Tombstone Tuesday: Reverend Daniel "Dan" and Rhoda Hibley Johnson

Photo credit: Susan Bourgoyne

REV. DAN JOHNSON
1909-1969

RHODA H. JOHNSON
1921-1989

Pine Burr Church of Christ Cemetery 

Lamar County, Mississippi

Memorials listed on Find A Grave

Contributed by Susan Bourgoyne

Click here for link

Daniel "Dan" Johnson was the son of Henry Johnson and Sarah Ellen Johnson and the grandson of Wilson "Babe" and Elizabeth G. "Betty" Fillingame Johnson and Samuel Alexander and Leona Ardell Lott Johnson.  His wife was the former Rhoda Hibley.  Their known children- Dimple, Violet, Dan Wilson, John Henry, Jimmy, Pam and Levon.  Dan Johnson was my first cousin 2x removed.  

Sharing Memories (Week 39): Big Courage in a Small Package

Frank Dalton Powell Jr

Frank Jr. was about 7 years old in this photo. He was small in stature (my Uncle Elton called him "Peanut" back then) but BIG in courage. He wasn't afraid of anyone. Sometimes his courage got him into some rather precarious situations with bigger boys. Particularly two brothers who lived just two houses down from ours. They were Kevin and Darrel, the neighborhood "bullies". There were many disagreements between them and my younger brother. Time and again the bullies sought reasons to pursue a fight with Frank Jr., and he would not back down. He knew he might get beat up, but he would not back down. Time and again I would have to intervene because these bullies were not going to bring my brother down easily. There have been punches thrown between all of us and I have even suffered a bloody nose by one of the punks, but we still stood up for ourselves. Like most siblings, we may have fought each other like cats and dogs, but when someone else bullied one of us, the others were there to help out. Mom always taught us to defend ourselves and we were brought up that way. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall", she used to say. I probably spent more time defending my siblings than I did defending myself.

Sharing Memories (Week 38): 9 Years Old and Learning

This photo was taken when I was about nine years old.  I hated this picture of me.  I remember whining about my freckles and my hair bangs, how thin and short they had been cut.  Poor Mom, she did her best to curl my hair and fix it, but still I whined. 

At that time, I had become friends with a girl whom lived just a few streets down from me. I learned that her mother was a Girl Scout Leader, so I joined the group. I was officially "bridged" from the Brownies to the Junior Girl Scouts, a group consisting of girls ages nine through eleven. Mrs. Lana was our leader and she was wonderful. She was very involved with the troop and planned several great outings for us. I particularly enjoyed these two years with the troop because we explored so many different areas of interests and learned so much. We went to summer camps, backpacking, created leather goods and other fun activities. Mrs. Lana was very laid back and kind of zany, so she was a load of fun. It was a memorable experience for me. 

Although I still had a lot to learn, by the age of 9 years I had learned a few lessons:
1. I can not have everything that I want, when I want it.
2. Some things are worth waiting for.
3. When Mom says "NO", she usually means it.
4. It pays to know when to avoid crossing the line with Mom and Dad.
5. Sometimes it's easier to get Mom's approval when she's distracted, such as talking on the telephone or watching one of her favorite tv shows.
6. Sometimes those you think you can trust will deceive you.
7. The prettiest girls attract the most attention in social settings.
8. There are greater expectations from the oldest child of the family.
9. The youngest children in the family are usually spoiled the most.
10. Younger siblings can be a royal pain in the butt.
11. Cute boys can be total jerks sometimes.
12. Trying to be a daredevil can have tough consequences.

Sharing Memories (Week 37): Remembering Desegregation

The year was 1970. I was entering 6th grade and would be attending a different school. There had been a lot of turmoil concerning desegregation of the public school systems. I remember hearing adults speak of their concern about their children being forced to attend a different school in order to create racial balance within the school systems. Some threatened to remove their children from school entirely and keep them at home. Racial tensions had been escalating during the 1960's, especially in southern states like Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Riots and racial disturbances were often the main topics of televised news.

Fear and rebellion against new ideas played a role in the concerns among our white neighbors and family members. These were my first encounters with the concept of prejudice as I watched it reveal its ugly presence among those whom I knew. Until then, I paid no attention to racial differences. I was unconcerned with what was happening in the world outside of my own. Now I had become curious. I was watching and waiting to see how the unfolding events were going to affect our schools and community.

Mom and Dad talked about sending us to a private school across the river. They were greatly concerned about how the desegregation was going to affect us. Mom was driven by fear, partly because of her own misconceptions because of the way she was raised. She worried that her children might be injured because of racial tensions within the schools. She worried about how her children might be influenced by the racial blending. She hated the whole concept of desegregation and felt angry because she could do little to change the course of events. After realizing that the costs of a private school was beyond their means, Mom and Dad decided against it. They would just have to deal with the changes, whether they liked it or not.

Before desegregation, Lincoln Middle School had been an all-black school for grades 6-8. This was a new experience for me... attending a racially mixed school.

At first I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I only knew what I had heard up to that point... and it wasn't very good at all. However, my fear over the situation dissipated within a few days. After all, even though the school was now racially blended, we were still separated by our different cultures. The white students continued to stay amongst themselves as did the black students. There was little social mingling among the two groups.

Like the majority of students at Lincoln Middle, I was more concerned with "fitting in" with my peers and less concerned with racial issues. We were at an impressive age when it was important for us to feel accepted by our friends. We were still a little young to understand the concepts of racial equality and desegregation in its entirety. Therefore, our parents were more affected by the changes occuring in society than we were.  

Sharing Memories (Week 36): Man's First Step on the Moon

The date was July 20, 1969.  This day made history in the world of space exploration.  The people of America and the rest of the world tuned in to watch... 

At 4:18 P.M. EDT, Neil Armstrong of the Apollo 11 crew made history by becoming the first man to set foot onto the moon's surface.  His words were captioned in newspapers and magazines nationwide: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind".  

I was about ten years old then and remember watching the details of their moon landing on television. I remember thinking of how awesome the event was... how these men must feel, walking on the moon's surface, so far away from home. I imagined what it was like... the thrill and excitement of exploring the unknown, the fame, the fear.

That event occured over 40 years ago. Since then many advances have been made in space exploration. However, as I look back at those very first steps that were made in 1969, I feel proud to be able to say "I remember that"...

Deja Vu: Isaac Stirring Up Memories of Katrina

Mention "Hurricane Katrina" and most people shudder at the memories left by one of the most devastating storms to ever hit land in the southern United States. Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southern Plaquemines Parish, just south of Buras, Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane at 6:10 a.m. central time on the morning of August 29, 2005.  At the time of landfall, Katrina was packing winds of near 125 mph east of its center.  While in the open gulf waters, Katrina had at one time been a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of near 175 mph.  As a huge and strong Cat 3 hurricane, Katrina brought widespread destruction and devastation to areas in several southern states, particularly Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  It forever changed the lives of many people in the New Orleans and Mississippi gulf coast regions.  

Now, seven years later, on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall, another tropical system is wrecking havoc across Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as portions of Alabama and Florida. Hurricane Isaac made its first landfall at 6:45 p.m. CDT on August 28, 2012 over a small section of land in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph.After re-emerging over gulf waters and creeping along the borders of Louisiana coastline, it made a second landfall at 2:15 a.m. CDT August 29 just west of Port Fourchon, Louisiana.  

As Isaac approached the Louisiana coast, the minds of many residents turned back to the memories of widespread devastation and personal loss experienced from the effects of Hurricane Katrina.   Feelings of anxiety stirred hurried preparations for those in the forecast track of approaching Isaac. My husband and I are among those who vividly remember Katrina.  The days following landfall of Hurricane Katrina include some of the worst moments of our lives.  It is not an experience that we would chose to reclaim.  This past Sunday, when it became likely that Isaac was heading toward us, my husband and I made our final preparations for the storm- we fueled our vehicles, stocked up on canned goods and bottled water, checked our supply of flashlights and batteries, caught up the laundry and more.  We continually watched the news as updates came in regarding the strengthening of the gulf storm.  We hoped and prayed that Isaac would not become another Katrina.  

Though Isaac doesn't compare to the ferocious blow that Katrina dealt, it has still left behind widespread destruction and flooding in its path.  Here, in southern Mississippi, residents have been feeling the effects of Isaac since Wednesday morning, getting worse through Wednesday night, and expecting the severe weather to linger through late today (Thursday) and into tonight.  Since Isaac is such a broad, slow moving storm (moving between five to eight mph), it is continually dumping sheets of rain upon us.  It is predicted that some counties in southern Mississippi will receive up to 18 inches of rain before the system moves out of our area.  Naturally, local schools and several businesses are closed and residents have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible.  There have already been several tornado warnings posted throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Closer to home, tornado warnings have been previously posted in Pearl River, Wayne, and Hancock counties.  Wind gusts here, in Marion County, have been reported at about 35-40 mph.  Several reports of power outages have been posted while power companies are working overtime to restore electricity to local residents.  (Fortunately, we have not lost power yet).  There have been reports of downed trees and power lines and light structural damage throughout the area.  Additionally, Marion County is under a flash flood warning.  Pearl River, which runs through the county, is said to be already at 16.5 feet, while minor flood stage is 17 feet.  

Most recent radar image, 6:05 AM, Thurs, Aug 30, 2012

The above image shows the heavy rain slowly passing through the Columbia area where I reside. Areas to the east including Waynesboro, Leakesville and Wiggins are getting even heavier rain at present.  A friend of mine just posted on facebook that the downtown area of Columbia, including Main Street, is presently flooding.  That is bad news for several businesses located there.  

Downed trees across a vehicle in Columbia- one of the reasons people are encouraged to avoid driving during the storm (fortunately, the driver escaped shaken but unharmed)

Downed tree across a house in Columbia yesterday

Structural damage to a local business on South High School
Avenue in Columbia yesterday evening

Like most others, I will be glad to see the final remnants of Isaac fade away, becoming only a memory in the hurricane history records of the south. Realistically, I know that in the future there will eventually be another  hurricane as deadly as Katrina, but I hope and pray that I nor my loved ones will have to bear witness to such an intense, powerfully gruesome storm again in our life time. One Katrina was enough.  

Sharing Memories (Week 35): Ice Cream, the Old-Fashioned Way

Just one example of an old-fashioned
manual ice cream churn

One of my favorite childhood memories is the making of old-fashioned vanilla ice cream.  The making of ice cream was a summertime family affair, one in which my siblings and I could participate in together along with our parents.  I recall Mom getting the ingredients all together and spreading them out on the kitchen counter- eggs, vanilla flavoring, condensed milk, pet milk or whole milk and sugar (maybe additional ingredients but I'm uncertain).  She had to first beat all the ingredients together before pouring them into the bowl of the ice cream machine.  Often, my siblings and I would gather around in the kitchen and watch her while asking a thousand and one questions.  Dad would next pour ice and rock salt into the tub, surrounding the center bowl which held the ice cream mixture.  He then laid a large heavy towel across the top of the machine.  Then the churning began.  We each took turns manually turning the crank, forcing the center bowl to spin, while listening to the grinding of the rock salt and ice mixture in the outer tub.  As the mixture began to freeze, it seems the manual churning became harder, and that's when Dad would take over until the ice cream was ready.  

There's nothing quite like the taste
of good, old-fashioned homemade
ice cream- delicious!!!

I don't remember how long preparation time was- perhaps a couple of hours in all, but it seemed to take forever to us kids.  The best part of the project was gathering around together and devouring our bowl of delicious, homemade vanilla ice cream.  What a tasty treat to have on a hot, summer day!  Mom and Dad later purchased an electric ice cream maker which took the hard labor of hand churning away and Mom even became creative with ice cream recipes- I remember she once did some peach ice cream and blueberry ice cream, and from time to time we would have some extras for topping such as chocolate syrup or cookie bits.  I also remember a few ice cream socials with my Stogner family.   Not only was homemade ice cream a cold, delicious way to celebrate summer, it was also a way to celebrate family time and togetherness.  It has been many years since I've had a bowl of the old-fashioned home-churned ice cream but the dessert remains one of my favorites to this day.  I am particularly fond of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream because it at least comes close to the old-fashioned taste I loved as a child ;)

John Dubose (RS), c. 1700-1788, SC

My paternal 7th great-grandfather, John Dubose, son of French immigrant Isaac Dubose (DuBosc) and Suzanne Couillandeau, was born c. 1700 in Craven County, South Carolina and died c. 1788 in South Carolina.  He married first Susannah Lemonier c. 1725, daughter of James Lemonier.  They had one daughter- Susannah Elizabeth Dubose, born c 1728.  She later married Robert Lewis.  (Registry book of Prince Frederick Parish, Winyah, pg 55).  

After the death of his first wife, John Dubose married second Mary Whilden c. 1730.  She was born c. 1710, the daughter of John and Mary Whilden.  John and Mary Dubose owned land in Berkeley County, South Carolina which they sold in 1744.  They later moved to the Lynches Creek area in the Darlington District where John had received land grants by 1750.  As an old man, John Dubose was one of eight Duboses in Captain Elias Dubose's Company under the command of General Francis Marion in the Revolutionary War.  

Children of John Dubose and second wife Mary Whilden:

i.    Martha Dubose (1730-1808), married John Warren (RS)- my paternal 6th great-grandparents, see more about them here

ii.    Mary Dubose, married first Henry Sparrow, married second Josiah Clemmens (Clements)

iii.   Elias Dubose (1737-1789), Captain, served in the American Revolution; twin to brother Daniel Dubose; married Lydia Cassels

iv.    Daniel Dubose (1737-1801), Captain, served in the American Revolution; twin to brother Elias Dubose

v.     Elizabeth Dubose, born c. 1742, married Clement Brown; twin to Isaac Dubose

vi.   Isaac Dubose, born c. 1742, twin to Elizabeth; married his first cousin, Sarah Dubose, daughter of Peter; served in the American Revolution

vii.    Joseph Dubose, born c. 1745

viii.   Margaret Dubose, born c. 1747

ix.    Rebecca Dubose, born 1752, married her first cousin Captain Andrew Dubose, son of Peter.  

Information on the John Dubose family was obtained from the rootsweb page of Stephen J. Coker, who wrote about the family based on research done by Mrs. Leola W. Konopa.  (Click here to view information), and also on information published on the genealogy page of J. Liptrap, which may be viewed here.  

Death Certificate- Sabra Crawley Herrin

Certificate of death for Sabra Crawley Herrin

Sabra Crawley died 28 January 1925 in Lumberton, Lamar County, Mississippi.  The cause of death was listed as lobar pneumonia, and she had been under the care of Dr. Dubose for approximately four days prior to her death.  Sabra was married to William H. Herrin, who was listed as the informant on the death certificate.  The record also shows that she was born in Harrison County, Mississippi, the daughter of John Crawley and Polly Merrit (Merritt) Crawley.  

Death Certificate- William H. Herrin

Certificate of death for William Herrin

William H. Herrin died 31 January 1928, though his grave marker lists his death as 27 January 1927.  According to the death certificate, William was ill for 3 to 4 days with bronchitis, under the care of  Dr.  Mason of Lumberton, Mississippi.  The record also shows that William was a farmer and was of the age of 77 at the time of his death, which is incorrect, if he was born in 1857.  It also states the parents of William were Green Herrin and Cynthia Lott.  Informant was William's son, Albert Herrin.

John Warren (RS), c. 1725-1806, VA>SC>GA

John Warren, my paternal 6th great-grandfather, was born c. 1725 in Virginia.  He was in Craven County, South Carolina by the 1750's.  He married Martha Dubose c. 1751-1752, the daughter of John Dubose and Mary Whilden.  She was born c. 1730 in Jamestown, South Carolina.  

There are records of three land grants to John Warren in Craven County (later Florence County), South Carolina, the first dated 07 January 1752 (see following image) which included 100 acres on the north side of Lynches Creek, bounded on the east by Henry Sparrow.  Additional land grants included 300 acres on the northeast side of Lynches Creek dated 13 December 1764 and 100 acres on Sparrow Swamp dated 03 October 1769.  On 05 May 1758, John Warren signed a petition for a road to be built from near Lynches Creek to Charleston, South Carolina.

Land description, 100 acres granted to John Warren on 07 Jan 1752

Another early record showing the family of John Warren in South Carolina was the register book for Prince Frederick Parish, Winyah.  Before the American Revolution, the state church of South Carolina was the Church of England (Protestant Episcopal Church).  The church of Prince Frederick Parish, Winyah was one of the oldest in the state, formed in 1734.  It served part of Craven County between 1734-1768.  The old church register book contains the name and baptismal date of John Warren, "the Son of John Warren and Martha his wife, born December 18th 1752 Baptized May 29th 1753".

Excerpt from the Register book for Prince
Frederick Parish, Winyah, page 30, showing
 the name of John Warren

  

In 1775, John Warren served under the command of Captain Elias Dubose in the Volunteer Independent Company of St. David's Parish (now Darlington County), South Carolina.  His son, John Jr. and son-in-law, John Norwood, were in the same unit.  Also serving in the same company were John Pigott, Sr and his sons, John Jr and Nathaniel.  The Warren's and Pigott's maintained close ties and some of the members of both families would later marry and reside near each other in Liberty County, Georgia.  John and Martha's sons, John Jr, Elias and Joseph served the latter part of the Revolutionary War in Georgia under the command of General Andrew Williamson in the regiment of Colonel John Thomas.  In 1792, John Jr, Elias and Jesse Warren (and John Pigott) were listed as militia spies in the company of Lt. Colonel Daniel Stewart (see following image).  Jesse Warren was John Jr.'s oldest son.

Clark, Murtie June, American Militia in the Frontier Wars,
1790-1796, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

It is speculated that John and Martha Warren moved to Georgia c. 1780-1790, following their sons whom had been given land grants in the area around Liberty County.  In the 1805 Land Lottery list from Liberty County, Georgia, John Warren Sr was issued two draws, John Jr was issued two draws, John 3rd was issued one draw and winner, Penelop Warren (widow of Joseph) was issued two draws, and Samuel Warren was issued two draws.  In Bryan County, next to Liberty County, Jesse Warren was issued two draws.  In the 1807 Land Lottery for Liberty County, Martha Warren (widow of John Sr) was issued one draw and John Warren Jr was issued two draws.  It is assumed that John Warren Sr. died c. 1806.   It is also speculated that his wife, Martha, died c. 1808 in Liberty County, Georgia.

Children of John Warren and Martha Dubose:

i.    John Warren Jr. (1752-1821), married 1773 Elizabeth Perkins, daughter of Samuel Perkins and G Rees. She was baptized 22 Oct 1761 at Prince Frederick Parish Winyah, Craven County, South Carolina. John was baptized 29 May 1753 in the same parish. He served in the Revolutionary War in Capt. Elias DuBose' Company of Volunteer Militia from St David's Parish in 1776. He later also served in the 6th Company, Col. John Thomas' Regiment, Georgia Militia, February 1778, for which he received land in Liberty County, Georgia. They moved to Liberty County, Georgia, by 1783, were he was a deacon at the Midway Church 1791-1810, and Justice of the Peace in December, 1791. In 1810, they moved to Sandy Hook, Mississippi, on the Pearl River just opposite the point where the Louisiana State Line meets the river. After Elizabeth's death, John married 28 Jun 1816 Sarah Ann Watkins Lott, widow of Arthur K Lott.  

ii.   Mary Warren (c.1754-3 Aug 1831) m.12 Apr 1774 Capt. John Norwood (c1750-c1829) lived in Darlington District, South Carolina. (I doubt estimates of her birth in 1750, because she, too, would have been baptized on 29 May 1753, when 85 children from the community were baptized, including her brother and four cousins.  35 were baptized the next Sunday. 

iii.   Elias Warren (c1756-1825) m.22 Dec 1788 Susannah Burford married in Liberty County, Georgia, moved to Marion County, Mississippi, between 1817 and 1820.  Served in the Revolutionary War (see above notes).

iv.  Martha Warren (c.1760-1831) m. John Pigott, son of John and Elizabeth Pigott in Libety County, Georgia; moved to Marion County, Mississippi with other family members.

v.  Joseph Warren (c1760-between 1797 and 1805) married Penelope (Lott?) Ratcliff;  died in Bryan County, Georgia, one source says 1 Mar 1797;  widow Penelope had a widow’s draw in the 1805 Land Lottery. In March, 1806, in Liberty County, John Warren (Jr) was appointed guardian for Joseph’s minor children (under age 14) John, Sarah, Elias, and Solomon.

Some of the information on the children of John Warren and Martha Dubose obtained from Warren family group sheets, online history at Ancestry.com and from the research of J. Liptrap, click here to view his notes.  

New Book Released: Images of America: Marion County

Images of America:
MARION COUNTY

A new book featuring images from the past and some of the history of Marion County, Mississippi has been recently released thanks to the efforts of the Marion County Historical Society.  The soft cover book, published by Arcadia Publishing, has 127 pages and is divided into sections covering the history of Marion County including agriculture, education and worship, events and gatherings, industry, logging and railroads, Columbia, citizens of the past, Main Street, photos of homes in the area and natural disasters.  It is available through local retailers including Dutharene's, Cook & Fortenberry, Shepard's Pharmacy, The Round Table, and Main Street Gifts.  The purchase price listed on the book is $21.99 + tax.  

I purchased my copy a couple of days ago and I've enjoyed browsing through the old photos of our area and reading up on its history.  A couple of my ancestors, Nathan Lott and Henry H. Johnson, are among many pioneers from the area featured in the book.  

Tombstone Tuesday: Jodie Johnson, 1916-1980

JODIE JOHNSON
JAN. 22, 1916 - FEB. 27, 1980
THE LORD IS MY REFUGE

FATHER
JODI JOHNSON
PVT US ARMY
JAN 22, 1916 - FEB 27, 1980

Pine Burr Church of Christ Cemetery

Lamar County, Mississippi

Memorial listed on Find A Grave,

maintained by Susan Bourgoyne

Click here for link

Jodie Johnson was the son of Henry Johnson and Sarah Ellen Johnson and the grandson of Wilson "Babe" Johnson and Elizabeth G. "Betty" Fillingame and Samuel Alexander Johnson and Leona Ardell Lott.  He was married to Ruby Gertrude Herrin, daughter of Albert L. Herrin and Sarah A. "Tisha" Graham.  

Jesse Turnage, c.1771-1836, NC

Jesse Turnage, my paternal 4th great-grandfather, was born c. 1771 in Pitt or Duplin County, North Carolina and died 10 March 1836 in Duplin County, North Carolina.  He married Martha Shathford (or Goar, maiden name speculative).  She was born 15 November 1790 in North Carolina.  

He is listed on the 1810 Federal Census, Duplin County, North Carolina with the following in his household: 2 males <10, 2 males 10-15, 1 male 16-25, 1 male 26-44; 1 female <10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 26-44.

In 1820, the household of Jesse Turnage consisted of:  2 males <10, 2 males 16-25, 1 male 45 and over, 2 females <10,  2 females 10-15, 1 female 16-25, 3 females 26-44. 

The 1830 Federal Census of Duplin County showed Jesse Turnage with the following:  3 males <5, 2 males 10-14, 1 male 15-19, 1 male 20-29, 1 male 50-59; 2 females 5-9, 1 female 15-19, 2 females 20-29, 1 female 40-49.  

Little is known about Jesse and his wife Martha at present, other than the assumptions that the couple maintained their residence in Duplin County, North Carolina throughout their married years and they had a large family.  After Jesse's death, it is said that Martha moved southward with other members of her family, eventually settling in Marion County, Mississippi where she died 13 June 1866.  

Children of Jesse Turnage and Martha Shathford:
i.    Frances Talitha Turnage
ii.   Amazon Turnage
iii.  Isaac Turange
iv.  Major Holland Turnage
v.   Martha Turnage
vi.  Hannah "Kitty" Turnage
vii. Sarah Ann Turnage
viii.James Jacob Turnage
ix.  Robert Daniel Turnage
x.   Rebecca Turnage
xi.  Roland R. Turnage
xii. George Howard Turnage
xiii. Mary Elizabeth Turnage

Robert Daniel Turnage, 1818-1919, NC>MS

My paternal 3rd great-grandfather, Robert Daniel "Bob" Turnage, was born 01 November 1818 in Duplin County, North Carolina and died 23 May 1919 in Marion County, Mississippi.  He was the son of Jesse Turnage and Martha Shathford (or Goar, last name speculative).  He married Martha Ellen Pigott on 25 January 1848 in Marion County, Mississippi.  She was born 29 May 1829 and died 20 February 1898 in Mississippi.  

Bob and Martha are shown together on the 1850 census.  The record indicates they were a young couple then, ages 24 and 20, respectively.  There were no living children in the household at that time.

1850 Federal Census, Marion County, Mississippi, Pg 22

By 1860, several children had been born from the union of Bob and Martha.  They were- Thomas, age 11, Monroe, age 9, Eli, age 7, Ann M.(Margaret Ann) age 6, Gabriella (Martha Gaberline), age 5, and Leazah (Elizabeth), age 4.

1860 Federal Census, Marion County, Mississippi, Pg 9

A decade later, Bob and Martha are still shown in Marion County, Mississippi.  Their household in 1870 included children T.R. (Thomas Robert), age 19, Monroe J. (James Monroe), age 18, Eli (Eli Nathaniel), age 15, Martha A. (Margaret Ann), age 13, Gabrielle (Martha Gaberline), age 11, William E. (William Elia), age 9, Rose C. (Helen Rose?), age 3, Lizzie (Elizabeth V.), age 7, Louise (Louisa M.), age 2, Columbia (Ella?), age 1 month, and William C. (Robert Seaborn), age 4.  There were several spelling and age errors on this record.

1870 Federal Census, Marion County, Mississippi, Pg 4

In 1880, Bob and Martha were enumerated in the Water Holes district of Marion County.  Their household then consisted of children William E. (William Elia), age 21, Elizabeth V., age 18, Robert S. (Seaborn), age 16, Helen R. (Rose), age 14, Louisa M., age 12, Elle E. (Ella Elnora), age 10, Sarah F. (Sarah Florence), age 7, and Martha L. (granddaughter, age 5).  By 1880, two sons of Bob and Martha were married and lived nearby.  James Monroe Turnage had married Elizabeth E. Davis and they resided in House #211.  Eli Nathaniel Turnage had married Theodocia Jane Davis and they resided in House #213.  

1880 Federal Census, Marion County, Mississippi, Water Holes, Dist 132, Pg  26

I have been unable to find the Robert Daniel Turnage family on the 1900 Census records.  His wife, Martha, had passed away before 1900 so it is reasonable to assume that Robert was either missed on the census that year or could have been living in the household of one of his family members.  The next record of him is the 1910 census, which shows the 86 year old widowed Bob lived in the household of his married son, Seaborn.

1910 Federal Census, Marion County, Mississippi, Beat 4, Dist 0104, Pg 39

Both Bob and Martha were buried in the Turnage Chapel Cemetery, Marion County, Mississippi.  See links below for more information, including information on their children.

See also:
Historical Photo- Turnage Family Gathering
Children of Robert Daniel & Martha E. Pigott Turnage
Death Record- Robert Daniel Turnage
Tombstones:  Robert D. & Martha E. Pigott Turnage

Sunday's Obituary: Warner T. Ramshur

COLUMBIA- Services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Columbia for Warner T. Ramshur, 80, of Columbia, who died Sept. 19, 1991, at Methodist Hospital in Hattiesburg.  The Revs. Buddy Cameron and Arthur Shaw will officiate.  Interment will be in Mount Gilead Cemetery.  Survivors include one son, Thomas Andrew Ramshur of Lucedale; three brothers, Joe Ramshur and Thomas Ramshur, both of Columbia, and Clarence Ramshur of Foxworth; one sister, Lillian Robinson of Columbia; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Visitation will be from 4 to 10 p.m. today at Community Funeral Home in Columbia, which is in charge of the arrangements, and from 1:30 p.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Warner Tisdale Ramshur was married to my maternal grandmother, Susie Johnson Simmons.  Though he was by law considered my "step" grandfather, he was "PawPaw T." in my eyes and was a huge part of my earlier childhood memories.  

Sharing Memories (Week 34): Bring on the Rain!

While most kids these days can be found indoors during rainy weather, my siblings and I loved summer rain. Not only did rain bring relief from the sweltering heat in southern Louisiana, it brought an opportunity for us to play in the water.  Since the streets in our subdivision would flood with even the slightest amount of rain, a big rainfall was even better for us kids.  Neighborhood kids gathered on the corner curbs where the water was deepest.  We often filled plastic jugs with water and poured it over each other's heads, or we filled balloons with water and bombed each other.  Sometimes we would ride our bikes through the water, making waves.  Speaking of which, we loved it when a pick up truck would pass by, creating even bigger waves.  Of course, if the weather was stormy, along with thunder and lightening, we would have to wait the storm out indoors.  Fortunately, most of the downpours were just simply rain, and they passed through the area as quickly as they came, but the downpours were enough to give us some relief from heat and some summertime fun!

John Connerly, c.1716-1751, NC

John Connerly, my paternal 6th great-grandfather, was born c. 1716 in Johnston County (formerly Craven County), North Carolina.  He married Keziah Herring, daughter of Samuel Herring and Anne Williams.  She was born c. 1715 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.  (John Connerly was mentioned in the will of Samuel Herring, dated October 22, 1750, probated December 1750 in Johnston County, NC.  Samuel Herring leaves "one grey mare excepted- she: I give and bequeath to my son-in-law Jno Conerly").

John Connerly was issued a land grant of 300 acres in the County of Duplin, North Carolina.  (Duplin County Grant Book 10, p. 264, File 99. Dated April 2, 1751)

John made will October 1751.  He died 17 November 1751.  His will mentions three children- William, Patience and Cullen.  Also mentioned in his will were Stephen Herring, the brother of his wife, Keziah and brother "Richard Jones" (it is uncertain of the actual relationship, if any, of John to Richard Jones).

Will of John Connerly:

In the name of God Amen the seventeenth of Oct. 1751, I, John Connerly, of the County of Johnston, being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory Thanks be given to Almighty God therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last Will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that in descent Christian Burial at the discretion of my executor.  Nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such Worldy Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life.  I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form imprimis I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Kesiah Connerly the young mare that was left me by her Father gave her at her marriage and the feather bed she had at the time of marriage and the Plantation whereon I now live with one hundred and fifty acres of land more or less being part of the survey.  Item I give and bequeath to my brothers, Richard Jones and Stephen Herring the remainder of the Survey to be Divided as hath been agreed on the said Stephen paying his part of the caust.  Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved son William Connerly my bay maire and colt my son Cullen to have the first colt the Mair brings.  Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Patience Connerly my black mair and her increase.  Item I likewise give and bequeath to my three children whose names are above written at the time of coming to age or at the day of marriage five cows and calves to each.  Item I give and bequeath to my sons William and Cullen each of them one feather bed.  Item I give to my daughter Patience two iron pots, two pewter basons, four plates, one dish.  Item I give to my two sons three hundred acres of land lying on the North East of Cape Fear in Duplin County to be equally divided between them.  Item I give to my son William my gun.  Item what I have by me and what is due and the remains of my stock I desire to be put to the use of buying a young negro woman and if she should breed I desire her increase to be equally divided among my children and if that cannot be done the money debts and Stock last mentioned to be equally divided among my three Children herein this will mentioned.  Item I give to my wife my horse and all my other moveables I likewise constitute make and ordain Anthony Herring, Blacksmith, to be my sole executor of this my last Will and Testament and I hereby utterly disallow revoke and disanul all and every other former Testaments Wills Legacies and Bequests and Executors by me in any ways before named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I have here unto set my Hand and Seal this 17 Day of October 1751.

Signed and Sealed and Published Jn Connerly (his mark) in presence of us.

Elizabeth Jones (her mark) Griffin Jones

Johnston County March Court 1752 Present His Majestys Justices the last Will and Testament of John Connerly late of Johnston County deceased was exhibited into court and proved by the Oaths of Elizabeth Jones and Griffin Jones.  Evidence there to who swore that they saw the Testator sign seal publish and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament and was at the time thereof of sound and disposing memory after which Anthony Herring Exr herein mentioned appeared in Court and was qualified by taking the Oath of an Exrs 

Ordered that Mr. Secretary have notice that letters issued accordingly.  Test letters granted and issued 9 July 1752.  Chas Young C.C.

(Information from  Descendants of John Connerly (    - 1751) NC and Cullen Conerly (ca 1745- 1811) NC To The Present 1986, Lampton, William A. and Irma, Marion County Public Library, Columbia, Miss. *929.2 L)

                                                                   
Children of John Connerly and Keziah Herring:


i.    William Conerly (1740-1807), married Margaret Jackson
ii.   Patience Conerly (1741-1845)
iii.  Cullen Conerly (1745-1811), married Letitia (Telisha) Ward

Cullen Conerly (RS), c. 1745-1811, NC

My paternal 5th great-grandfather, Cullen Conerly, was born c. 1745 in Craven County, North Carolina and died c.1811 in Duplin County, North Carolina.  He was the son of John Connerly and Keziah Herring.  Family history states he was a Revolutionary War soldier, enlisted in Captain Kenan's and Captain Bowden's companies of North Carolina.  He married Letitia (Telisha) Ward, the daughter of Luke Thomas Ward and Bridget Draughon.  She was born 04 April 1746 in Bertie County, North Carolina and died 26 August 1846 in Duplin County, North Carolina.

Cullen Conerly's will was dated 11 November 1811 and proven in court January 1812:

Will of Cullen Conerly:  IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN, The eleventh day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eleven-  

I, Cullin Connerly of the State of North Carolina and County of Duplin being now advanced in age and just recovering from a severe illness, but of sound disposing mind and memory and reflecting on the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death have now determined to settle my worldly affairs for which purpose-

I make and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) 

First, it is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral charges should be duly paid by my executors herein after named, out of such part of my estate as they may think proper and the residue to be distributed in the following manner (to wit)

And secondly, I lend to my beloved wife, Telisha Connerly the plantation and house where I now live and all working tools thereunto belonging and three mares and two colts and six cows and calves and stock of sheep together with the following negroes, viz:  Major, Easter, Jim, Charles, Cisar, Willis, Bob, Tena and Clary during her natural life or widowhood and then to be distributed as is hereinafter mentioned.

And thirdly, I give and bequeath to my son John Connerly all my lands lying on the North side of the Poly Bridge Branch together with the one half of a tract of land purchased of John Blount lying above the fork of said branch, only reserving such part of said lands as Mill Overflows, I also give him the privilege of grinding his own grain in said mill, toll free as long as he helps to keep said mill in repair, and also one bed and furniture one cow and calf one horse bridle and saddle and two head of sheep to him and his heirs forever.

And fourthly, I give and bequeath to son Owen Connerly the four hundred and fifty dollars I paid towards the lands he now lives on and one horse bridle and saddle one bed and furniture one cow and calf and two head of sheep to him and his heirs forever.

And fifthly, I give and bequeath to my son William Connerly all that tract of land I purchased of Samuel Stanford one horse bridle and saddle one bed and furniture one cow and calf and two head of sheep to him and his heirs forever.

And sixthly, I give and bequeath to my son Luke Connerly all my lands on the South side of the Poly Bridge Branch including the lands I bought of Robert Byrd and also the one half of a tract I purchased of John Blount, it being the half of the tract I bequeath to my son John Connerly lying above the fork of said Poly Bridge Branch one horse bridle and saddle one bed and furniture one cow and calf and the Blacksmith tools and also my still and two head of sheep to him and his heirs forever.

And Seventhly, I give and bequeath to my daughter, Polly Guy, one Negro woman named Dinah one bed and furniture two cows and calves one woman's saddle and two head of sheep to her and her heirs forever.

And Eightly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Tibitha Laws one negro woman named Rose one bed and furniture one woman's saddle two cows and calves and two head of sheep to her and her heirs forever.

And Ninthly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Frances Dunkin one negro girl named Ginny one bed and furniture two cows and calves, one woman's saddle and two head of sheep to her and her heirs forever.

And Tenthly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Susan Page one negro girl named Lucy one bed and furniture two cows and calves one woman's saddle and two head of sheep, to her and her heirs forever.

Eleventhly, I give to my daughter Chelly Blount one negro girl named Rachel one bed and furniture two cows and calves two head of sheep and fourteen dollars in lieu of the woman's saddle to her and her heirs forever.

Twelvthly, I give and bequeath to daughter Betsey one negro girl named Doll and also at my wife's death one other negro girl named Tenah one bed and furniture two cows and calves one woman's saddle and two head of sheep to her and her heirs forever.

And further it is my Will and desire that after my wife's decease, that my son John Connerly shall have my Negroman Jim and my son Owen Connerly my Negro boy Charles and my son William Connerly my Negro boy Cesar and my son Luke Connerly my Negro man Moses which said four negroes I give and bequeath to them forever only reserving four hundred dollars from my four sons above mentioned for my six daughters to be divided between them share and share and it is further my will and desire that after the death of my said wife all the rest of my negroes and all the rest of my property that has not been herein disposed of should be equally divided among my said six daughters share and share only reserving one third part of all the sixth part that is bequeath to my daughter Polly Guy after her mother's death for the use and benefit of her two children she had by her first husband William Bennit and that third part to be equally divided between them that is to say between Letha Bennett and John Bennet which I give and bequeath to them and their heirs forever, and it is further my will and desire that my four sons pay the above mentioned four hundred dollars in proportion to the value of their negroes herein bequeathed at the time they receive them.

And lastly I do by those present ordain, Constitute and appoint my beloved sons, John Connerly and Luke Connerly my Executors to this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and disannulling all other Wills or Testaments by me heretofore made declaring this and this only to be my last Will and Testament.  (Seal made by Cullen Conerly).  Signed, sealed pronounced and declared by the Testator to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of D. Wright, Alfna Beek, Lewis Dickson.

January Term 1812  Then the within will was produced in Court, by John Connerly & Luke Connerly, the executors named in said will and proved in due form of law, by the oath of David Wright and Lewis Dickson two of the subscribing witnesses thereto, that the same time John Connerly one of the executors, named in the said will came forward and qualified by taking the oath of an executor according to law.

Ordered that letters issue accordingly.  Test-   Wm. Dickson, CC

Above information from "Descendants of John Connerly and Cullen Conerly NC To The Present 1986", Lampton, William A. and Irma, Marion County Public Library, 929.2L, pages 1-58.

Children of Cullen Conerly and Letitia Telisha Ward:
i.    John Conerly (1775-1839), married Susannah Newton
ii.   Owen Conerly (1777-1849), married Mary Wilkinson
iii.   Mary "Polly" Conerly (1779-1845), married (1) William Bennett  (2) Jesse Guy
iv.  Tibitha Conerly, born c. 1781, married John Laws
v.   Frances Conerly (1782-1860), married (1) Jacob Cullen Duncan  (2) Elijah Jackson Turnage
vi.  Susan Conerly (1784-1850), married Joseph Page
vii. Chelley Conerly (1786-1857), married Needham Blount
viii.William Conerly (1788-1848), married Sarah Brown
ix.  Elizabeth "Betsy" Conerly (1790-1860), married Isaac Newton
x.   Luke Conerly (1792-1859), married Rebecca Wilkinson

William Conerly, 1788-1848, NC>MS

William Conerly, my paternal 4th great-grandfather, was born 10 June 1788, Duplin County, North Carolina and died July 1848 in Marion (now Walthall) County, Mississippi.  He was the son of Cullen Conerly and Letitia Ward.  He married Sarah Brown on 24 November 1814 in Duplin County, North Carolina.  (William Connerly and John Connerly, made bond for the sum of five hundred dollars for Application for a License for a Marriage between William Connerly and Sarah Brown, witnessed by Wm Dickson, CC. and seal marked by William Conerly and John Conerly. Descendants of John Connerly and Cullen Conerly, William & Irma Lampton, 929.2, Marion Co. Library).  She was born c. 1799 in Duplin County, North Carolina and died c. 1860 in Mississippi.  She was the daughter of Stephen Brown and Sarah Middleton.   

Children of William Conerly and Sarah Brown:
i.    Jesse Conerly, born c. 1819, married Pheribe Cox
ii.   Amanda Conerly (1821-1898), married John Pigott Stogner
iii.  Stephen Conerly, born c. 1823, married Margaret Wilda Magee
iv.  Elizabeth Jane "Betsy" Conerly (1826-1910), married George W. Hodge
v.   Sarah T. Conerly, born c. 1828, married James McNabb
vi.  Elisa Conerly (1833-1870), married David Blackwell
vii. Mary Ann Conerly (1836-1907), no further info
viii.Nancy Caroline Conerly (1837-1855), no further info
ix.  Melissa Ann Conerly (1839-1903), married Absolum Hardy
x.  William James Conerly, born October 1841, married Susan Dearman Whiddon
xi.  Sarah Ann Conerly, born 18 February 1845, married Mitchell Coleman
xii. Winney Conerly (1847-1860), no further info

Military Monday: Elton Simmons Receives Promotion

Elton "Bud" Simmons
U.S. Marine Corps

PROMOTED- Elton Simmons, son of Mrs. Susie Ramshur, New Orleans, was recently promoted from PFC to L-CPL at Camp Pendelton, California.  He has been serving in the Marine Corps for 16 months and is presently in the 1st Battalion at Camp Pendleton.  He received his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina.

~

This clipping was given to me by a cousin, Daisy Rae (Johnson) Smith.  It was published sometime in 1965-66.  Elton Simmons, my maternal uncle, entered the Marine Corps in 1964 at the age of nineteen.  He served on the front lines during the Vietnam Conflict and received numerous recognitions for his service, including the Purple Heart.     Other recognitions awarded to him include the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Bronze Star, Presidential Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Good Conduct medal, Vietnamese Expeditionary medal and the Vietnamese medal.

John Pigott the Elder (RS), c. 1735-1792, SC

John Pigott the Elder, my paternal 6th great-grandfather, was born c. 1735 and died 31 January 1792, Cheraws District, South Carolina. On my wish list is a book written about the account of John Pigott and his descendants- "Descendants of John Pigott the Elder of Cheraws District, South Carolina", authored by Frank Lewis Brown. It has long been out of print and my efforts to find a used one for sale have been fruitless.  For now, I can only pass on the information I have available on him.  

John Pigott, Sr. married Elizabeth (maiden name unknown).  On 12 January 1771 in Cheraws District, South Carolina, a certification for a land survey was documented for John Pigott, for 50 acres on the south side of Lynches Creek, adjacent to land already owned by him.  In 1773, another 100 acres was granted to John Pigott, on the south side of Lynches Creek at the mouth of Camp Branch.  The grant was delivered for John to the proper authority by John Warren.  

John Pigott, Sr. (the Elder) served with his sons, John Jr and Nathaniel, in the company of Elias Dubose, Volunteer Militia, under the command of Francis Marion in the Revolutionary War.  "Marion's Men" held the PeeDee section of South Carolina against the British.  

Pigott males listed in Roster of South Carolina
Patriots in the American Revolution

John Pigott the Elder served on the Commission for Internal Improvements in South Carolina, including navigation of Lynch's River and the building of Pigott's Bridge over the river near the district line on the south.  He also ran a ferry across Lynch's River where they lived.  He was listed on the grand jury for Cheraws District on 16 November 1778.  He was a slave holder and was considered a wealthy man.  Many of his descendants migrated south into Georgia then into southern Mississippi where numerous Pigott family members are located today.  

Children of John Pigott the Elder and Elizabeth:  Charles, Jane, Judith, Katherine, Marcy, Mary, Thomas, Nathaniel, John Jr. (married Martha Warren) and Elizabeth.

Sunday's Obituary: Susie (Johnson) Simmons Ramshur

Funeral services for Mrs. Susie Simmons Ramshur, 57, were held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at Pleasant Hill Pentecostal Church, Foxworth.  Rev. E.J. Hudson of Sheraton, La., and Rev. Marvin Terrell officiated.  Interment was in Pineburr Holiness Cemetery.  Mrs. Ramshur died Tuesday, June 18, at Forrest Gernal Hospital, Hattiesburg, following an illness of six weeks duration.  She was the daughter of Robert and Sarah Herrin Johnson, born July 1, 1916 in Lamar County.  She was a former employee of Reliance Manufacturing Company where she worked for 16 years.  Survivors are her husband, Warner T. Ramshur; two sons, Alton Simmons of Foxworth and Elton Simmons of San Antonio, Texas; and two daughters, Mrs. Lula Sue Powell of New Orleans and Mrs. Gertrude Wiginton of Waynesboro; one step-son, T.A. Ramshur of Lucedale; one sister, Mrs. Bertie Johnson of Columbia; one brother, Alex Johnson of Pineburr; 17 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.  Pallbearers were Shelby Tippit, Larry Terrell, Jerome Terrell, Jimmy McSwain, Richard Graham and Edgar Phelps.

(Susie Johnson was my maternal grandmother.  She passed away from this life on 18 June 1974.)

Sharing Memories (Week 33): My "Tagalong" Sister

My sister, Sandy
c. 1967

My sister, Sandy, was about 4 years old in this photo.  Just look at those big, beautiful blue eyes.  She was such a sweet little girl, so humble and eager to please others.  She would go out of her way to do whatever it was her older siblings told her to do, and Frank Jr. and I took advantage of her good nature, too.  We constantly used her as our "gopher" to get this or that and she would do it without complaining.  Children can be mean to each other sometimes, and I was no exception.  I recall those times when my Mom would force me to take my baby sister along to play with my friend Lisa, who lived across the street.  I would get so angry at Mom for making me take her along.  Sandy was about 4 years younger than I, and I felt she was just "in the way".  She didn't know how to play Barbie dolls or board games, and she didn't want to listen to music or watch the same programs on television that Lisa and I watched.  I would make Sandy sit across the room so as not to disturb my friend and I.  She would just sit there and watch us play.  She didn't cry or even whimper about it.  When Lisa and I walked through the neighborhood, I made Sandy walk several feet behind us.  I remember looking back at her and saying, "Tagalong, tagalong, you're nothing but a tagalong".  How mean was that?!!!  Maybe I felt the way I did because I was around my baby sister too much.  We shared the same bedroom and we often had to bathe together when we were young.  It wasn't Sandy's fault, yet I still resented having to "babysit" her when I wanted to spend time with my friends.  As we grew up, Sandy began making her own friends, and, as teens, we rarely spent "sister time" together.  Fortunately, after my children were born, Sandy was often at our house, spending time with us.  My children loved their Aunt Sandy when they were young.  She wrestled with them, took them swimming and spent a great deal of time with them.  During those years, I appreciated my "tagalong" sister and welcomed her presence.  The passing years once again placed distance between us and we didn't spend much time together, that is, until the past couple of years.  Now that we share the same household, we spend a great deal of time in conversation together.  I'm thankful for our relationship and for this opportunity given to us to get to know each other again.  Though we have an occasional dispute or disagreement, I appreciate my "tagalong" sister and I love her dearly.