Sunday, November 15, 2009

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

Saturday, November 14, 2009

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

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

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

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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:

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday- Emma Lipscomb Buffington (ca1867-1921)

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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.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- Swim in Bill's Pool

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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!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday: “Almost” Buried Together

 photo PLChandlerTomb.jpg  photo SusanVancetombstone.jpg  photo PinckneyampSusanChandlerTombstone.jpg
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.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

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

Saturday, October 17, 2009

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!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- Celebrating 50 wonderful years together

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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.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

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.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- The Ellenburg Family

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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 . 

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday for Tina and Will Chandler

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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.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Treasure Chest Thursday

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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.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- Bessie Ellenburg

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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.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Do you know these women?

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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

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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.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

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/

Friday, September 25, 2009

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.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Bertha Lee Cox at age 16

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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?

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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.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Do you recognize me?

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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?

 photo friendfromBaldwinSchoolca1930.jpg

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!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The 1st Thompson Reunion; 7 August 1938

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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.


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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

Friday, August 28, 2009

4 Daguerreotypes- My family's earliest photographs

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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.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

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

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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.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday- Lee Edward Ellenburg (1945-2006)

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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

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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

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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.


Sunday, June 28, 2009

Obituary of William "Frank" Buffington, Gillsville, Hall County, GA

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The Daily Times
Gainesville, Hall County, GA
Tuesday, April 13, 1965 Page 10


W.F. Buffington

Gillsville-
Funeral services for William Frank Buffington, 68, Gillsville route 1, will be held tomorrow (April 14) at 11 a.m. from Dunagan’s Methodist Chapel. The Revs. John Glover and Roscoe Simpson will officiate with interment in Dunagan’s Cemetery.

Mr. Buffington died in Hall County Hospital yesterday following an extended illness.

He was a retired textile employee of New Holland Mill.

The body will remain at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Ruth Buffington, Gillsville route 1; one son, Osborne L. Buffington, Gainesville; two daughters, Mrs. W.P. Chandler, Campabella, SC [***Note- should read “Campobello, SC”]; Mrs. Homer Hill, Commerce; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Guy Buffington, Atlanta; Mark Buffington, Gainesville route 4.

Vickers Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.




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

Transcribers note:  The children of Ruth and Frank Buffington are daughters, Frankie Dunagan (was deceased at this time), Inez Chandler, Nannie Hill and son Obourn L. Buffington. (NOT Osborne as listed in obituary).


Saturday, June 27, 2009

Tombstone of General Andrew Jackson Pool(e) and Sarah Norvell Pool(e)

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Bethlehem Baptist Church, Hwy 52, Lula, Hall County, GA
Coordinates: N 34 degrees 23' 47.8" W 83 degrees 41' 30.0"


Tombstone Inscription reads:
Gen. AJ Poole
Died at Age 69 yrs
Sarah Norvell His Wife
Died at 82 yrs

They were members of the baptist church from early age
faithful to their profession.
Their reward is heavenly, there all is bliss.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Ruth Buffington Buffington (Mrs. Frank) Obituary; Gillsville, GA

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The Daily Times
Gainesville, Hall County, GA
Sunday, May 31, 1970 Page 16


Mrs. Buffington

Gillsville-
Funeral services will be held today (May 31) at the Dunagan’s Chapel United Methodist Church for Mrs. Ruth Buffington, 69, of Gillsville route 1.

Mrs. Buffington died yesterday (May 30) in Hall County Hospital following a brief illness. The Rev. John Glover and the Rev. W.C. Flury will officiate, and interment will be in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Buffington was a lifetime resident of Hall County and a member of Lebanon Methodist Church. She was the widow of the late W.F. Buffington of Hall County.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Nanie Hill, Commerce, and Mrs. Inez Chandler of Baldwin; one son, Lonnie Buffington, Gainesville; one sister, Mrs. Omie Griffin, Gillsville route 1; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Little and Davenport Funeral Home of Gainesville is in charge of arrangements.



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


Welcome to my new blog!

Years ago I started my family history research to help answer some questions my grandfather had about his ancestors. 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 this blog to share some of my research with others and in hopes meeting some cousins I've never met. If you are connected to these lines, please let me hear from you.

Julie in Georgia