Deed from OL Buffington to OD Buffington- 10 Aug. 1895 Hall Co., GA

This is a deed I transcribed that shows that my great-great-great-grandfather OL Buffington sold land to his son (and my great-great-grandfather) OD Buffington. It is dated 10 August 1895 in Hall County, Georgia. OD Buffington is the father of my great-grandfather Frank Buffington.

_____________________________

State of Georgia, Hall County.

This indenture made this the tenth day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred & Ninety Five 1895, between O.L. Buffington of said county of the one part and O.D. Buffington of the same county of the other part.

Witnesseth, that the said O.L. Buffington for and in consideration of the sum of One hundred Dollars to him in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged hath granted & bargained, sold and consigned and doth by __ presents grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said O.D. Buffington his heirs and assigns, all that tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the county of Hall State of Georgia, containing seventy five acres, more or less, lying on the waters of the North Oconee River beginning at a white oak corner on the publick road thence nearly east strate to a red oak on the proper home line thence N.W. with said line to a P.O. Oak on the timber ridge road, thence rep said road to a Spanish oak thence W. with the old road to a rock on the public road leading to Dunagan’s Mill thence nearly west to a Sower wood thence S.E. direction to a dogwood, thence N. to a rock at the forks of the road S. with the public road to the beginning corner-

To have and to hold, said tract or parcel of land unto heir the said O.D. Buffington his heirs and assigns together with all and singular the rights, members and appurtenances thereof to the same in any manner belonging to his and there own proper use, benefit and behoof forever in fee simple.

And the said O.L. Buffington for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators the said bargained premises unto the said O.D. Buffington his heir and assigns will warrant and forever defend the right and title thereof against themselves and against the claims of all other persons whatever.

In witness where of the said O.L. Buffington hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal, the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed and delivered
O.L. Buffington L.S.

in presents of
W.B. Crow
S.S. Crawford, J.P.
Recorded April 28th, 1904.
Thos. M. Bell, C.S.C.

Deed Book 10; Index _ - 314; page 261 & 262; Hall County Records Room, Gainesville, GA

Treasure Chest Thursday- Birth & Death Certificates (This one of Dovie King Buffington)

This is the Georgia Death Certificate of Dovie Emmeline King Buffington.  She is the daughter of John King, Jr. (1795-1852) & his wife,  Kezia King (1805-1878).  Dovie King married Ezekiel Buffington (1832-1911). He is the son of Ezekiel Lafayette Buffington and his wife, Nancy Gilmer/Gilmore.  Both born in Hall County, GA they later moved through Lumpkin County, GA and later into Ellijay, GA in Gilmer County.

Dovie & Ezekiel are the parents of my great-great-grandfather, Walter Leonedas Buffington. 

He often went by Walter Lee Buffington.

Birth and Death Certificates can be one of our best treasures to find as genealogists. Just remember- they often contain mistakes.  This one has an obvious error or two.

Tombstone in Jarrett Cemetery, Ellijay, Gilmer County, GA.

Thank you for sharing this photograph Patricia!

Land Deed- William Devenport To Temperance Chandler- 22 Feb 1838 in Greenville Co., SC

William Devenport To Temperance Chandler- pg 139
Two Hundred and Sixty One acres (Devenport Homeplace)
___________________________
The State of South Carolina
Greenville District

Know all men by these presents that I, William Devenport, of the State and District aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection I have for my Daughter Temperance Chandler, and one dollar to me in hand paid by the said Temperance Chandler of the said state and district aforesaid, have given, granted, bargained, sold and released, and by these presents do give, grant, bargain & sell & release unto the said Temperance Chandler, after my own and my wife's death, the plantation where I now live, and tract of land as described below, lying in the state and district aforesaid on the waters of Horse and Mountain Creeks. Beginning on a P.O. 3x thence running S.1.E.53.10 to a stake 3x bounded by land belonging to I. and John Kirby. Thence N.88 1/2 E. 51 to a stake 3x thence

page 140

N.24W.51.50 to a pine 3x thence N.70 1/2 W. to the beginning containing two hundred and sixty one acres, be the same more or lefs [less], but I retain possession of said plantation and everything appertaining thereto as long as I or my wife lives, and at our death to be given up to the said Temperance Chandler. Together with all and singular, the rights, members, hereditaments & appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to have & to hold, all and singular the said premises above mentioned unto the said Temperance Chandler her heirs and afsigns [assigns] forever, And I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises above mentioned unto the said Temperance Chandler (after the death of myself and wife) from myself and my heirs and from every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witnefs [Witness] my hand and seal this 22nd day of February A.D. 1838- and in the 62nd year of the Independence of the U.S. of America. Signed sealed

acknowledged and delivered in presence of

William Devenport, L.S.
Lewis H. Shumate
William Allison
Micajah Berry
Isaac Kirby

South Carolina
Greenville District

Personally came before me (the subscribing magistrate) Micajah Berry and made oath that he saw William Devenport Senr sign & seal the within deed of conveyance to Temperance Chandler, for the use & purpose therein specified & that L.H. Shumate, William Allison & Isaac Kirby were subscribing witnefses [witnesses] at the same time. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th December 1842.

Micajah Berry
L.H. Shumate, M.G.P.

Recorded for 4th January, 1843
Original delivered to I. Devenport

Transcribers note: Original document showed Devenport spelled as both Davenport & Devenport in the body of the deed; also both the names Isaac Kirby and James Kirby were listed as the 4th witness (Isaac in 1838, James in 1842)

William Devenport to Isaac Devenport- Land Deed- Greenville County, SC

Here my 4th great-grandfather, William Devenport, sold land to his son, Isaac Devenport in 1838.

_______________________________________________________________________________
William Devenport To Isaac Devenport- page 139
One Hundred Ninety-five and a half acres


The State of South Carolina
Greenville District


Know all men by these presents that I, William Devenport, of the State and District aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection I have for my son Isaac Devenport and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid by the said Isaac Devenport of the said state and district aforesaid have granted, bargained, sold, released and given and by these presents do give, grant, bargain & sell unto the said Isaac Devenport a plantation & tract of land lying in the state and district aforesaid, on the waters of horse creek of Reedy River being the tract of land that the said Isaac Devenport now lives on. Beginning on a P.O. 3x thence N.8.E.46.25. to R. Oak (down) thence S.44W.24.25. to a post O. 3x, thence N.37.W15.10 to a poplar 3x. thence S.56W13.90 to S.G. 3x, thence S. 39 1/2 W.39.30 to R.O. 3x, thence S.70 1/2 E. 42. to a pine 3x, thence N. 57. E. 20.50 to the beginning, containing one hundred ninety five and a half acres be the same more or lefs [less], but retaining to myself and wife the privilege of using any of the timber on the place as long as either of us live, and at our death to be given up to the said Isaac Devenport. Together, with all and singular, the rights, members, hereditaments & appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to have & to hold, all and singular the said premises, above mentioned unto the said Isaac Devenport his heirs and afsigns [assigns] forever, And I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises to the said Isaac Devenport his heirs and assigns against myself and my heirs and against every other person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and seal this 22nd day of February A.D. 1838- and in the 62nd year of the Independence of the U.S. of America.


William Devenport, L.S.


Signed sealed acknowledged and delivered in presence of us


Lewis H. Shumate
William Allison
Micajah Berry
Isaac Kirby


South Carolina
Greenville District


Personally came before me (the subscribing magistrate) Micajah Berry and made oath that he saw William Devenport dead, (during his life) execute the within deed of conveyance to Isaac Devenport, purpose therein specified & that L.H. Shumate, William Allison & James Kirby were subscribing witnefses [witnesses] at the same time. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th December 1842.


Micajah Berry
L.H. Shumate, M.G.P.




Recorded for 4th January, 1843
Original delivered to I. Devenport


Transcribers note: Original document showed Devenport spelled as Davenport in the body of the deed but the signature clearly shows he signed it as "William Devenport;" also both the names Isaac Kirby and James Kirby were listed as the 4th witness (Isaac in 1838, James in 1842)

Follow Friday- Greenville County Records Online

What better way to start my first “Follow Friday” than to share a link to an amazing online source?

Greenville County, South Carolina has posted images of early Land Records and I have found so many wonderful deeds that I did not know existed. These are the original images on file in Greenville, not typed transcribed copies that often contain errors. Here’s the link to the disclaimer so you can check it out yourself:


http://www.greenvillecounty.org/disclaimer/ROD_Geneology_Disclaimer.asp?DirURL=http://www.greenvillecounty.org/rod/geneology.asp

I have transcribed one of my family’s deeds below. This was when my great(x4)-grandfather, William Devenport deeded land to his daughter (and my great(x3)-grandmother), Sisaly Devenport Vance in 1838. She and her husband, William Gilmer Vance lived in Laurens County, South Carolina at that time.

________________________________________________________________________

William Devenport To Sicily Vance- page 102
Deed 166 1/2 Acres


The State of South Carolina
Greenville District


Know all men by these presents that I, William Devenport of the State and District aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of love and affection I have for my daughter Sicily Vance of the state aforesaid and Laurens District have granted bargained sold and given, and by these presents do give grant bargain sell and release unto said Sicily Vance a parcel or tract of land laying in the state and district aforesaid on the waters of horse creek of Reedy River. Beginning on a S.G. 3x thence running N.50.W.30.60. to a stake 3x bounded by land that belongs to the estate of John Anderson thence S. 52. W. 49. to a stake 3x bounded by Tully Bolling thence S.46.E.16.83 to a Red oak 3x thence S. 70 1/2 E.26 to a R.O. 3x thence S. 391/2 W. 39.50 to the Beginning containing one hundred and sixty six and a half acres be the same more or less, but retaining to myself and my wife the privilege of using any timber in the place as long as either of us lives and at our death to be given up to the said Sicily Vance for the use of her and the ishue [issue] of her body and if she never has any children or non living at her death then the said tract of land to fall back to my estate and be equally




page 103
divided between my four other children or their heirs. Together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining to have and to hold all and singular the premises above mentioned unto the said Sicily Vance and the ishue [issue] of her body, (if she has any, but if she has none then to my other four children and their heirs and assigns forever) to wit, Francis Devenport, Isaac Devenport, Susannah McDavid and Temperance Chandler, And I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises above mentioned unto the said Sicily Vance and the issue of her body, but if she has none then to my other legatees as mentioned above their heirs and assigns against myself and my heirs and against every other person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and seal this twenty second day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight and in the sixty second year of the Independence of the United States of America.


William Devenport, L.S.


Signed sealed acknowledged and delivered in presents of us


Lewis H. Shumate
William Allison
Micajah Berry
Isaac Kirby




South Carolina
Greenville District


Personally came before me the subscribing magistrate Micajah Berry and made oath that he saw William Devenport (son) sign & seal the within deed of conveyance to Sicily Vance for the use and purpose therein specified & that Lewis H. Shumate, William Allison and Isaac Kirby were subscribing witnesses at the same time. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th December 1842.


Micajah Berry
Lewis H. Shumate, M.G.P.


Recorded for 1st June, 1846, by Robt. McKay, R. M.C.
Original delivered to Davenport

Treasure Chest Thursday- What contributions are you making for your descendants?

This week when I was thinking of Treasure Chest Thursday, I couldn’t help but think of the 2010 US Census that many of us recently received in the mail. I made a copy of my completed census before I mailed it in to include with my personal genealogy records. What took me a few seconds may make life easier for my own descendants one day- especially since they won’t have to wait 70 plus years to see my personal results of the 2010 census.

This made me wonder what else I could save to make researching my immediate family easier for future generations. Of course I have copies of the basic forms and certificates such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, baptismal records and school/graduation information. But what else would help my future family learn more about me? I have labeled all my photographs (both old pictures and recent snapshots) and organized my applications to lineage societies but what other items should I save to make this a collection a true “Treasure Chest” for my children’s children?

What do you save? What documents do you feel are important to save for future generations? I’d love to hear what you are keeping for your own descendants. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Treasure Chest Thursday- An Unusual Namesake is still a Welcome Namesake

My daughter was 4 years old this Christmas of 2009 when Santa Claus brought her a Madame Alexander doll. She immediately called her "My own twin doll" because they both have blond hair and blue eyes. She carried her around all morning. Later in the morning on Christmas, I asked her "What are you going to name that baby?" Her answer completely shocked me. I'm glad my husband was there because he would have never believed she came up with this name without any help from me. So why was I so shocked?


She said "I am going to name her "Susan Elliotte Vance Chandler" and call her "Elliotte."" The reason I was speechless was that this was the full name of my great-great-grandmother and her great-great-great-grandmother. Susan Elliotte Vance Chandler was born 26 March 1846 and lived in Greenville County, South Carolina. The 4th child of William Gilmer Vance and Sisaly Devenport, Elliotte married Pinckney Lafayette Chandler (possibly around 1866). Pinckney was the son of Willis C. Chandler and Leanna Campbell.  Together they had one child, William Vance Chandler, on 13 July 1867. Her husband Pinckney died on Christmas Day in 1868 at the young age of 25. Later the young widow remarried Ira William Davenport and had a large family with him. She also died young on 3 September 1882 at the young age of 36.


I have often wondered how horrible that Christmas Day must have been for her- losing her husband so suddenly and being left alone to care for a 17 month old child. Who would have thought that one Christmas morning 141 years later someone would pay tribute to her in such a special way? I can't imagine anything more wonderful than to be remembered. I think that’s all our ancestors want. But to hear her great-great-great-grandbaby call out her name 127 years after her death? I know she was proud.


So how did my daughter even remember this name? I had told her this name in passing weeks before. I think that in itself is remarkable for a 4 year old girl to remember. But maybe she had some help. Maybe someone special whispered it in her ear. Regardless of how she remembered the name, I am so proud she did. It made my day and I know it made a group of people in heaven very happy too.

Treasure Chest Thursday- I've added my Family Tree online

For this week's "Treasure Chest Thursday," I am adding my own treasure- my own research.  I have finally added my Family Tree online.  I found a neat (and free) site that will allow me to share my Family Tree with others. It's called "Tribal Pages."

I have put off doing this because I didn't want people to simply copy and paste my names into their "name collector tree" of thousands of names without verifying any of my information.  I will be glad to share all my sources but please don't copy and paste my Family Tree and call it your own.  Our ancestors deserve more respect than that.  Everyone wants to be remembered but I don't think anyone wants to be remembered incorrectly.

If you find any errors or have any questions, please let me know.

Simply click this image (in the column on the far left) to visit my Family Tree.

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.