Old photos of Baldwin sought for Facebook page- The Northeast Georgian; Dec. 1, 2009

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Northeast Georgian Newspaper
Page 3A


Old photos of Baldwin sought for Facebook page
By- Rob Moore


Baldwin has special meaning for Julie Ellenburg Wingate of Gainesville, whose ancestors lived there for many years.

“Years ago at special times, my grandfather would go to his father’s old desk and open a few ‘secret’ compartments to reveal four beautiful daguerreotypes for me to see,” she says. “These pictures were unknown relatives from a century before, their names lost when my great-grandfather died. Staring into their eyes I felt so close to them, intrigued to know more about them- who they were, how they spent their days, were they happy? As I looked at these people, my ancestors seemed to be trying to tell me the answers to all my questions and asking me to find all the answers and more. I was instantly hooked and my fascination with my family history began.”


Now, that family history search has expanded not only to include he blog, http://mypapasbook.blogspot.com, but also to a Facebook page of old Baldwin photographs.


“I still look at those daguerreotypes and have so many questions,” Wingate says. “Copies of those pictures hang in my hallway so I see them everyday. If only I knew their names for sure, I might be able to piece together the rest.”


“I started my family history research to help answer some questions my grandfather, W.P. Chandler, had about his ancestors,” she says. “He was very interested but as he had gotten older his vision was deteriorating, making it difficult for him to read. As a recent college graduate, I volunteered to find some basic records about our family members. I never knew how much I'd enjoy it! My grandfather was so impressed with the research I'd bring to him that he repeatedly told me that I should write a book. After a few months of research I gathered all the information I had gathered and put the facts together in a short document titled ‘Papa's Book.’ For years I have continued my research and now have gathered enough information to write an extensive book for all 4 of my grandparents. I have created two blogs to share some of my research with others and in hopes meeting some cousins I've never met. I have included some of my pictures from Baldwin on my blog at http://mypapasbook.blogspot.com”


The Facebook page came about recently after Wingate saw another similar page about Cornelia.


“When I was working online, I was so excited to find Ken Morris' page of photographs of Cornelia- what a wonderful way to share our treasured photographs!” she says. “I was impressed by the wonderful pictures on the "Cornelia, GA- Home of the Big Red Apple" group on Facebook. I wrote to introduce myself to Ken and he suggested that I start a similar group for Baldwin.”


“Although I have never lived in Baldwin, my family has lived there for over 113 years,” Wingate says. “My great-grandparents, Dr. William Vance Chandler and his wife, Tallulah Christine Jones, were active in the Baldwin community from the time they married in 1897. Our family is fortunate to have lots of Dr. and Mrs. Chandler's pictures from the area.”


“I would like to share their pictures here and hope that members of the Baldwin group called ‘Historic Baldwin, Georgia in Habersham County’ can work together to identify both the unknown people and places in our photographs of Baldwin,” Wingate says. “Please add your own photographs, as well as memories, you have of Baldwin.”


She also knows that the city of Baldwin is split between Habersham and Banks Counties, but named the group the way she did because during her genealogical research for Baldwin, she kept coming up with Baldwin County. Those interested can upload their photos to the Facebook page. Also, Ken Morris has offered to scan and post Baldwin photos for those who need him to.

Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas to all my family- from those close by to those far away and especially those that are no longer with us.  I love you all very much.

Elijah Smallwood mentioned in Hall County, GA's Sheriff Sale- 21 April 1853

“Southern Banner” Newspaper
Athens, Georgia

 (Published weekly on Thursdays)


21 April 1853


Hall Sheriff’s Shale,


Will be sold before the courthouse door in Gainesville, Hall County, on the first Tuesday in May next, within the legal hours of sale, the following property to wit:


Fifty acres of land, more or less, in said county…


Also at the same time and place, all the right, title and interest, that the defendant has in and to the tract of land where on he now lives, in the 12th district of said county, adjoining the lands of Elijah Smallwood and others, levied on by a fi fa issued from the Justice’s Court of the 310th district GM of said county, Henry Collam vs. John Clark, Levy made and returned to me by a Bailiff.


March 31 A. Kennedy, Sh’if


Microfilm in possession of Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA branch


Microfilm:  “Southern Banner: March 18, 1852- March 8, 1855”
Cabinet #2, Drawer #8, Reel #11


Transcribers note: Title of article was written as “Hall Sheriff’s Shale”


This article had one more paragraph that I have started as “Fifty acres of land…”

W.B. Buffington mentioned in "1903 Epitomized" from The Gainesville Eagle

The Gainesville Eagle Newspaper, Gainesville, GA

Date: 21 Jan. 1904

1903 Epitomized.


Local Events of Interest of the Past Year in Diary Form for Reference.






JANUARY.


1. City officers chosen for 1903 by City Council.


2. Dr. E.E. Dixon critically ill.


8. Celebrated Bellton municipal contest heard by ordinary of Banks county.


9. Boiler at Whaley's gin exploded, hurting two men.


10. Gainesville Cotton Mill director authorized issue of $350,000 preferred stock.


12. County Commissioners elected road overseers for districts.


13. Chamber of Commerce elected officers.


13. Train-load cloth left New Holland cotton mill, bound for Shanghai, China.


15. Carter Bros. Co. applied for charter.


15. Gainesville post-office receipts for 1902 reported to be about $9,000.


19. Hall superior court convened.


19. Lee's birthday observed by Daughters of Confederacy.


20. Seventeen divorce cases heard in Hall superior court.


21. Gainesville Medicine Co. granted charter.


21. Jno. T. Waters and W.D. Hawkins elected county commissioners by grand jury.


24. First? car on electric line ran from Southern R.R. depot to Brenau.


25. John Coffee died at Lula.


29. Mrs. J.A. Young died.






FEBRUARY.


2. Gainesville Ice Co. decided to enlarge its factory.


1. Dr. Emmett E. Dixon died.


8. Electric line began schedule to New Holland.


5. Mrs. H.C. Flowers died.


2. Work going forward planning for Confederate monument on public square.


9. Thos. M. Bell announced for congress against F. C. Tate.


15. Work began on Chattahoochee Park electric line.


16. City court convened.


19. Five new R.F.D. mail routes announced for Gainesville.


17. First carload freight shipped over electric line to Pacelot.


14. Bill introduced to provide for a post-office building for Gainesville.


20. W.B. Buffington lost an arm in a cotton gin.


25. Body of unknown negro found in creek near Flowery Branch.


27. Lemuel Brooks, aged 86, died at Candler.


27. Jeff Baugh attempted life of Miss Annie Pitman of Bellton.






MARCH.


1. Mr. B.L. Potter, aged 81, died at his son's home, Green Street.


5. North Georgia Gold Co. applied for charter.


10. Hall county commissioners talked bond issue for building better roads.


7. Thos. Brown run over by car on Main street and badly hurt.


12. Col. C.C. Sanders wrote from Palestine, where he was touring.


17. Candler Ashford hurt by fall from electric pole.


14. Fletcher Farmer knocked from Southern R.R. track; wagon smashed, driver unhurt.


17. Drs. M.M. and E.P. Ham enjoined trolley line; Drs. Bailey and Daniel bought Ham property and stopped injunction.


19. Final deals made for electric line's right-of-way to Chattahoochee Park.


20. Lightning fired W.H. Cochran's residence, Main street.


26. Gainesville Shoe & Clothing Co. asked for charter.


19. Arrangements made for sewerage system for city.


28. Rev. L. Williams died at Flowery Branch.






APRIL.


2. Planters' Oil Mill applied for charter.


2. "Greater Georgia" meeting for Gainesville at court house.


6. Five sites offered for post-office building.


8. Wm. Waldrip and Pledger Bonds drowned in Chattahoochee near Brown's Bridge.


12. Body of Wm. Waldrip found after four days search.


13. Severest hailstorm of decade visited Hall county, heaviest fall on Factory Hill.


19. Body of Pledger Bonds found after 11 days search.


18. Frank Redmond shot by Chief of Police Parks; officer exonerated by coroner's jury.


27. Memorial Day exercises held at court house.


27. Rev. A. Van Hoose died at Breman, aged 85.


29. G.J. & S.R.R. case called in special term of Hall superior court.


28. Mrs. W.W. Blair died at Judge J.B.M. Winburn's.






MAY.


6. City tax assessors find Gainesville real estate has increased in value $272,970 over 1902.


1. Daughters of Confederacy give "Trip around the World."


15. Dirt broken for new public school building.


13. Grand Council I.O.R.M. of Georgia, selected Gainesville for meeting in 1904.


24. Brenau began its 24th annual commencement occasion.


10. Harry Davis of Norfolk, Va., died at Ervin's boarding house from injuries received? while stealing a ride on Southern R.R. freight train.


11. Mrs. Gus Lowe hanged herself near A.J. Julian's home.


17. City public schools commencement preached.


15. Fireman Jno. A. Davis killed by his own train at Southern depot.


23. Wiley Tanner, married six weeks, died at his home, Chestnut Mountain. Cause of his death mysterious. His wife, formerly Miss Onie Duncan, held to answer to charge of poisoning.


24. Insane negro hides in Mr. Bud Howington's chimney near Bellmont.


25. B.W. Reed, sr., attempted suicide, Morgan's distrcit.


25. Work going forward macadamizing Main street.


27. Mr. T.H. Robertson of this city elected grand warden, I.O.O.F. of Georgia.


28. Survey for sewer system completed.






JUNE.


1. Cyclone ploughed its way through south end of city, spreading death, destruction and desolation from Gainesville Cotton Mills to New Holland; 125 killed, many more injured, property loss estimated at $400,000.


2. Entire county responded with financial aid and personal assistance- subscriptions to storm sufferers reaching $30,000.


4. Rescue work continued in rain; 50 funerals occurred at New Holland in an hour. Relief headquarters opened and hospitals improvised at New Holland and at county court house.


6. Preliminary hearing of Mrs. Onie Tanner for poisoning her husband, had today.


7. Thousand visited Gainesville to view the scenes of cyclone. Gainesville raised $500 to sufferers from cloudburst in S.C.


11. Wounded in hospitals improved nicely.


15. Colored hospital closed.


15. County school enumerators began their work.


17. Judge Kimsey renders decision in G.J. & S.R.R. case.


18. Railroad line surveyed to Pyrites mines.


22. Wholesale jail delivery from Hall county prison.


22. City teachers elected.


22. City and county invited to suppress vagrancy.


23. Storm relief commissary closed.


24. Brenau summer school opened.


25. City sexton Jno. W. Bailey died.


27. Fifty-four applicants to teach in county schools examined.


28. Great Thanksgiving exercises at auditorium, expressing gratefulness for all assistance rendered to tornado sufferers.


29. Mr. J.P. Flanders died suddenly at M.C. Brown's home.






JULY.


1. Work progressing rebuilding factories, stores, and homes destroyed or damaged by storm.


1. White hospital closed.


2. Mrs. W.B. Bell, mother of Clerk superior court, Hall county, died.


2. City census reported population of Gainesville, 6,009.


5. Mr. J.M. Towery, one of the old- [*transcribers note- this was an incomplete sentence- see below 4 lines]


7. County school census reports 4, 918 children of school age, excluding city and city district.


12. Gen. James Longstreet quite ill.


12. 52 persons baptized by Rev. D.S. Grindle, at New Holland.


est members of the local bar, died. [*transcribers note- this was an incomplete sentence- probably continuation from July 5th]


13. New Holland hospital closed.


17. Baptist S.S. Institute convened.


20. Suit off and decree issued for sale of G.J. & S.R.R., Hall superior court, special term.


21. Bob Roberts, young white man, met awful death by being run over by train on Southern R.R.


22. Tax digest showed increase of $305, 306 in Hall county property.


27. Mrs. Onie Tanner, charged with poisoning her husband, admitted to $2,000 bail; trial set for Sept. 22.






AUGUST.


5. City council decided to build system of sewers.


6. Atlanta, Buford, and Gainesville Electric R.R. Co. applies for charter.


8. Mrs. M.F. VanHoose died.


8. Mrs. B.B. Landers died.


17. Hall county democratic executive committee selected. Sept. 30 fixed as date of white primary for city court judge and solicitor.


17. Geo. C. Clements died.


18. Work began on new Chestnut Street Baptist church.


19. City tax rate fixed at $1.00.


20. Messrs. L.G. Potter and B.H. Whelchel hurt in wreck on Gainesville Electric Line.


28. "Military Day."


31. City schools open: attendance, _00.






SEPTEMBER.


1. Five new R.F.D. routes begin operation.


2. Gainesville's first bale of cotton for season marketed; brought $73.06.


7. Mrs. H.T. Martin died.- Rev. A.


8. Merck died. [*transcriber's note- should probably read "Rev. A. Merck died."]


8. Henry C. Deadwyler, of Harmony Grove, found dead near railroad north of New Holland. Six negroes arrested on suspicion.


16. Brenau begins 26th year.


16. Judge Jno. B. Estes, prominent citizen and jurist, died.


21. "Oakwood district" petitions for organization.


24. Eagle began printing by electric power.


26. Six negroes bound over for killing of H.C. Deadwyler.


30. Primary for judge and solicitor city court chose G.H. Prior and F.M. Johnson.






OCTOBER.


1. Mrs. Sallie Duckett, mother of Deputy Sheriff Duckett, died.


2. Government accepts property corner of Washington and Green streets for post-office site; price, $5,000.


2. Col. J.L. Baird, veteran of Mexican war, died.


3. Mr. J.R. Barnes accidentally killed by train near Montgomery, Ala.


7. Cornerstone of new public school building laid.


8. Chattahoochee Baptist Association met at Flat Creek in 79th session.


11. A.O. King, aged citizen, killed [*transcribers note- this was an incomplete sentence- see 2 lines below]


15. Work on city sewer system begun.


by train near Bellton. [*transcribers note- this was an incomplete sentence- probably continuation from Oct. 11th]


31. Messrs. W.O. Petty and J.B. Lipscomb exchange shots.






NOVEMBER.


2. Candler Horse Guards Carnival.


10. A law and order league, 200 best citizens of the city, enthusiastically and determinedly organize for suppression of blind-tigers and dives; $550 raised to enforce laws.


14. Bud Smith appointed special "tiger" bailiff.


19. Eagle publishes petition for liquor election with list of signers.


20. County Commissioners decide to build new jail.


22. Ordinary ordered local option election for Dec. 14th.


23. Mrs. Onie Tanner on trial, call term superior court, for murder.


23. Rev. M.L. Troutman sent to First M.E. church and Rev. R.M. Dixon to Myrtle Street for 1904.


26. Dozens deny publicly signing election petition.


26. Campaign against blind tigers goes vigorously forward.


27. Mrs. Onie Tanner acquitted.


27. John W. Eden died at Klondike.






DECEMBER.


4. Five negroes convicted of killing H.C. Deadwyler on excursion train; sentenced to terms in penitentiary.


5. White primary selects: Mayor, Howard Thompson; Councilmen, Hudson, Allen, and Bell.


10. Mrs. Mary Woodward died.


14. Local option election; Hall went dry by 1,518- over 7 to 1.


15. Sidney Smith won medal for Hall county in North Georgia Oratorical contest.


23. W.H. Craig elected to City Council.










-Microfilm in possession of Hall County Library, Gainesville Branch, Gainesville, GA

W.L. Buffington and others named as jurors for Jan. 1902- Gainesville, GA

The Gainesville Eagle

Date: 1 August 1901






Jurors Drawn for January Term, 1902.


The following named persons were drawn to serve as grand jurors at the January term of Hall Superior Court, 1902:




A.H. Jackson, R.C. Simmons, P.N. Parker, Walter W. Cooper, Asa T. Vandiver, Jno. W. Hubbard, Harrison Kennedy, F.A. Spencer, Andrew Thompson, Jas. N. Waters, Joseph E. Dyer, E.P. Chambers, W.A. Howington, W.T. Sell, J.R.W. Thompson, Andrew S. Pierce, Jas. J. Hudgins, J.A.J. Elrod, Jno. J. Martin (Bark-Camp), Joe M. Bell (Morgans), Jno. H. Boleman, Hershael V. Johnson (Roberts), W.L. Baker, Jas. B. Reed (Polksville), Wm. T. Haynes (Quillians), Geo. E. Sims, A.C. Harrison, Jas. M. Wayne, Jas. M. Bagwell, J.C. Hill.


Below is the list of those drawn as traverse jurors:




First Week.


Jno. W. Kytle, E.J. Elrod, C.C. Porter, Jno. G. Stringer, sr., Wm. B. Meadows, J.B. Fields, A.T. Langford, B.F. Roberts, H.C. Canning, J.J. Hyde, J.D. Twitty, G.D. Wiley, C.C. Harwell, W.L. Buffington, G.W. Irvin, jr., Jno. R. Brice, W.T. Martin, W.A. Turner, J.W. Pierce, F.A. Watkins, G.T. Cook, L.W. Day, G.W. Gould, H.C. Parks, W.T. Haynes, W.W. Duncan, Robt. N. King, Jno. L. Ellis, Jno. R. Robertson, Raymond D. Cash, Frank M. Whelchel, J.J. O’Kelley, S.J. Vandiver, C.H. Irvin, K.G. Wiley, M.L. Waters.




Second Week.


Wm. E. Bolding, Jno. H. White, W.A. Crow, Alfred Adams, G.T. Mason, Jos. H. Martin, R.S. Reed, jr., T. Shelly, W.L. Rogers, J.C. Wallace, D.J. Bagwell, B.C. Camp, C.M. Black, O.D. Gilmer, N.J. Laws, J.T. Little, W.P. Brown, S.D. Grier, M.S. Green, W.M. Jackson, W.C. Wheeler, Wm. M. Potts, Jno. W. Jones, W.K. Gaines, Wm. J. Wilson, F.W. House, L.F. Roberts, Jno. H. Turner, T.M. Patten, P.A. Lathem, S.S. Herrin, Raymond Thompson…










(this is a partial list- the juror list continues)

Microfilm at Gainesville Branch of Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA

O.L. Buffington in "The Gainesville Eagle" on 4 October 1900, Gainesville, GA

The Gainesville Eagle

4 October 1900


O.L. Buffington, who is one of the best known men in the county, spent Monday and Tuesday in the city shaking hands with his many friends. Mr. Buffington is an old friend of the Eagle and we are always glad, with others, of the privilege of shaking his hand when he comes to town. He is one of the old landmarks of the county that are yet left; but his high spirits and jovial disposition would lead one to think he was not much past 40, were it not for his silvery locks which tell that many winters have passed over his head.


-from microfilm at the Gainesville Branch of the Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA

Wordless Wednesday- Residence of Dr. W.V. Chandler, Baldwin, GA

Postcard reads "Residence of Dr. W.V. Chandler, Baldwin, Ga."

Dr. William Vance Chandler is my great-grandfather.  It's hard to tell from the picture but I think there's a good chance that's my great-grandmother, Tina Jones Chandler on the left.  They lived on Chandler Street in Baldwin, GA.

I am so excited to have a copy of this postcard.  I met someone through Facebook and he shared the picture with me.  He had gotten it when it was for sale on eBay.

I have started a new group on Facebook called "Historic Baldwin, Georgia in Habersham County." Check it out if you're interested- it can be found at:

 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30555010&id=1565110613&view=all&subj=197540369618&aid=-1&oid=197540369618&saved#/group.php?gid=197540369618

Tombstone Tuesday- Emma Lipscomb Buffington (ca1867-1921)

Emma E. Lipscomb Buffington was the daughter of Smith and Nancy Lipscomb.  Based on the dates on her tombstone, she was born about 1867 in Hall County, GA. 

Emma married Walter Lee Buffington on 14 September 1879.  Walter Lee was the son of Ezekiel Buffington and Dovie Emeline King. 

Emma died on 16 November 1921. She and her husband are both buried at Lebanon Methodist Church in Gillsville, Hall County, GA.  Emma and Walter's daughter Ruth is my great-grandmother.

Wordless Wednesday- Swim in Bill's Pool

My great-grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. William Vance Chandler, had a pool in Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia over 75 years ago.   Although I'm not sure the exact date it was built, I know that my grandfather, Billy Chandler, enjoyed swimming in it as a young boy.  He was born in 1914.

He told me how he would charge a nickel to let area boys swim in their pool and he'd charge the girls a dime because as a young boy "No one wanted to swim with a bunch of girls." 

This picture was taken around 1930 when my grandfather Billy Chandler was in high school at Baldwin School.  The unidentified boy in the photograph is not my grandfather but a friend of his that was photographed often at the Chandler pool.


****I just found out that this is a picture of my grandfather's first cousin's son.  This is Edward Fay Shore, son of Louis Fay Shore from the Jacksonville, FL area.  L. Fay Shore and my grandfather Billy Chandler were first cousins but Billy and Edward were much closer in age.  Thank you Walter for helping me identify him!

Tombstone Tuesday: “Almost” Buried Together

Pinckney Lafayette Chandler and Susan Elliotte Vance Chandler Davenport

My great-great-grandparents are “almost” buried together at Oak Hill Methodist Church Cemetery in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Pinckney Lafayette Chandler was the 3rd child of Willis C. Chandler and his wife, Leanna Campbell Chandler. Longtime residents of Greenville County, all three were members of Fork Shoals Baptist Church in Pelzer, Greenville County, South Carolina. Pinckney was born 29 December 1842. At the age of 18, on 19 June 1861 (the day I was born many years later), he joined for duty and enrolled in Hamptons Legion, Company E of the South Carolina Volunteers, CSA. This was one of the companies that fought at the First Battle of Manassas, Virginia on 21 July 1861 and was the battle that Thomas J. Jackson stood his ground and earned the nickname “Stonewall” Jackson. Pinckney is listed on a Surgeon’s Certificate at Camp Butler on 24 October 1861 and later appears on a list of sick and wounded on 27 October 1861 with what appears to say “Bronchitis Chron.” which I assume means Chronic Bronchitis.

He married a neighbor, Susan Elliotte Vance (daughter of William Gilmer Vance and Sisaly Devenport Vance) probably around the summer of 1866- based on the birth of their son. Susan was born on 26 March 1846. He would have been about 23 and she was about 20 years old. Their only child (my great-grandfather), Dr. William Vance Chandler was born the next year on 13 July 1867 in Greenville County, South Carolina near the area at that time called Chandler, South Carolina. Dr. Chandler later said his father took a fever (some thought they remember it being from a mosquito, others say it may have been from the measles). Regardless of the cause, they wrapped him in a cold, wet sheet hoping to break the fever and he took pneumonia and died on Christmas Day in 1868 a few days before his 26th birthday. His son was only 17 months old. Pinckney was buried at Oak Hill Methodist Church with Susan’s family.

Susan Elliotte Vance Chandler became a widow at the age of 22. She remarried on 11 January 1870 at the home of her mother, Sisaly Vance. Susan’s father had died 6 weeks after her husband, Pinckney. She married Ira William Davenport who was born on 7 December 1847. They had many children before Susan died 3 September 1882 at the young age of 36. She was buried beside Pinckney at Oak Hill Methodist Church Cemetery.

The reason I say they were “almost” buried together is because, although they were buried side by side for years, when her second husband died in 1924, the family had a wall installed in the cemetery to in close Susan together with her new husband, blocking Pinckney outside the wall. I think it is very sad.

Charles Terry to Willis Chandler- Land Deed dated 7 January 1845 in Greenville County, South Carolina

Charles Terry to Willis Chandler

Deed 200 Acres

South Carolina

Greenville District

Know all men by these presents that I, Charles Terry of the State and Dist. aforesaid in consideration of the sum of thousand Dollars to me in hand paid by Willis Chandler of the State and District aforesaid have Granted Bargained Sold and released and by these present do grant bargain sell and release unto the said Willis Chandler part of a Tract of Land that was originally granted to Mary Burns for 315 Acres bearing date the 3 of October 1785 Conveyed to George Brooks and from him to Daniel Ford and now from Charles Terry to Willis Chandler Situate in the State and District aforesaid on the waters of Reedy River Beginning in a Read oak 3x thence N. 60? W. on to T.C. Bolling's line 28 chs. to a Read oak 3x thence S. 35 W 50 chs. to a stake 3x thence N. 75 E 19chs 50 to a stake 3x thence S. 55 E. 38 chs. 50 to a rock in the field 3x thence S. 46 E. 22 chs. across Fords spring Branch to a Read oak 3x thence N. 55 E. 19 50 chs to an Ash on the Ceder Shoal Branch thence up said branch about 50 chs to a Ash 3x thence N. 3 W. 21 chs to the Beginning Red oak 3x Including Two Hundred Acres of land more or less together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wide incident or appertaining to have and to hold all and singular the premises before mentioned unto the said Willis Chandler his heirs and assigns forever and I do hereby bind myself my heirs Executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said Willis Chandler his heirs and assigns against myself and my heirs and against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part there of witness my hand and seal this the 7 day of January 1845.

Charles Terry, LS

Signed Sealed and

Delivered in presence of

Allen Chandler

Tully Campbell

South Carolina

Greenville District Allen Chandler personally appeared before me and made matter? that he saw Charles Terry sign seal and deliver the within Deed of Conveyance to Willis Chandler for the use and purpose therein mentioned; and that Tully Campbell was a subscribing witness with himself.

Sworn to and subscribed this 7th day of January, 1845.

Before me                                                             Allen Chandler

Henry Smith, MGP

The State of South Carolina

Greenville District

I, Henry Smith

In Color by Jamey Johnson

I think most of us interested in family history love old photographs. There are so many clues hidden in each picture and it shows what life was like for our ancestors- allowing us to put a face with the name we’ve researched for so long.



When I first heard the country song “In Color” by Jamey Johnson, it reminded me of lots of conversations I had with my own grandfather. The song tells of a grandfather telling his grandson about what was happening in his old black and white photos- from cotton fields during the depression, to World War II, and ending with his wedding day.


The chorus ends with:


“A picture’s worth a thousand words but you can’t see what those shades of gray keep covered- you should have seen it in color.”


I think this is a great song. Here’s a link to the video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBk07l2aKrE

What I wouldn’t give to be able to see our old family photographs in color.

Check out my newest blog- Banjos and Baby Dolls!

When I started my first genealogy blog "My Papa's Book," I never imagined how much I would enjoy writing and how many other researchers would contact me about my research. I've noticed it gets a little confusing for my family to have both sides of my family combined in one big blog- so I will keep "My Papa's Book" for my mother's Chandler line. I have started a new blog for the Ellenburg side of the family.




What should I call the blog about my father's side of the family? I tried to call it "with all my heart" because that's what my grandmother would say to me every time she told me she loved me but that name was already taken. I thought about my favorite memories of my grandparents and had a hard time narrowing it down to just a few. The same words kept popping in my mind as possible names.



The first word was "banjo" because I can't see a banjo today without thinking of Grandpapa. I'm sure he never had any idea that the times he played his banjo for me would make such an impression.



When I think of my grandmother I always remember the quilts she made for me and my sisters and later for my daughter. I still can taste her perfect biscuits and continue to try to make them myself- they are close but still not as good as her biscuits. One of my favorite memories of Grandmimi was when my sisters and I went to spend a few days with her and she taught us how to make baby dolls. We stayed up so late making those three babies and I cherish both the doll and the memories. Hence the name "Banjos and Baby Dolls." I think it's time to teach my baby girl how to sew her own baby doll.
 
Here's the link to my newest blog:
 
http://banjosandbabydolls.blogspot.com/
 
From here on out I will only put Ellenburg and related families in the new blog.
Please let me know what you think!

Wordless Wednesday- Celebrating 50 wonderful years together

Celebrating 50 wonderful years together

William Pinckney Chandler and his bride, Lottie Inez Buffington Chandler, celebrated 50 years of marriage on January 12, 1991 at the home of their daughter and son in law in Georgia.

Billy and Inez were married on January 12, 1941.

I've joined "Find A Grave"

I have recently joined "Find A Grave" and have started adding tombstone information and photographs for my ancestors' graves. 

Here's the link so that you can check it out!

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=mr&GRid=42936861&MRid=47183954


I have also added a "Find A Grave" search box at the bottom of the main page of this blog that will allow you to view all my "Find A Grave" Submissions.

Wordless Wednesday- The Ellenburg Family

These are my great-great-grandparents, George Washington Ellenburg and Rachel M. Watkins Ellenburg and their children.

Back Row (standing): Dovey, Bessie (my great-grandmother), Luther, Cancie

Front Row: Sibbie, George is holding Susie, Rachel is holding Lewis

This picture was taken around 1910 in the area on the boundary lines of Rabun County, Georgia and Macon County, North Carolina, near the area of Sky Valley, GA . 

Tombstone Tuesday for Tina and Will Chandler

This is my third Tombstone Tuesday and I am covering the tombstone and markers of my great-grandparents buried in Baldwin Cemetery, Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia, USA.



My great-grandmother, Tallulah Christine "Tina" Jones Chandler is the child of William Bartley Jones and Matilda Ann Wiley of  Hall County, Georgia. She was born on 16 October 1878 in Hall County.

My great-grandfather, Dr. William Vance “Will” Chandler is the only child of Pinckney Lafayette Chandler and Susan Elliotte Vance of Greenville County, South Carolina. He was born on 13 July 1867 in Greenville County.

Will and Tina got married on 7 February 1897 in Hall County, Georgia and lived together happily for almost 43 years until Tina died on 21 January 1940. She was 61 years old. Will lived 12 more years, dying on 10 August 1952 at 85 years old.
 
They are missed.

Treasure Chest Thursday

For my first "Treasure Chest Thursday," I thought about all my family's treasures. The one thing most important to me, is how I cherish the time we have been able to spend together. I treasure this picture of 4 generations together and know that one day my daughter will cherish this picture together with me, her grandfather and great-grandmother. We miss them both very much.

Wordless Wednesday- Bessie Ellenburg

This is my great-grandmother, Bessie Ellenburg of Rabun County, Georgia. She was born on 4 March 1897 and died on 23 March 1919 in Jackson County, Georgia.

Her son Roy is my paternal grandfather.

Do you know these women?

This cabinet card shows a photograph of four young women taken at Fisher's Studio in Demorest, Habersham County, Georgia.  I believe this was taken around 1900 but know that Fisher's Studio was in business until at least 1910.  "Fisher's Studio" appears to be written in pencil on the front of the cabinet card.

This photograph belonged to my great-grandparents, Tina and Will Chandler of Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia.  Please let me know if you have any idea who these women might be.

Tombstone Tuesday for Inez and Billy Chandler

This is my second Tombstone Tuesday and am covering the tombstone and markers of my maternal grandparents buried in Baldwin Cemetery, Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia, USA.




My grandmother, Lottie Inez Buffington Chandler is the second child of Ruth and Frank Buffington of Gillsville, Hall County, Georgia. She was born on 12 September 1920 in Hall County.



My grandfather, William Pinckney “Billy” Chandler is the second child of Tina and Will Chandler of Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia. He was born on 29 April 1914 in Habersham County.



Billy and Inez got married on 12 January 1941 in South Carolina and lived together happily for over 55 years until Billy died on 1 July 1996. He was 82 years old. Inez lived 11 more years, dying on 21 April 2007, several months before turning 87 years old. We miss them both very much.

Transcribing Help for a busy Genealogist

I am so excited to find this transcription program! I first heard about it when listening to a “Family History: Genealogy Made Easy” Podcast: Episode 40: Why You Need to Blog and How To Do It Part 1


http://personallifemedia.com/podcasts/415-family-history



The Transcript software mentioned by Denise Levenick can be found at

http://www.jacobboerema.nl/en/Freeware.htm




I downloaded the free program yesterday and am amazed at how much easier this is. I am currently working on a land deed for my Willis C. Chandler in Greenville County, South Carolina from 7 January 1845 and have been able to transcribe it in about a fourth of the time it would have typically taken me. Now if I had only listened to my father and taken typing in high school- I’d really be able to get these out fast!



The land deeds I am transcribing can be found online at http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/

Desperately Seeking Willis

I am searching for any information that could help me shed light on the parents of Willis C. Chandler born 28 December 1807. South Carolina Census records say that he was born in South Carolina. The first record that I have found shows Willis signing as a witness to a Codicil added to the will of William Devenport (also an ancestor of mine) between January 1840 and July 1842. The Codicil states that Devenport purchased a tract of land from John Kirby and his children were to divide said land equaling among themselves. The 3 witnesses were listed as Lewis H. Shumate, Nimrod Donaldson and Willis Chandler.

On 12 October 1845, he and his wife Leanna Campbell Chandler joined the Fork Shoals Baptist Church in Greenville County, SC. They are listed as “RWD” in the church minutes, which means “received without detail.” No children are mentioned in the church minutes. Leanna Campbell is the daughter of John Richard Campbell and Virginia Jane Barnett.

Willis and Leanna had 3 children. Mary Jane (26 April 1837- 19 May 1884) married Mark L. Davis. Sarah Ann “Annie” (23 April 1841- 1 April 1874) married Frank M. Austin and is buried at Fork Shoals Baptist Church. My great-great-grandfather, Pinckney Lafayette Chandler was born in 29 December 1842 and married Susan Elliotte Vance (granddaughter of the William Devenport I mentioned earlier). Pinckney died on Christmas Day 1868. His only child, my great-grandfather William Vance Chandler was 17 months old.

Willis remained in Greenville County until his death 13 February 1887. He and his wife Leanna are buried at Fork Shoals Baptist Church. She died 15 January 1876. He was active in the church and served a many committees. He appeared as head of household in the 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 South Carolina censuses (in the Oaklawn Township) as well as the 1860 Slave Schedule. His name appears in the Greenville County newspaper “The Southern Enterprise” on 8 September 1869 when serving on the grand jury. He appears in the 1843-1844 Greenville City Directory, as a land owner in the Fork Shoals area.

I have been unable to find him in the 1840 census or at any time before witnessing Devenport’s will between 1840 and 1842. I have been in contact with a few of his daughters’ descendants and they have no information on his parents. I have been told that he may be the son (along with Allen, Josiah and sister Rachel) of Henry Chandler, grandson of William Hampton Chandler of Greenville County, SC but have found no proof for my Willis or the others. I have long suspected that he and Allen Chandler may be brothers or first cousins but have no definite proof of that either.  ***I finally found the proof that Willis & Allen are brothers.  A family member had a letter that identifies them as such!  1Oct2014

I would appreciate any suggestions you may have in determining a family for my Willis. Thank you in advance for your help.

Bertha Lee Cox at age 16

This photograph says "Bertha Lee Cox, age 16" on the back.  I'm so excited to have it labeled but am unsure about who Miss Cox is and how she relates to my family.  She possibly lived in or had family in Habersham County, Georgia, Hall County, Georgia or Greenville County, South Carolina.  If you have any idea, please let me know!

Do you know Mr. Paul Watts?

This photograph of Paul Watts was in my grandfather's family pictures.  I have not been able to find out any information about Mr. Watts.  Based on where the rest of our family lived around 1900, I would guess that he was either from Habersham County, Georgia,  Hall County, Georgia or from Greenville County, South Carolina.

Do you recognize me?

These children were playing with my Grandfather, Billy Chandler, of Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia.  He was born in 1914 and is the older boy on the front row.  I think this picture was probably taken about 1924 because he appears to be about 10 years old.  Do you have any idea who the other children might be?

Do you recognize me?

This photo is of a young girl that attended Baldwin School in Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia and graduated around 1931. She was born around 1914. Do you have any idea who she may be? Please contact me if you do!

The 1st Thompson Reunion; 7 August 1938

This is a list of people that attended the first Thompson Family Reunion held at the home of Mr. Roy Thompson at Rabun County, Georgia on August 7, 1938. I was told this reunion was held in honor of Sidney E. Thompson, as he was getting older and wanted everyone to get together when he visited Persimmon Valley. He was living in Marble, North Carolina at the time.

He attended this reunion and then died before the second reunion was held the following year. Thank you to Jimmy Thompson for sharing this wonderful list with me.

Gillsville Society Section; The Gainesville Eagle, 6 Oct. 1932

The Gainesville Eagle
Gainesville, Hall County, GA
Thursday, Oct. 6, 1932
Section: Down the Valleys of Hall

Gillsville Route 2

Mr. and Mrs. Ollin Johnson of Columbia, SC visited Mr. and Mrs. Royce Griffin last week.

Mrs. O.D. Buffington returned Saturday after visiting in Atlanta.

Mrs. J.B. Buffington is visiting her daughter, Mrs. George Martin in Gainesville.

Miss Mary Griffin visited Miss Sara Griffin last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Noah Martin spent Wednesday here with home-folks.

Mrs. Payton Tanner visited Mrs. Frank Buffington last week.

There will be prayer services at the home of Mr. Johnie Buffington’s Saturday night, October 8.



Source: The Gainesville Eagle is on microfilm at Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA

Obituary of William Berrien Buffington, Hall County, Georgia

The Gainesville News
Gainesville, Hall County, GA
Wednesday, March 11, 1931Front Page

W.B. Buffington, 84, Former Tax Receiver, Rests at Timber Ridge

In the death of Mr. William Berrien Buffington, 84, prominent Hall county citizen and former tax receiver, which occurred at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon at his home between Gillsville and Lula, the county loses a valuable citizen and his church a devoted member.

Funeral services, largely attended, were held at Timber Ridge Baptist Church this afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. H.C. Martin, and interment was in the church yard there.

Mr. Buffington had made his home in Hall county practically all his life, and had been a very successful farmer. He was a devoted member of the Baptist church since youth, and had served on the board of deacons of that church for a long time. He had also served with distinction in the Civil war, and in the realm of politics had been successful in a number of campaigns for tax collector of this county, in which he sustained his reputation for integrity and fair dealing. Possessed of a pleasant disposition and genial personality, Mr. Buffington had endeared himself to a host of friends in this section who received the news of his death with sincere regret.

His widow preceded him to the grave several years. He is survived by twelve children, Mrs. J.D. Hawkins, Mrs. C.M. Bolding, Mrs. E.D. Hawkins, Mrs. O.D. Buffington, Mrs. N.A. Martin and J.B. Buffington of this city; Mrs. J.D. Martin, W.J., C.E. and H.E. Buffington of Atlanta, L.A. Buffington of Cedartown, and Mrs. E.S. Buffington of Mitchell, Ga. Fifty-eight grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren also survive him.




Source: The Gainesville News on microfilm at Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA

4 Daguerreotypes- My family's earliest photographs

4 Daguerreotypes- My family's earliest photographs

Years ago at special times, my grandfather would go to his father’s old desk and open a few “secret” compartments to reveal four beautiful daguerreotypes for me to see. These pictures were unknown relatives from a century before, their names lost when my great-grandfather died. Staring into their eyes I felt so close to them, intrigued to know more about them- who they were, how they spent their days, were they happy? As I looked at these people, my ancestors seemed to be trying to tell me the answers to all my questions and asking me to find all the answers and more. I was instantly hooked and my fascination with my family history began.

I still look at those daguerreotypes and have so many questions. Copies of those pictures hang in my hallway so I see them everyday. If only I knew their names for sure, I might be able to piece together the rest.

Dr. William Vance Chandler & Family, Baldwin, Habersham County, GA

In this photo:

Dr. William Vance "Will" Chandler, his wife Tallulah Christine "Tina" Jones Chandler and their children William Pinckney "Billy" Chandler and Julia Nelle Chandler.

This picture appears to be taken outside their home on Chandler Street in Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia around 1920. My grandfather Billy was born in April of 1914 and Julia Nelle was born in October of 1917- she looks to be about 2 years old at the time.

Will Chandler was born in Greenville County, South Carolina in 1867. He is the son of Pinckney Lafayette Chandler and Susan Elliotte Vance Chandler, both from Greenville County. Will attended medical school in Chattanooga, Tennessee and moved to Baldwin, Georgia.

His wife Tina Jones was born in Hall County, Georgia. She is the daughter of William Bartley Jones and Matilda Ann Wiley, both from Hall County. Tina taught school before marrying Dr. Chandler.

Will and Tina had 3 children. Mary Christine died as a toddler. My grandfather, Billy Chandler lived until 1995 and his little sister Julia Nelle Chandler Crane died in 1978. The entire family is buried in the Baldwin Cemetery, Baldwin, Georgia.

Tombstone Tuesday- Lee Edward Ellenburg (1945-2006)

Since I am new to blogging, I just found out about the daily themes for genealogy blogs. I decided to start immediately by adding my daddy's tombstone as my first "Tombstone Tuesday" post.

Lee Edward Ellenburg was born on New Year's Day in Rabun County, Georgia on January 1, 1945. He died on December 8, 2006 in Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia and is buried in Baldwin Cemetery, Baldwin, Habersham County, Georgia.

Walter Lee Buffington; Co-Founder of Lebanon Church Camp Meetings

Family will erect monument for camp meeting co-founder


http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/archive/21698/






Marriage Certificate for Walter Lee Buffington and Emma E. Lipscomb
Hall County, GA 1879
***After you click on the link, go into the contents section on the left and choose page 308. ***

http://content.sos.state.ga.us/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/countyfilm&CISOPTR=81405&REC=2

Will of Milas Thompson- 1889; Rabun County, GA

Rabun County, GA Wills
Book C (1885-1930)

Page 15

Georgia
Rabun County
To W.S. Long, Ordinary said county
the petition of H.C. Blalock shows that Milas Thompson, late of said county departed this life on the 25th day of December 1890 after having made his last will and testament wherein your petitioner is nominated the executor. Your petitioner produces said will in court prays that the same may be admitted to record upon the proof thereof in common form and that letters testamentary issue to him in terms of the law.
H.C. Blalock
Petitioner


Georgia
Rabun County
I, Milas Thompson, of state and county aforesaid being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament.

Item first. I give bequeath and devise to my son George H. Thompson the following property to wit: Part of lot No. 25 x 26 in the first district of Rabun County, and bounded as follows commencing on a whiteoak near the river, thence east to top of mountain, thence the top of mountain on a conditional line north of east to the original line thence the original line next to the river, thence down the river to beginning corner, free from all charge or limitation whatever to his own proper use benefit and behoof.

Item second. I give bequeath and devise to my son Sidney E. Thompson the following property to wit: Part of lot of land No. 25 in the first district Rabun County and state aforesaid containing one hundred acres more or less and bounded as follows. commencing on a whiteoak near the river on east side thence down the river to a small branch and corner over a locus stake, thence up the branch south of east district to conditional line between Thompson and Blalock thence the top of mountain on said conditional line to the high top thence west to beginning corner free from all charge or limitation benefit and behoof

Page 16
Item third. I give bequeath and devise to my son Granvil E. Thompson the following property to wit: Parts of lots of land Nos. 25 & 26 in the first district of County and state aforesaid and containing one hundred acres more or less and bounded as follows: commencing at the river on original line between Milas Thompson and George H. Thompson, thence down the river to first big branch, thence up the branch to a marked beech, just our side of the fence due west to original line east to beginning corner at the river, free from all charge or limitation whatever to his own proper use benefit and behoof.

Item fourth. I give to my sons James W. Thompson and Robert L. Thompson the following property to wit: Parts of lots of land Nos. 25 & 26 in first district of County and state aforesaid and containing four hundred thirty five acres more or less and bounded as follows: commencing at southwest corner of No. 26 thence west to the corner, thence North on original line to conditional line between Thompson and Blalock, thence conditional line to Locus stake where it strikes the portion set off to Sidney E. Thompson as described above, thence north west down the branch to river, thence up the river to the big branch on west side of river, thence up said branch to a marked beech just out side of the fence. Thence due west to original line, thence south to the corner, free from all charge except the said James W. Thompson and Robert L. Thompson are to maintain and take care of me during my natural life, to their own proper use benefit and behoof.

Item fifth. I give to my two daughters Sary E. Nichols and Martha Maryann Blalock to have fifty dollars each, which is to be paid in equal portions by each of the above named boys that is to say George H. Thompson is to pay ten dollars to each of the above named girls, Granvil E. Thompson ten dollars to each of the above named girls, and Sidney E. Thompson ten dollars to each of the above named girls and James W. Thompson, Robert L. Thompson each to pay to each of the above named girls ten dollars each when the said James W. and Robert L. Thompson reach their majority.

Page 17
Item sixth. I hereby constitute and appoint my friend Howell C. Blalock Executor of this my last will and testament
This first day of January 1889.
Milas Thompson

Signed declared and published by Milas Thompson in the presence of the subscribers who subscribe our names here in the presence of each other, he signing in our presence, and we signing in his presence.
G.W. Holder
Cicero Blalock
Howel C. Blalock
NP & JP

Georgia
Rabun County
I, Cicero Blalock, do swear that I as well as G.W. Holden, and Howel C. Blalock saw the within named Milas Thompson sign and publish the within paper as his last will and testament that I subscribed the same as a witness thereto at the special __ and request of the said Milas Thompson and in his presence as did also G.W. Holden and Howel C. Blalock; that the said Milas Thompson signed the same freely and voluntarily and was at the time of such signing of sound and disposed mind and memory.
Cicero Blalock
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 16th day of Nov. 1891.
W.S. Lang,
Ordinary

Upon the foregoing affidavit of Cicero Blalock, one of the subscribing witnesses to the within will Milas Thompson, deceased, it is ordered by the court that said will be admitted to record as satisfactorily proven in common form; and it is further ordered that letters testamentary issue to H.C. Blalock the executor named in said will upon his taking and subscribing the oath? required by law. This Dec. 7th 1891.

W.S. Lang,
Ordinary


***Transcriber’s note- No spelling corrections have been made.