862, General Lovell, at Camp Moore, La., sent the Third, under Colonel Mellon, and the Twenty-eighth Louisiana, to reinforce Gen. M. L. Smith at Vicksburg. They were on picket duty during the bombardment of May 20 to July 27, 1862, began the work of fortifying Sugar Loaf Hill and remained on the river front guarding against surprise and always ready to meet an attack.

 

Listed July, 1862, as 35 officers and 476 men present for duty, aggregate present 709, present and absent, 886. In September, in command of Gen. M. L, Smith, Vicksburg, (Col. Mellon), 916 present and absent.

 

In January, 1863, with Smith and Lee at Vicksburg, aggregate effective 638. During Sherman’s Vicksburg campaign of December, 1862, the Third was stationed at Snyder's Mill, on the Yazoo, an important point, which was threatened but not attacked by land. General Pemberton ordered that the regiment inscribe "Vicksburg" on its battle flag.

 

January, 1863, Hebert's Brigade, Maury's Division, of Vicksburg army, Gen. C. L. Stevenson commanding. February 13, reported 572 effective present, not brigaded.

 

General Featherston was given a brigade command about this date, including the Third, which was detached with Hebert at Snyder's Bluff. The brigade operated on the Rolling Fork and Sunflower against Federal expeditions in March, and on March 28 the Third went to Fort Pemberton, at the junction of the Tallahatchie and Yazoo, and was attached to General Loring's command. After this Featherston's Brigade, Loring's Division, was composed of the Third, Twenty-second, Thirty-first, Thirty-third and First Battalion. Colonel Mellon commanding, May 30; Major S. M. Dyer, July 30.

 

At the battle of Baker's Creek, May 16, Featherstone’s Brigade was first put in line of battle at the right of Pemberton's line, on the Raymond road, and was held in that part of the field, while the battle was raging on their left, where the flank attack was made, until 2 or 3 o'clock in the evening, when they were ordered to the support of Bowen and Stevenson. They marched as rapidly as possible about two miles, preceded by Buford's Brigade, but found no one to give them orders. General Loring formed a line, including a part of S. D. Lee's Brigade, and was about to advance when orders came from General Pemberton that Loring should cover the retreat to Edwards. Featherston accordingly held his brigade in line of battle, the regiments posted to cover the different avenues of approach, and three pieces of artillery playing upon the enemy. Twice the brigade was advanced to new positions, but the last position exposed them to attack in flank and rear, and it was necessary to withdraw. "During this skirmish, and in fact the entire day, my brigade behaved well," Featherston reported. The last position taken was not abandoned until General Loring so ordered, when Featherston moved toward the Baker's Creek Ford, but found that Loring was not crossing there, but seeking a crossing somewhere below. In the night, finding no guide to a crossing. the division turned back toward Crystal Springs and Jackson.

 

General Osterhaus, commanding the Federal force near the railroad bridge on the Big Black, during the siege ofVicksburg, reported in his front, June 21, the Third, Sixteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-second Mississippi infantry, mounted, under the command of Colonel Lyon, Eighth Kentucky.

 

Colonel Mellon commanding Featherston's Brigade, Loring's Division, army of General Polk, at Canton when Sherman began his march from Vicksburg to Meridian, February, 1864. The Third was ordered to Jackson February 4, and thence fell back with Polk's command to Demopolis, Ala.

 

Transferred in the spring of 1864 to Montevallo, Ala., the brigade moved to Resaca in time to take part in the opening battle of the Georgia campaign. Near New Hope Church, May 31, there was a brilliant charge of the skirmish line of Featherston's Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel McRae commanding the left of the line. The men were not content with driving in the skirmishers but charged the Federal line of works, and suffered a heavy loss, about 100 killed and wounded out of 400 engaged.

 

In the battle near Kenesaw Mountain or Marietta, June 27, brought on by Federal attack, the Third Regiment, on the skirmish line, under Major Dyer, with Stigler's sharpshooters, in front of the brigade, sustained the attack and held the Federal line in check through the day. repulsing one advance that came within sixty yards of their position, at four in the evening. Featherston reported, "A brisk fire was kept up on this line during the evening, and both the battalion and Third Mississippi Regiment acted with great coolness, courage and determination." Roll of Honor, published August 10, 1864: "Third Mississippi Regiment of infantry, for gallant and meritorious conduct while on picket duty at Kenesaw Mountain, July 2, 1864." In general orders, Private J. W. Patterson, Company C, was commended for gallantry on picket duty, on Kenesaw .Mountain, July 2. In the battle of Peachtree Creek, July 20, Colonel .Mellon commended the regiment, which joined in the gallant charge of the brigade across the creek and gained a position on the summit of a slight elevation, partially protected by a rail fence. Colonel Mellon was severely wounded as this position was gained, and Captain A. F. Ramsey and Lieutenant John P. Gressett were killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer took command, and after losing many of his best men, and being exposed on both flanks, he withdrew from the attack with the brigade. The casualties were 11 killed, 71 wounded, 6 missing. They were again in battle July 28, and after that served in the trenches around Atlanta until the evacuation, September 1.

 

In his report of the battle of Peachtree Creek, General Featherston gave honorable mention to his staff: Capt. C. P. Neilson, Capt. W. G. Poindexter, Lieuts. A. N. Parker and W. G. Sykes.

 

In the October, 1864, campaign on the Chattanooga and Atlanta Railroad, Featherston's Brigade captured the Federal post at Big Shanty, was with Loring's Division in the capture of Acworth, and with Stewart's Corps in the destruction of the railroad between Dalton and Resaca, after which they moved through the mountains to Gadsden, Ala., skirmished at Decatur, October 26-29, and moved thence to Tuscumbia.

 

November 6 Stewart’s Corps formerly known as the Army of the .Mississippi, reported 12,684 aggregate present, and an enrollment of 26,714. On the 20th they crossed the Tennessee River, and after marching to Columbia to confront Schofield's Corps, and toward Spring Hill on the 29th, in the attempt to cut off the Federal retreat, Loring's Division joined in the assault upon the intrenched lines at Franklin November 30. Loring's Division, on the right of Stewart's line, toward the Harpeth River, had to cross a deep railroad cut and an abatis and hedge of Osage orange, exposed to a destructive artillery fire and without much artillery support. The battle raged from four in the evening until late at night, the Confederate line pressing forward again and again with dauntless courage and meeting with terrible loss. General Featherston reported that three flags were lost by his brigade. "The color bearers of the Third and Twenty-second planted their colors on the enemy's works and were wounded and captured with their colors." "The flag of this company [Co. I] was adopted as that of the regiment. James A. Sconyers of this company was the color bearer and the flag of Company I continued to be that of the regiment until the Stars and Bars was chosen by the Confederacy. The flag of Company I was borne in every engagement until the battle of Franklin, when Lieut. John Cherry of the Downing Rifles planted it on the breastworks, and in so doing fell with the flag, wounded, inside the works." (Yazoo County Roster and Sketches.) Lieut.-Col. S. M. Dyer, commanding the Third, was among the wounded. Among the killed were Adjutant L.M. Long, Lieuts. J. T. Young and A. J. Russell, and Ensign J. J. Cherry. The casualties of the regiment were 13 killed, 40 wounded, 20 missing. The casualties of the brigade were: Killed, 16 officers, 60 men; wounded, 22 officers, 178 men; missing, 4 Officers, 72 men. December 9, the return of Stewart's Corps was 8155 aggregate present, 2,317 prisoners of war, and an enrollment of 21,052. On that day Featherston's Brigade had. 1,208 present, 781 effective. They were then before Nashville, Loring's Division occupying an intrenched line one mile long, across the Granny White pike, to support which line redoubts were partly completed on five hills. When General Thomas attacked December 15, Walthall manned the redoubts with his division and French's, and Johnson's Division reinforced them. But two of the redoubts were carried, and the Federal troops pushed down the road, compelling Walthall to abandon the line, "not a moment too soon, and this of itself made it necessary for Loring to withdraw. The latter was also directed to form along the Granny White pike, nearly at right angles to his former position, to check the anticipated rush of the enemy from his and Walthall's fronts. This was gallantly and successfully done by this fine division, the corps retiring to a position between the Granny White and Franklin pikes, when night put an end to the conflict." (Stewart).

 

Next day, December 16, Stewart's Corps repulsed to the last every attack made upon them, but finally Bate’s line, on their left, was broken, and the entire army retreated in confusion to Brentwood. The old Army of the Mississippi covered the retreat across Duck River December 18-20, and they were again the last to cross at the Tennessee River, December 26-28. Capt. O. H. Johnston was in command of the Third December 10. The return of December 21 showed an aggregate present for the Third of 75, 51 effective. At Columbia, December 20, a rear guard of infantry was organized under the command of General Walthall, including Featherston's Mississippians and six other brigades.

 

They remained at Columbia confronted by a heavy force of the enemy, until the army had been on the march forty-eight hours, their spirits rising superior to the great misfortunes which had befallen them. On the march they traversed roads covered with snow and ice, numbers of the men without shoes, some without blankets and all poorly clad for the season. At Anthony's Hill, December 25, and at Sugar Creek next day, Featherston's Brigade was distinguished in checking the Federal pursuit, making considerable captures of men and horses.

 

They reached the vicinity of Tupelo January 8, 1865.

 

About the first of February, 1865, the remnant of Loring's Division began the movement to reinforce General Johnston in the Carolinas, Sherman having marched to Savannah. They were ordered forward from Augusta. Ga., to Newberry, S. C., February 25. In the Carolina campaign they participated in the battles of Kinston, March 10, and Bentonville, March 19, on the latter day making a gallant charge and suffering heavy losses. Organization of army, near Smithfield, N. C., March 31, 1865, shows Major-General Walthall in command of Stewart's Corps, Featherstone's Brigade commanded by Major Martin A. Oatis, the Third Regiment by Captain John Saucier.

 

April 9 the Third, Thirty-third and Fortieth Mississippi were consolidated as the Third, Col. James M. Stigler commanding. Stewart's Corps, March 17, including the Mississippi brigades of Featherston and Lowry, had 1,349 present, 890 effective.

 

Hostilities were suspended April 18, and the army was surrendered, near Durham Station, April 26.

 

Union records list him on their "deserter list" on  12/15/1864.  It seems that when Loring's army was routed in Nashville, William and many others were forced to surrender.  He took an oath of allegiance to the United States on Jan 14, 1865 and was held prisoner at Nashville until the end of the Civil War.  Upon his enlistment he was listed as " Age 38, 5'10", complexion - dark, Hair - Black, Eyes - Black."  At the time he was imprisoned, the Union listed him as "5'10", complexion - light, Hair - Brown, Eyes - Blue". When he got home he had a four year old son he knew nothing about (William...known to the family as Bill).  According to Bill in oral history passed down to his son and grandson, his father rode up on horseback after the end of the war.  Bill was playing in the field with a matchbox containing three baby mice, so small they didn't even have hair yet.  William asked the boy where the Leonard family was.   Little Bill did not realize it was his own father.

 

Pension application records list him as being born on Sep 12, 1837 (probably an error) and dying on May 26, 1906.  He is buried in the Little Bahala Cemetary in Wesson MS.

 

More About William M Leonard:

Burial: Little Bahala Cemetary, Wesson MS

Marriage Bond: Mississippi

Record Change: 03 February 2002

 

Notes for Abi Wilson:

In various census records from 1850 to 1900 her name was listed as "Abi", "Abire", and "Alice".   Her daughter-in-law told me in an oral history encounter at her home in 1980 that she was known as Abi (pronounced "A-BYE").  Her greatgrandson Curtis "Buddy" confirmed the pronunciation.  He told me that whenever his father wanted to see him work harder in the field, he would say, "Come on, show me the blood of old Abi."

 

More About Abi Wilson:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

       

Children of William Leonard and Abi Wilson are:

                           i.               Lucy Leonard, born Abt. 1851.

 

More About Lucy Leonard:

Record Change: 15 December 2001

 

                          ii.               Amanda Jane Leonard, born Abt. 1853 in Copiah Co MS; died 12 March 1934 in Copiah Co MS; married John Cornelius Hamilton; born 04 April 1848 in Wesson, Mississippi; died 29 January 1933.

 

More About Amanda Jane Leonard:

Burial: 1934, North Union Cemetary (sometimes Known As Lick-Skillet Cemetary Or Franklin Cemetary)

Record Change: 16 January 2002

 

More About John Cornelius Hamilton:

Record Change: 16 January 2002

 

                         iii.               Cordelia Leonard, born Abt. 1856.

                         iv.               William Vandon Leonard, born 28 June 1857 in Mississippi; died 26 September 1946 in Mississippi; married (1) Mattie Collins; married (2) Bettie Collins.

 

More About William Vandon Leonard:

Burial: Little Bahala Cemetary, Wesson Mississippi

Record Change: 15 December 2001

 

More About Mattie Collins:

Record Change: 16 January 2002

 

                          v.               Turner Madison Leonard, born 1859 in Mississippi; died 1934; married Lucy U. Beall; born 1859; died 1953.

 

More About Turner Madison Leonard:

Burial: Beauregard Cemetery, Wesson, Mississippi

Record Change: 15 December 2001

 

More About Lucy U. Beall:

Burial: Beauregard Cemetery, Wesson, Mississippi

Record Change: 16 January 2002

 

                         vi.               Hansford Leonard, born 1866 in Mississippi.

 

More About Hansford Leonard:

Record Change: 15 December 2001

 

        3              vii.               Malinda Bell Leonard, born 12 November 1871 in Mississippi; died 30 November 1941 in Mississippi; married Robert Wiley Carter 02 February 1893 in Wesson, Copiah, Mississippi.

 

 

Generation No. 4

 

        8.  Unknown Carter, born in Virginia.  He married 9. Unknown.

        9.  Unknown, born in Virginia.

       

Children of Unknown Carter and Unknown are:

        4                 i.               Robert N. Carter, born Abt. 1843 in Mississippi; married Amanda Hayes.

                          ii.               George W. Carter, born Abt. 1836.

 

 

        10.  Ebenezer Hays, born 1803 in South Carolina; died Aft. 1870 in Smith Co, MS.  He was the son of 20. Joseph Hays and 21. Agnes Unknown.  He married 11. Anna Unknown Abt. 1833.

        11.  Anna Unknown, born Abt. 1805 in NC.

 

Notes for Ebenezer Hays:

 

 

Sentinel Lane, Midland, TX 79701 a few years ago

(Written 1988)

 

!Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall

Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224

 

 

Notes for Anna Unknown:

(Could this be our Abner.  Note names of sons match!!)

 

       

Children of Ebenezer Hays and Anna Unknown are:

                           i.               Enoch Hays, born 1833 in SC; married Francis Unknown.

 

Notes for Enoch Hays:

Served in the "Yankee Terrors": Company A of 8th Mississippi Infantry

 

                          ii.               Allen L. Hays, born 1836 in Marion Co, SC; died 25 June 1900 in Wesson, Copiah Co, MS; married Eleanor Lucas Abt. 1860; born Abt. 1836 in MS; died 07 September 1907 in Matherville, MS.

 

Notes for Allen L. Hays:

Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224  This group sheet notes that

the children of Allen and Eleanor were Benjamin W. Hays b Smith Co,

MS; A.J. Hays d bef 1880; Joe (J.W. Hays) b Smith Co, MS, d 1940, Covington

Co, MS, bur Waynesboro, MS; Enoch Calhoun Hays b Smith Co, MS, d 1940, Laurel,

MS, m abt 1895, Wesson Co, MS.

 

Enlisted in the Yency Guards, Co. C, 37th Infantry as a private.  He was at the fall of Vicksburg where his thumb was shot off.  Two of his brothers in law were in the same company - Edward and Zabria Lucas (the latter being assigned to Company D)

 

More About Allen L. Hays:

Burial: Wesson, MS

 

Notes for Eleanor Lucas:

[palmer2.ged]

 

!Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall

Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224  This group sheet notes that

Ebenezer m 6 Dec

1826 in Robeson Co, NC.  This group sheet notes Amey Loe as parents

of Enoch,

Allen, Anne, Johnson, Ransom, Mandy, and Andrew Hays.

 

!Eleanor Lucas is noted as dau of Clemard Lucas and Lucinda Lucas.

 

 

                         iii.               Ann Hays, born 1840 in Smith Co, MS.

                         iv.               Johnson Hays, born 1843 in Smith Co, MS.

                          v.               Ranson Hays, born 1845 in Smith Co, MS.

        5               vi.               Amanda Hayes, born 1847; married Robert N. Carter.

                        vii.               Andrew W. Hays, born 1849 in Smith Co, MS; married Mary R. Unknown.

 

 

        12.  William Leonard, born Bet. 1800 - 1810.

       

Child of William Leonard is:

        6                 i.               William M Leonard, born 1826 in Scotland; died 26 May 1906 in Mississippi; married Abi Wilson.

 

 

        14.  Turner Wilson  He was the son of 28. Samuel Wilson and 29. Martha Turner.  He married 15. Mother Of Abi And Vasti Unknown.

        15.  Mother Of Abi And Vasti Unknown

 

Notes for Turner Wilson:

Turner was married twice.   The first wife, unknown, bore three children: Vashti, Abi, and Soloman. On 29 July 1835 he married Sarah Graves and the had 6 children of their own:  Amelia (or Parmelia), William, Rachel, Elizabeth, Maloney, and Catherine T.  Turner apparently died prior to 1850.   The 1850 census for Copiah Co. lists Vashti and Soloman living in the home with their Grandfather Samuel age 70 and his wife Martha, age 70 along with their Uncle (Samuel's son) Martin Wilson, age 40.  It would appear that the children of Sarah stayed with their mother.

 

More About Turner Wilson:

Record Change: 28 January 2002

 

More About Mother Of Abi And Vasti Unknown:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

       

Children of Turner Wilson and Mother Unknown are:

        7                 i.               Abi Wilson, born 1834 in Mississippi; died 1930 in Mississippi; married William M Leonard.

                          ii.               Vasti Wilson, born 1831; married Jeff James Caves 06 February 1859.

 

More About Vasti Wilson:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

More About Jeff James Caves:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                         iii.               Solomon Wilson, born Abt. 1834; married Clarinda Cheshire 26 March 1861.

 

More About Solomon Wilson:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

 

Generation No. 5

 

        20.  Joseph Hays, born Abt. 1760 in North Carolina; died 1836 in Marion Co, SC.  He married 21. Agnes Unknown Bef. 1797 in Marion Co?, SC.

        21.  Agnes Unknown

 

Notes for Joseph Hays:

Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall

Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224   Group sheet shows wife as Agnes

with

children Joseph, Jr, Ebenezer and Samantha Hays.  Sources cited:

Marion Co, SC

Census of 1800 and 1830; Deeds and documents of Marion Co, SC list

these three

children.  Agnes is the widow.  Mary Anne notes that Joseph probably

had

another wife and additional children.

 

 

 

Notes for Agnes Unknown:

Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall

Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224   Group sheet shows wife as Agnes

with

children Joseph, Jr, Ebenezer and Samantha Hays.  Sources cited:

Marion Co, SC

Census of 1800 and 1830; Deeds and documents of Marion Co, SC list

these three

children.  Agnes is the widow.  Mary Anne notes that Joseph probably

had

another wife and additional children.

 

 

       

Children of Joseph Hays and Agnes Unknown are:

                           i.               Samantha Hays, born in SC; married Murdoch Shaw.

 

Notes for Samantha Hays:

Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall

Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224   Group sheet shows wife as Agnes

with

children Joseph, Jr, Ebenezer and Samantha Hays.  Sources cited:

Marion Co, SC

Census of 1800 and 1830; Deeds and documents of Marion Co, SC list

these three

children.  Agnes is the widow.  Mary Anne notes that Joseph probably

had

another wife and additional children.

 

!Husband of Samantha is noted as Murdock Shaw.

 

 

                          ii.               Joseph Jr Hays, born Abt. 1797 in SC.

 

Notes for Joseph Jr Hays:

[palmer1.ged]

 

!Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall

Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224   Group sheet shows wife as Agnes

with

children Joseph, Jr, Ebenezer and Samantha Hays.  Sources cited:

Marion Co, SC

Census of 1800 and 1830; Deeds and documents of Marion Co, SC list

these three

children.  Agnes is the widow.  Mary Anne notes that Joseph probably

had

another wife and additional children.

 

!Wife of Joseph Jr is listed as Mary Rawls Floyd.

[palmer2.ged]

 

!Family Group Sheet provided by Mary Anne Hays Sumrall, 129 Sumrall

Bridge

Road, Soso, MS 39480 601-729-2224   Group sheet shows wife as Agnes

with

children Joseph, Jr, Ebenezer and Samantha Hays.  Sources cited:

Marion Co, SC

Census of 1800 and 1830; Deeds and documents of Marion Co, SC list

these three

children.  Agnes is the widow.  Mary Anne notes that Joseph probably

had

another wife and additional children.

 

!Wife of Joseph Jr is listed as Mary Rawls Floyd.

 

 

        10             iii.               Ebenezer Hays, born 1803 in South Carolina; died Aft. 1870 in Smith Co, MS; married (1) Thincy A. Unknown; married (2) Martha Unknown; married (3) Amey Loe 06 December 1826 in Robeson Co, NC; married (4) Anna Unknown Abt. 1833.

 

 

        28.  Samuel Wilson, born Abt. 1780 in Orangeburgh District, SC; died Aft. 1850 in Copiah Co. Mississippi.  He was the son of 56. William Wilson and 57. Elizabeth Redden.  He married 29. Martha Turner Abt. 1795 in Barnwell District, SC.

        29.  Martha Turner, born Abt. 1777 in Barnwell District, SC; died Aft. 1870 in Copiah Co. Mississippi.  She was the daughter of 58. Joseph Turner and 59. Unknown.

 

Notes for Samuel Wilson:

To the Honorable Jackson Millsap, Judge of the Probate Court of Copiah in the state of Mississippi, the petition of Martin S. Wilson, administrator of the estate of Samuel Wilson, deceased would respectfully represent that his intestate died propertied of seven Negro slaves, three head of horses, his mule, four head of cattle, one ox, one waggon (sic), fifteen or sixteen head of sheep, about fifteen head of hogs more or less, a lot of farming utensils all of which will more fully appear by reference to the appraisment thereof lately returned into this honorable court.  This petition further shows that the debts due and owing by said intestate will be nearly equal to the total amount of the sales of said personal perishable property.  This petition would further represent that said intestate died leaving the following heirs at-law to wit, Martha Wilson, widow of said decedent who resides in the County, your petitioner, George W. Wilson, Hansford Wilson, Samuel Wilson, all of whom reside in the County, Rebecca Rhymes wife of William Rhymes who resides in the state of Texas, all children of said intestate and Solomon Wilson, who resides in the County and Parmelia Wilson, William Wilson, Rachael Wilson, Malone Wilson, Elizabeth Wilson, Catherine T. Wilson, children of Turner Wilson, son of said Samuel Wilson, deceased, deceased, upon whose estate no administration has been taken all of said children being minors and having no guardian who resides in Covington County at-law and also Vasti Wilson and Abi Leonard wife of William Leonard who resides in Laurence County both children of said Turner Wilson and are of full age and also Sarah Wilson, widow of said Turner Wilson deceased, who resides in Covington County.  Your petitioner would further represent that owing to the number of heirs, said slaves are not capable of divisions in kind and therefore alleges that a sale will be necessary to distributions and divisions of said property.  Your petitioner therefore prays that the said heirs living within the jurisdiction of this court be cited to personally appear before this court at the next January term thereof and that publication be made to the said non-residents in the Gallatin Argus, a public newspaper published in this state for four consecutive (should say days) to show cause if any they can against the sale of said of slaves and upon the final hearing of this petition, your honor will order a sale of said slaves for the purposes of division as aforesaid and a sale of said perishable property on account of its wasting nature and your petitioner as is duty bound will ever pray.

 

Martin Wilson

Sworn to in open court, this 22 Nov 1834

(unknown signature)

 

In the matter of the settlement of the estate of Samuel Wilson the deceased.  This day Martin S. Wilson the administrator of the estate of Samuel Wilson deceased, having appeared and filed a final account of this administration and is appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the following persons are the heirs at law and distributees of said descendent to wit:  The said Martin S. Wilson, said decedant's widow Martha Wilson, George W. Wilson, Hansford Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Vasti Caves, wife of James Caves, Abi Leonard, wife of William Leonard, Solomon Wilson, Amelia Wilson, William Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Elizabeth Wilson, Maloney Wilson, Catherine T. Wilson, the last nine heirs at law of Turner Wilson deceased and son of said Samuel Wilson, said deceased and the last five minors under the guardianship of the said administrator and Rebecca Rhymes.  And is appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that all of his heirs and distributees are resident of this county except that said Rebecca Rhymes who it appears to the satisfaction of the Court is a non-resident of this state and a resident of the state of Texas.  It is thereupon ordered that public certification be made in the Mississippi Mirror ( on the next July term of the court on the

second day of the term) to the said Rebecca Rhymes and that all the rest be cited to appear and show cause if any they can why this said final account should not be allowed as stated.  Ordered, adjudged and decreed.(signature)

 

The Eugene Wilson book on the history of the Wilson family indicates:

Samuel Wilson was born about 1780.  Oc Dec. 5, 1801 he sold the 500 acres of land granted to George Wilson in 1799 to Jacob Page for $250. (Bk 2 Pg 272)  His wife Leah signed the dower.  In 1808 he was listed as an admininistrator of the estate of his brogher Joseph Wilson.  On 23 Feb 1809 he purchased 200 acres of land near Cypress Pond (Green Savannah Lake) for $250 from the heirs of Joseph Turner (Bk H Pg 26)  This property he then sold on 20 Sep 1809 to Littleton Turner for $100 (Bk H pp 47-48)  On 19 Dec 1809, he, his wife and 3 children were granted a passport through the Creek Nation by the Governor of Georgia.  A receipt located in the estate papers of Joseph Turner (case 9 package 9) from David Edwards, the administrator, and dated 12 Sep 1812 stated that Samuel Wilson had "run away" to Amite Co, MS Territory on the Tangipahoa River.  The reason for his departure was not noted.  He appears in the 1816 Territorial Census of Mississippi in Amite Countl.  In 1820 he had moved to Pike County.  In 1830, 1840, and 1850, he was in Copiah Co MS.  The 1850 census of Copiah Co (family #133) lists a Samuel Wilson, a wife Martha, and three children, Martin, Vashti, and Solomon

 

 

More About Samuel Wilson:

Record Change: 02 February 2002

 

Notes for Martha Turner:

"Reference:  Women of the Florida Parishes Louisiana by Donna Burge Adams, Vol. 2 p 45:

 

Lawrence County Courthouse, Monticello, Mississippi, Succession Box 9:

 

Sep 1855, Lawrence County Probate Court.  In the matter of the petition for sale of lands of William Turner deceased by Wilson Turner, Administrator.  Interrogatories to be propounded to Martha Wilson, a resident of Copiah County, whose answers will be entered as evidence on behalf of Uriah Harveston who is contesting the above application.

 

1#  Are you acquainted with the parties to the above stated proceeding?   (Answers by Martha Wilson)

A. I am.

 

2#  Are you acquainted with Uriah Harverston, if yea, how long have you known him?

A.  I am and have known him from a sucking baby.

 

3#  How were you related to William Turner late of Lawrence County, and husband of Elizabeth Turner, lately deceased, of said county?

A.  I am his one born sister.  (Mike's note:  Martha was neither the ONLY sister of William, nor the first born.)

 

4#  Be pleased to state if you know who was the mother of Uriah Harveston, and what relation she bore to the said William Turner.  State who her mother was and what relation she bore to the said William Turner.

A.  Rachael Peacock was Uriah Harverston's mother and William Turner's nease (sic).  The daughter of Sary (sic) Turner who was William Turner's sister.

 

5#  Please be particular in stating all you know in relation to said Harverston's family connections as aforesaid.  Your own relationship to the said William Turner, and state whether said William Turner left any children or other descendents surviving him at his death.

 A.  I can't give no information about them.  I am William Turner's sister.  He had no children that I ever knew of.

 

It is agreed by Turner Wilson (sic) and J. R. Carrouth that the deposition of Martha Wilson may be taken on the foregoing interrogatiories on 27 Oct or such other time...Wilson and Carrouth being parties on one side and said Harverston contestin on the other side.

 

Martha Wilson, (her X)"

 

 

 

From the courthouse in Monticello, Lawrence MS, succession box #9/10/

 

William Turner, deceased, was the brother of Martha Turner.  His real estate is being probated at the death of his wife in 1855.  (William and his wife had no children.)  Wilson Turner his nephew is making a petition to the probate court for the sale of the real estate.  Quote from that document:

 

And this petition further shows that the said William Turner, deceast, left surviving him at the time of his deah a number of heirs and decendents of heirs.  Viz Martha Wilson, wife of Samuel Wilson formerly Martha Turner..."

 

 

More About Martha Turner:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

       

Children of Samuel Wilson and Martha Turner are:

        14               i.               Turner Wilson, married (1) Mother Of Abi And Vasti Unknown; married (2) Sarah Graves.

                          ii.               Martin S. Wilson

 

More About Martin S. Wilson:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                         iii.               George W. Wilson, born Abt. 1812 in Mississippi; married Elizabeth Maxwell; born 1820.

 

More About George W. Wilson:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                         iv.               Hansford Wilson, married Eliza Lewis.

 

More About Hansford Wilson:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                          v.               Rebecca Wilson, married William Rhymes.

 

Notes for Rebecca Wilson:

[real one.ged]

 

Married William Rhymes and they resided in Texas.

 

More About Rebecca Wilson:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

More About William Rhymes:

Record Change: 25 January 2002

 

                         vi.               Samuel Wilson, born 1817; married Emily Rebecca Wheeler.

 

Notes for Samuel Wilson:

located the Samuel Wilson Jr family in Polk County Texas on the 1880 census ed 71, page 29.

 

Samuel age 65

Thomas w age 26

Permelia T age 23

Rebecca S

(looks like Ron) age 9

Frances A Hall age 32

Deulah Hall age 10

James Hall age 9

Enos Hall age 7

 

 

 

Generation No. 6

 

        56.  William Wilson, born Abt. 1740; died Abt. 1791.  He married 57. Elizabeth Redden.

        57.  Elizabeth Redden, born Abt. 1750; died Abt. 1823.

 

More About William Wilson:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

 

More About Elizabeth Redden:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

       

Children of William Wilson and Elizabeth Redden are:

        28               i.               Samuel Wilson, born Abt. 1780 in Orangeburgh District, SC; died Aft. 1850 in Copiah Co. Mississippi; married Martha Turner Abt. 1795 in Barnwell District, SC.

                          ii.               Redden Wilson

 

More About Redden Wilson:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

 

                         iii.               George Wilson

 

More About George Wilson:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

 

                         iv.               John Croford Wilson

 

More About John Croford Wilson:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

 

                          v.               Joseph Wilson

 

More About Joseph Wilson:

Record Change: 27 January 2002

 

 

        58.  Joseph Turner, born Abt. 1735 in South Carolina; died Bef. 26 October 1805 in South Carolina.  He married 59. Unknown Abt. 1755 in Barnwell District, SC.

        59.  Unknown, born Abt. 1740; died Abt. 1795 in Barnwell District, SC.

 

Notes for Joseph Turner:

[Joseph Turner I.ged]

 

He was in the Rev. War (1775-1784) see South Carolina Roster, page #943.

Joseph Turner served as a sergeant in the Second Regiment under Captain Peter Gray during 1779. He was in Francis Marion's regiment which was the 2nd South Carolina regiment of Continentals. History shows Marion is known as the " Swamp Fox" for his many defeats of the British, in the swamps of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. He was at the fall of Charleston, From 7 May to 28 august 1781, he served one hundred thirteen days in the militia. In addition, he and his son hunted and drove cattle for forty-two days for Captain George Robinson.

 

          Land transactions of Interest

 

June 24, 1760 - Joseph Turner recorded 100 acres of land in Granville county, North Carolina

 

 

August 13, 1784 - 100 acres of land was measured and laid out for Joseph Turner Esqr. in the district of Orangeburgh, South Carolina on the north side of Saltcatchers. Plot shows this land was surrounded on four sides by vacant land.

 

July 16, 1785 - 200 acres of land was measured and laid out for Joseph Turner, in the district of Orangeburg, South Carolina  east side of Big Saltcatchers, Sourrounded on three sides by vacant land and the fourth side by impassable swamp.

 

July 19, 1785 - 340 acres of land was measured and laid out for Joseph, Esqr. in Orangeburg district on Spur branch south of Edisto river. Neighbors noted: Henry Cannon, Soloman Wilson, J. Cooper, William Taylor and E. Mitchell

 

June 5,1786 - Joseph Turner paid two pounds sterling money for land, north side of Saltcatchers (Same as land above)

 

September 27, 1786 - 390 acres, 200 acres, 100 acres of land in Orangeburgh district, Barnwell county, South Carolina to Joseph Turner Sr.

 

 

 

 

 

He is in "Healing Springs Baptist Church" south Carolina

       

Children of Joseph Turner and Unknown are:

                           i.               Thomas Turner, born Abt. 1757 in Barnwell District, SC; died December 1808 in Barnwell District, SC; married (1) Drucilla; died August 1820 in Barnwell County, South Carlina; married (2) Drusilla Shelley Unknown Abt. 1781.

 

Notes for Thomas Turner:

Occupation:  Farmer

Ethnicity/Religion:  Baptist[Joseph Turner I.ged]

 

Thomas Turner served as a private in the militia before and after the fall of Charleston. From April 7 to August 27, 1781 he served under Capt. Benjamin Odom. He served under the same Captain as Emanuel Shelly, Who was Abraham Shelly's brother (Thomas Turner later married Abraham Shelly's Widow Drucilla Shelly.

 

          Thomas Turner - Order to Appraise

 

South Carolina, Barnwell District:

 

To Major John Walker, Captain Josiah Walker, Jesse Lee, Joseph Youngblood and Robert Brown Esquires.

 

These are to authorize and empower you or any three or four of you to represent all such parts and places within this state as you shall be directed unto by Drucilla Turner administratrix to Thomas Turner late of the district and state aforesaid deceased, where by any of the goods and chattels of the said parts and places and which shall be shown unto you by said Drucilla Turner, and there view and appeaise all and every the said goods and chattels being bought.

 

Open Account & Note:

 

Michell Shelly      53.00

Joseph Turner         2.00

Samuel Wilson         1.00

Benjamine Odom        2.00

Benjamine Odom Jr.      .50

Dungel (?) Smyth             .50

Luke Shelly's account      7.50

 

South Carolina, Barnwell District:

 

Personally appeared before me Orasmis D. Allen, J.P. for the district aforesaid Mrs. Drucilla Turner and made oath that the foregoing is a ture account of said sale of the estate of her deseased husband Thomas Turner

                         her

                    Durcilla  X    Turner

                         mark

 

Sworn to before me this 14th March 1809, Orasmus D. Allen

(another page)

January 18th 1809: Gave Mrs. Drucilla Turner an order to sell the whole of the Personal Estate of Thomas Turner on a credit title (?) the 1st of January 1810 purchasers to give notes with approved sec? for all sums over $5.00

 

(another page) first sworn on the Holy Bible of the Almighty God to make a true and perfect inventory and appraisement thereof and said cause the same to be retirned inder your hands or any three or four of you to the said ordinary on or before the 12 day of March now ensueing (?)

Dated the 12th of January 1809 and in the Thirty third year of American Independance.

                    Orasamus D. Allen, Ordinary

 

(There is a long two legal size pages list of people who bought from the estate and noting the amount each paid but almost half is mostly unreadable)

 

This is a list of some of the people who bought:

Drucilla Turner          Zadock Wooley

Robert Brown        Emmanuel Shelly

Benjamine Odom      David Edwards

Littleton Turner         Matthew Turner

Robert Walker       Edward Griffin

Micheal Shelly      Samuel wilson

Lewis Odom          Josiah Walker

John Watkins        Hugh Raney

Mrs. Thomas         William McDaniel

Jesse ? Turner      John Steruns (?) Stevens

 

Of course many names were repeated several time decause they purchased more then one item. Especially Drucilla's name as she purchased more then anyone. Keep in mine her children from her first marriage (he died in the war) were last name "Shelly" and to top that several of her children married Joseph Turner Sr.'s children !!!!!

 

 

Notes for Drusilla Shelley Unknown:

Widow of Abraham Shelly

 

                          ii.               Matthew Turner, born Abt. 1761 in Barnwell District, SC; died Bef. 1861 in Pike Co. Mississippi; married (1) Mary Shelly; married (2) Mary Shelley Abt. 1780 in Pike Co. MS.

 

Notes for Matthew Turner:

Religion:  Baptist

Occupation:  Farmer

Residence:  Pike Co. MS[Joseph Turner I.ged]

 

November 20, 1810 - Executive Department - Ordered that pasports be prepared for the following persons to travel the Creek Nation of Indians, one for Mr. Zarah Powers from the county of Effingham in this state, one for Mr. John Wilson and his mother and one for Matthew Turner and his wife from Barnwell district, South Carolina, which were presented and signed. Now some of the Turner's are heading to Mississippi !!!

 

 

Notes for Mary Shelley:

Daughter of Drusilla Shelly and Abraham Shelly

 

                         iii.               William Turner, born Abt. 1764 in Barnwell District, SC; died 01 September 1844 in Lawrence Co. Mississippi (present day Lincoln Co.); married (1) Elizabeth Unknown; died 1855; married (2) Elizabeth.

 

Notes for William Turner:

William Turner's estate was settled in 1846.  Apparently his real estate was left to his wife Elizabeth.  Documents in Lawrence County Courthouse, Lawrence, Monticello MS, Succession box 9/10 are about the distribution of the real estate after Elizabeth's death in Feb. 1855.  It boils down to Wilson Turner and Uriah Harveston arguing over what should be done with the land and administratorship of the estate.  Apparently William and Elizabeth raised Uriah and he came back to take care of Elizabeth and the property.  He wanted the land, said she gave it to him and Wilson wanted to sell the land.   One statement made in the course of the argument was the "listing the heirs of William Turner would be like writing genealogical tables for the tribes of Israel after their captivity and dispersion."

 

William and Elizabeth Turner migrated to Mississippi and settled in Lawrence Co., near the Franklin Co. line (present day Lincoln Co.)  william turner died 1 Sep 1844.  Elizabeth Turner died in the early part of 1855.  William and Elizabeth Turner did not have any children.  They reared a grand nephew, Uriah Harveston. son of Rachel (Parker) Harveston.  They must have reared several children; at the time of William Turner's death they had six bedsteads in their household.  Rachel (Parker) Harveston married 2nd a Peacock.  Uriah Harveston became a Baptist Preacher.

 

Religion:  Baptist

Occupation:  Farmer

 

                         iv.               Sarah Turner, born Abt. 1767 in Barnwell District, SC; died Bef. 1800 in Barnwell District, SC; married John Parker.

 

Notes for Sarah Turner:

[Joseph Turner I.ged]

 

They were both deseased by 1800.

 

                          v.               Elizabeth Turner, born Bef. 1771 in Barnwell District, SC; died Bef. 1864 in Amite Co. MS; married David Edwards Abt. 1778 in South Carolina; died Abt. 1823 in Amite County, Mississippi.

 

Notes for David Edwards:

[Joseph Turner I.ged]

 

David Edward's linage is of Edwina Price Snyder

 

                         vi.               Mary Turner, born Abt. 1772 in Barnwell District, SC; died Bef. 1867 in Amite Co. MS; married Victor Edwards Aft. 1779 in South Carolina.

 

Notes for Mary Turner:

Settled in Amite Co. MS in the area that became known as the Mars Hill Community.[Joseph Turner I.ged]

 

Victor Edwards is the brother of David Edwards Jr. that married her sister Elizabeth Turner.

Victor & Mary had a gang of children

 

                        vii.               Joseph Turner, Jr., born 18 July 1774 in Collenton Co. South Carolina; died 26 December 1839 in Pike Co. Mississippi; married (1) Sarah Shelley; born 20 January 1775 in Collenton Co. South Carolina; died 26 December 1839 in Pike Co. Mississippi; married (2) Sarah Shelley 1796 in Orangeburgh, South Carolina; born 20 January 1775 in Collenton Co. South Carolina; died 26 December 1839 in Pike Co. Mississippi.

 

Notes for Joseph Turner, Jr.:

According to oral history, Joseph Turner, Jr. and his wife Sarah died on the same day when they were struck by lightning.

 

        29           viii.               Martha Turner, born Abt. 1777 in Barnwell District, SC; died Aft. 1870 in Copiah Co. Mississippi; married Samuel Wilson Abt. 1795 in Barnwell District, SC.

                          ix.               Daughter Turner, born Abt. 1778; married George Flora Abt. 1796 in Barnwell District, SC.