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Fannie P. Foster, Widow and Relic of Charles M. Foster, Clerk of Courts Ghosts, Town of Blakeley

May 4, 2018 Carolyn 2 Comments

Fannie P. Foster,

Widow and Relic of

Charles M. Foster, Clerk of Courts

Ghosts, Town of Blakeley

First published in the Alabama Genealogical Society Quarterly

Fannie Foster, widow and relic of Charles M. Foster, Clerk of Courts of Baldwin County, Alabama,¹ and Charles Foster were free persons of color from Mobile. Charles M. Foster was the Clerk of Courts of Baldwin County, at Blakeley, before it was moved to Daphne, in 1868.² Charles W. Wilkins was the Clerk of Circuit Courts for Baldwin, in 1850.³ Charles Foster died in 1866. Foster’s dower interest in her huband’s estate, a thirty-acre parcel of land, was valued at $500.00. She sold five of the 30 acres to George Ficklin for $20.00, in 1870.⁴ Both were married to other people at the time of the transaction. What was Foster’s relationship to Ficklin? Thomas Ficklin, George Ficklin’s presumptive father, was Charles Foster’s next-door neighbor in Baldwin County, for the 1840 enumeration.⁵ At that time, Ficklin had a household of 11 and Foster was evidently a bachelor.⁶Was Fannie Foster previously Fannie Ficklin? By 1850, Charles Foster had a small family; and by 1860 he was a widower. The challenge was to reconstruct the identity of Fannie P. Foster.

Charles Foster was born in 1808, in New York. He first married “Mary,” [name variants: Sincere/Sendser/St. Cyre], a free woman of color, circa 1830.⁷

1. Mary Foster, born in 1821, in Florida,

2. Died in November, 1849, in Baldwin County,⁸

3. Margarette S. Foster owned land in Mobile, Washington County, Authority: April 24, 1820: Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566), Purchase date: September 1, 1845.⁹

4. Mary Foster presumably died in childbirth delivering their daughter, Mary [Blanche].¹⁰

Charles Foster did not immediately take custody of his children, as they were boarded with his mother-in-law, Lucy Sendser [St. Cyre], for the 1850 enumeration.¹¹ There were two slaves and four free persons of color in the Charles Foster household, in the 1850 Alabama Census. No whites were enumerated.¹² Lucy Sincere [sic], a free woman of color, resided in Baldwin for the 1840 Census; and, in her household of seven free colored inhabitants were two males between 10 and 23, two females under 10, two females between10 and 23, and one female between 36 and 54.¹³ Lucy St. Cyre resided in Baldwin County, for the 1855 enumeration, as well.¹⁴

1850

Baldwin County, Alabama

Lucy Sendser [St. Cyre] ____ m. _____ deceased [St. Cyre]

______________________52 SC_________________|__________________________________

| | | | | |

Lewey [Louis]¹⁵ Henry Cornelia Colbert Camellia [?]daughter, et al.¹⁶

32 FL 22 FL 20 FL Roberts Parmen |

(22) (12) (10) 19 (9) 14 (4) | ____________________________|

| | | |

Emma Foster Richard Lucy Mary

12 5 8 1

Others in the household were Robert, 9, and Octavia Brantly.12. William Brantly, 18, lodged with the McMillans, was likely their brother.¹⁷ Octavia married Robt. J. White.¹⁸ ¹⁹She died before 1901. White’s Will did not name Octavia as an heir.

1855

Baldwin County, Alabama

Chas Foster, bachelor (?)²⁰

Lucy St. Cyre

After the death of his first wife, Charles Foster married another free woman of color, Mrs. Fannie P. Handee [Hardee], of Mobile.²¹ Fannie P. Foster was likely a St. Cyre family member. Foster was appointed guardian of his minor children April 25, 1857. If the deceased Mary [Marguerette S.] Foster was in fact Charles Foster’s wife, why did it take so long to probate her Estate and acquire guardianship over his own children? Charles Foster acknowledged his children of color, by the 1860s enumeration. As executor of their mother’s estate, Foster administered his children’s considerable wealth.

1860

Baldwin County, Alabama²²

Charles Foster ___ m. __ deceased [Mary St. Cyre] Foster

(net worth over $12,000)

____52___________________|________________________

| | | |

Emma Richard Lucy Blanche [Marie]

20 15 18 12

Marriage Bond and License [title and emphasis added]

Know all men by these presents, that we, Charles Foster and John Wilson are held and firmly bound to the State of Alabama, in the penal sum of Two Hundred Dollars, for the payment whereof, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 4th day of October A.D. 1864.

The Condition of the above Obligation is such, That whereas the above bound Charles Foster has obtained license to intermarry and be joined together in the Bonds of Matrimony with Mrs. Fannie Handee [Hardee]. Now, if there be no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to be and remain in full force and effect.

Charles Foster {rubric seal}

John Wilson {rubric seal}

John Wilson

The State of Alabama )

Baldwin County )

To any one of the State Judges, or to any Ordained Minister of the Gospel, or to any Justice of the Peace of said County:—

Know Ye, that you are hereby authorized and Licensed to join together in the bonds of Matrimony, Charles Foster and Mrs. Fanny Handee [Hardee]

Given under my hand and seal, the fourth day of October, 1864.

C. W. Wilkins

Judge of Probate {rubric seal}

The State of Alabama )

Baldwin County )

To the Judge of Probate of said County,

I certify that I, this day certified the rites of matrimony between Charles Foster and Fanny Handee [Hardee] who, are within named, at the residence of Charles Foster, in said County.

Witness my hand, this the 5th day of October 1864.

John Wilson, Justice of Peace, B.C.²³

John Wilson of the Marriage Bond was the Postmaster of Daphne, Alabama, until his death in 1888. He married Benjamin Brumley’s [Bromley] widow, Matilda E. McConnell, in 1860, at Baldwin. C.W. Wilkins, Judge of Probate officiated, at the residence of James Stanmyers, at Blakely.²⁴ John Wilson registered to vote in 1867, from Baldwin.” Matilda E. Wilson survived her husband, in 1888; and, she was the administratrix of his estate.²⁵ Benjamin Brumley [Bromley] died without real or personal property, in 1832.²⁶

Fannie’s marriage to Foster was not her maiden voyage. An affidavit to support an interracial marriage was not required. Interracial marriages were lawful, in Alabama, at that time. Since Charles Foster, was himself, a free person of color, there was no impediment. Foster’s eldest son, Richard, always self identified as “black.”

Fannie P. Handee [Hardee] was the widow of John Q. Hardee, deceased.²⁷ John Hardee died intestate, in Georgia, in March 1860. There was no mention of an infant daughter [Alice], as heir. His widow declined to administer the estate. No letters of administration existed in the State of Georgia. Had this man ever existed? Yes. John Hardee owned an 11-year-old female slave in 1850.²⁸ John Hardee registered to vote in 1867, in Monroe County.²⁹ John Hardee purchased land in Monroe County, in 1853 and 1854.³⁰ Two men held notes against his estate, Dr. C. L. Anderson, now of Texas, formerly of Monroe County, Alabama, and L.[uke] C. Lane, Esquire of Baldwin County. Hardee predeceased the Civil War. A literate woman, Fannie Hardee, wrote to the Court, in her own hand, relinquishing her administratrix duties to G.[erald] B. Hall, Sheriff. Fannie Hardee wrote from Blakeley, then a flourishing competitor to Mobile; once a ghost town; now a State Park.³¹

Petition of

Fannie P. Hardee³²

that the Administration

of the Estate of

John Q. Hardee, deceased

may be cast upon

G. B. Hall, Sheriff of

Baldwin County,

in his capacity of

general administration of

this County.

* * * * *

Filed

5 February, 1861

C.W. Wilkins, Judge

Fanny Foster was enumerated in 1866, with her new husband, Charles.³³

1866

Township 3, Baldwin County, Alabama³⁴

Charles Foster ___ m.___ Fannie P. [Hardee] Foster

____________________|_________________

| | | |

Allis Emma E. Richard Blanchy

[Alice Hardee] [Emmeline]

Charles Foster died in 1866, and his estate was probated in Baldwin County, in 1867. The land held by Foster’s estate was transcribed below.

Inventory of the effects Personal and Real

Charles Foster, deceased³⁵

[title and emphasis added]

The following is an Inventory of the effects Personal and Real belonging to the Estate of Charles Foster, deceased. that have come to my hands as the Administrator of said Estate. To wit,

1 Certificate No. 842 of 11 shares in the Capital or

Joint stock in the Alabama Insurance and Trust Company,

$100.00 ea. $1100.00

Certificate 81 of 10 shares in the Capital stock

in the Mobile Southern Insurance Company of $50.00 ea 500.00

Certificate No. 3691 of two shares of the Capital stock

of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad Company for $100.00 per

share 200.00

$1,800.00

30 acres of land with improvements thereon situated near Montrose

4 acres of land situated within the boundaries of the Joshua Kennedy tract, adjoining Blakely [sic], sold by J. M. Stannard to Sarah A. Keithley, and by her to Martha J. Stanmyers, and by her to Mary C. Doyle, and by her to Charles Foster.

1/2 acre of land situated on Washington Street, in the Town of Blakely, formerly owned by James Conway, and his administratrix conveyed to Charles Foster by deed, dated 14 day of November, 1848.

1 Bewling [sic] house, kitchen, garden, etc. located West of the Courthouse, and known as the former residence of J. H. Stanmyers, and sold by said J. Stanmyers to said Charles Foster.

Sworn and subscribed to ) J. H. Stanmyers

this 12 day of April, 1867 ) Admins.

C.W. Wilkins

Judge Probate

Stanmyers acquired his former property!

What about the deceased former wife’s Estate, and her children’s property? What did they inherit?

Foster’s children hired Attorneys Posey and Tompkins, in 1867. Their attorneys argued that their mother’s Estate had been conflated with that of their father, and that they never received a final settlement of their father’s estate from Stanmyers. Stanmeyer advised the Court, that the estate of Charles Foster was insolvent,

as Administrator of the Estate of Charles Foster aforesaid deceased, that said Estate is insolvent and no assets sufficient to pay said claim in said petition set forth has come to his hands as such Administrator.³⁶

and therefore, the Court’s judgment to pay the heirs was impossible to effectuate.³⁷ Stanmeyers rushed to sell $1800 in stock certificates from the estate, in the Mobile Daily Tribune. The sale netted only $112.00.

Judge of Probate, C. W. Wilkins, awarded the petitioners, the sum of $1196.00. J. H. Stanmyers appealed to Alabama’s highest court. Stanmyers won the case, but was reversed on appeal, in 1868.

THE STATE OF ALABAMA³⁸

To the Judge of the Probate Court of Baldwin County, Greetings:

WHEREAS, the records and proceedings of said Court in a cause between Emma Foster, Richard Foster, and John M. Worden, Guardian ad litem of Blanche Foster, Plaintiffs, and James H. Stanmyers, admin. of Charles Foster, deceased, defendant,

Wherein by said Court on 24th September 1867, it was considered and decreed adversely to said James H. Stanmyers, admins. etc. (as it is said), (For the said decree in full see your Records),

were brought before our SUPREME COURT, by appeal taken, pursuant to law, on behalf of said defendant.

NOW IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, That it was thereupon considered by our SUPREME COURT, on the 9th day of July 1868 that said judgement and decree of said PROBATE COURT be affirmed, and that said appellees receive of said appellant and of John Vidal, surety, the costs accruing of said appeal on said SUPREME COURT and in the Court below.

Witness —-JOHN D. PHELAN, Clerk of said SUPREME COURT

the 14th day of July 1868

{signature} CLERK

John Vidal was required to pay the surety bond. Vidal was in the Stanmyers household in 1860.³⁹ Had he already spent their inheritance? Further, the legatees pointed out to the Probate Court, that there remained unliquidated parcels of land. Moreover, the inventory revealed five slaves viz: Tom, aged 45, Tom, aged 60, Milly, aged 20, daughter of Milly unknown, aged five, and Caty, aged 50, from 1857.⁴⁰ The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, made moot slaves as property. They were unrecoverable.

Charles Foster’s minor children were as enumerated: Emma Elizabeth, Lucy Judia [sic], Richard and Blanche Foster. The minor children owned property valued at upwards of $3000. Their attorneys were Wm. J. S. Kitchens and Zebulon Hubbard. These men prevailed at Court for the minor children:

the above described lands 758 & 78/100 acres, together with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging; and returned by operation of law April 3, 1868. R. Z. Barlow

Sheriff, B.C. [Baldwin County]⁴¹

Fannie P. Foster petitioned the Court on behalf of herself and minor child to sell a parcel of land, held by J. H. Stanmyers, to be sold for no more than $500. Stanmyers selected the following described parcel:

Charles Foster, deceased,

Estate of

Petition for Sale of Land

Filed May 19, 1867⁴²

All that certain tract of land in Baldwin County, ___ and bounded as follows, beginning at the Southwest corner of the section of land entered at the land office at St. Stephens, Ala. by Thomas and Francis Cypert, and running thence South 9. 48/100 chains to a point, thence East 31.60/100 chains to a point, thence North 9.48/100 chains to the South line of said Cypert tract, and thence West on the Section line to the place of beginning and containing thirty acres of land, and now states that the true value of said land and improvements does not exceed the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, according to their best judgement, after obtaining the fullest information on the subject, which was accessible to them.

Subscribed and sworn to )

before me, this 20th day of ) John Vidal ) A

April 1868 ) Patrick Shea ) p

) John P. Miles ) P

C.W. Wilkins ) R

Judge of Probate ) A

Fannie P. Foster, widow and relic of Charles Foster, married her cousin, Dick [sic] Foster in 1869, at their home in Mobile,⁴³one year following their Supreme Court victory over James Stanmyers. C.E.D. Taylor, M.G. officiated. Dick Foster made his “mark.” Wm. Boyd, a “mulatto,” was his witness.⁴⁴

1870

Township 3, Baldwin County, Alabama⁴⁵

Richard Foster ___ m.⁴⁶ ___ Fanny P. Foster w.⁴⁷ = Charles Foster

|__1843_____________________1841______________|

| |

Alice [Handee] Escene Eugene

16 1 3

What became of Fannie Foster’s children?

1. Daughter, Alice [Hardee] Johnson resided with husband Abram Johnson, Deputy Sheriff, for the 1880 Census, of Baldwin County.⁴⁸ Younger brother, Charles Foster, was in the household. Henry St. Cyre, Jr. and Harriet Fountain were their neighbors. Sister Emma was a neighbor, too.

2. Fannie and Charles Foster’s son, Charles Eugene, born November, 1866, married older woman, Augusta McCall, May 6, 1900,⁴⁹ and resided at Montgomery Hill, Baldwin County, for the 1900 Census.⁵⁰ Charles E. [he switched first and middle names] was enumerated in 1920.⁵¹ Widower E. C. Foster [sic] still lived at Blacksher, in 1930.⁵²

3. Infant daughter, Escena Foster, was not found beyond the 1870 Census.

What became of Charles Foster’s children?

1. Daughter and heiress Emma [Emmeline] Elizabeth resided with her new husband, Thomas Johnson, for the 1880 enumeration.⁵³

2. Son and heir Richard Foster, married Fannie [Brantly/Brumley/Bromley] Hardee Foster. She died eight years later. Richard Foster then married cousin, Mary St. Cyr, in Mobile, in 1879.⁵⁴ Mollie [Mary] St. Cyre Foster declared that her mother was born in Indian Territory.⁵⁵

3. Daughter Blanche Foster resided in the household of relative John Platt, in Mobile, for the 1870 Census.⁵⁶John Platt was the father of John Brantley.⁵⁷ Blanche Foster married Joseph Andry, in Mobile, in 1882.⁵⁸

4. Daughter Lucy Julia [Lucinda] Foster married John Coe, in 1859, at Mobile.^{59 60}

The St. Cyre Connection: Charles Foster’s mother-in-law, Lucy St. Cyre, owned slaves in antebellum Alabama. In the 1870 enumeration, Henry Cencien [Sincere/St. Cyre], resided in the Foster household. Henry was previously enumerated in the household of his mother Lucy, in 1850.⁶¹ He was Richard’s maternal uncle, born in Florida, in 1822.⁶² Henry Cyre, born in Florida, was enumerated in Baldwin County, for the 1860 Census.⁶³

Henry St. Cyre, John A. Hammack, Charles McConnell, and Eleanor Wilkins, resided in the same household, in 1860.⁶⁴ Fountain resided in Wilkins’ 1870 household with her three minor daughters.⁶⁵ Harriet Fountain married Henry St. Cyre, in 1866, in Baldwin County.⁶⁶ Judge C. W. Wilkins officiated the ceremony at his home. Interestingly, four years later, she still lived with William Wilkins.⁶⁷ Fountain never used her married name of St. Cyre, nor it appears, resided with her legal husband. Wilkins left Fountain, $100.00, in his Will.⁶⁸

Richard [Dick] Foster, resided with his second wife Mary [St. Cyre] Foster, in Baldwin County with their two daughters, Victoria, and Wicksy, in 1880.⁶⁹ Richard Foster’s daughter, Marie Foster Crooks died in 1971, at Bay Minette, Baldwin County, Alabama.⁷⁰ Another daughter, Sarah Foster, died in 1923, at Mobile, Mobile County.⁷¹

1900

Baldwin County, Alabama⁷²

Richard Foster = Mary Foster

___________________________|________________________

| | | | |

Sarah Victoria Warren Emma J. Mattie [Marie]

24 20 17 14 9

Colbert Roberts [Robinson] and Henry Cyre [St. Cyre] resided in the mixed-race household, the Bonifays, for the 1860 enumeration.⁷³ Richard H. Bonifay married Caroline White in 1853, at Baldwin County.⁷⁴ G[eorge] Bonifay married Sarah Ann Keithley, in 1857, Baldwin County.⁷⁵ The Bonifays and some Vidals relocated to Mobile, by 1880.⁷⁶ C. W. Wilkins, Judge of Probate officiated. Henry St. Cyre, his wife Sarah, and son, Charles, resided at Sibleys Mill, Baldwin County, in 1880.⁷⁷ The Charles Foster of Mobile County, lived in a seven member-all white household.⁷⁸

Richard Foster, a literate boatman, in 1900, resided with his family at Sibley’s Mills.⁷⁹ Henry, Jr. and Angeline’s daughter, Mary St. Cyre, born 1879, in Alabama, married Frank Williams, Baldwin County. Rev. S.B. Bracy officiated.⁸⁰ ⁸¹ Angeline was enumerated as a widow with child Vinson [Winston] in 1900.⁸²

Henry Cyr [sic] was a neighbor of James H. Stanmyers, the Postmaster, in the 1860 Census for Baldwin County.⁸³ Charles McConnell, son of Benjamin McConnell, uncle of James H. Stanmyres, resided in the same mixed-race household.⁸⁴ Stanmyers resided with and was related to free persons of color in antebellum Baldwin County. He was, undoubtedly, well acquainted with their inner circle. James H. Stanmyers married Martha Jane Brumley [Bromley], in 1846, in Baldwin County, by ordained Minister A.B. Couch.⁸⁵ Stanmyres was intimately positioned to know who was whom in Creole society, as his wife was one of those.

The following slaveholders were neighbors: Eleanor Wilkins, Lucy Cincere [sic], J. A. Hammack, and William Wilkins, in the 1850 Slave Schedule for Baldwin County.⁸⁶ John Hammack resided in the Bonifay household, in 1860.⁸⁷ Charles Wilkins, later Judge of Probate and Michael Bonifay, both attempted to register to vote in 1867, but were “excluded without prejudice.”⁸⁸ Did they decline to take the “oath of allegiance to the United States?”

Fannie P. Foster was a member of Creole society of Mobile and Baldwin Counties, where members crossed the color line at will, and ignored the rule of hypodescent. The “one-drop” dictum did not apply to those with white skin; and, did not prevent them or their children from owning slaves or other property. Propertied creoles married whites.

Octavia Brantley, born 1832, in Alabama, died before 1901, Baldwin County, married Robert J. White. Their children were named Robert, Julia, Alice and Blanche.⁸⁹ Julia, Alice and Blanche were family names and were the same as the Foster daughters. Fannie P. and Octavia were sisters, and Lucinda St. Cyre was their grandmother.

Further, Foster’s creole associations included members of the following families:

the Bonifays, the Wilkins, the Wilsons, the Hardees, the Hammacks, the St. Cyres, the Brantlys, or Brumleys [Bromleys], the Parmens, the McConnells, and the Stanmyers. All save Richard Foster crossed the color line by 1900; and even his children were white by 1920.

Notwithstanding, Fannie Foster’s creole associations, both in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, she was not Fannie P. Brantley [Bromley], prior to her marriage to Hardee. Other than a land deal, no other association with George Ficklin was established. The land sold to Ficklin of Montrose was in Montrose, Baldwin County. Based on the reconstruction of Lucy [Lucinda] St. Cyre’s family, Fannie P. [Hardee] Foster was likely a granddaughter of Lucy St. Cyre, child of an unnamed St. Cyre daughter.

Possible Reconstruction of

Lucinda St. Cyre’s Family

Lucinda St. Cyre = unknown St. Cyre

_______________________________________________|_______________________________

| | | | | | |

Louis Henry daughter daughter daughter daughter Cornelia

= = = =

Roberts Parmen Brantley Foster

or Robinson | | |

| Camellia Octavia, Lucy,

Mercelle, Robert, Richard,

Colbert Wm. T., Emma,

Fannie P., Blanche [Marie]

Alternatively, the ‘P’ in Fannie P. might have referred to her maiden name of “Parmen,” still a granddaughter of Lucinda St. Cyre, and first cousin to Richard Foster.

An historical and genealogical gap between the events at Fort Mims and the populations of towns like Blakeley and Mobile, was bridged. Many flocked to newly “opened” areas of commerce, after suppression of the Indians, and displacement of the Spaniards in West Florida. Fannie P. Foster was among the early citizens of Baldwin County. Although enumerated variously as white or black, in the racial dichotomy of the times, we may count her as a beautiful, educated, vivacious woman of color (ethnicity uncertain), in antebellum Alabama. Fannie P. Foster, widow and relic of Charles M. Foster, puts one in mind of a balmy stroll along the once proud promenade of Washington Street, in ghostly Blakeley.

Carolyn E. Hood-Kourdache

1Marilee Beatty Hageness, Alabama Genealogical Sources, Abstracts of Will Book A, 1809-1881, Mississippi Territory & Baldwin County, Alabama. Volume AL4-2, Privately published 1995. [William Hollinger]

2Kay Nuzum, A History of Baldwin County, Page & Palette, Inc., Fairhope, Alabama, 1971, page 76.

3“United States Census, 1850,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHP5-7RS : accessed 24 March 2015), C W Wilkins, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 186, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

4“Land Conveyance from Fanny P. Foster to George Ficklin, September 1870,” Deed Book I, Page 460, September 1870, Baldwin County, Probate Records; and Carolyn E. Hood-Kourdache, “George Ficklin, Free Creole of Mobile,” Alabama Genealogical Society, AGS Magazine,” Volume 45, Fall/Winter 2013, page 7.

5“United States Census, 1840,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHT8-75X : accessed 9 February 2015), Charles Foster, Not Stated, Baldwin, Alabama; citing p. 88, NARA microfilm publication M704, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 1; FHL microfilm 2,332.

6Ibid.

7Elizabeth Shown-Mills, editor “Reassembling Female Lives,” a Special Issue of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume 88, Number 3, September 2000.

8“United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9BX-3VM : accessed 9 February 2015), Mary Foster, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing line 14, NARA microfilm publication T655 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,533,724.

10“United States Census, 1850,” : accessed 9 February 2015), Mary Foster in household of Lucy Sendson, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 189, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

11“United States Census, 1850,” : accessed 9 February 2015), Lucy Sendson, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 189, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

12Alabama State Census, 1820, 1850, 1855 and 1866. Montgomery, Alabama: Alabama Department of Archives & History. Rolls M2004.0008-M2004.0012, M2004.0036-M2004.0050, and M2008.0124.

13Year: 1840; Census Place: Baldwin, Alabama; Roll: 1; Page: 91; Image: 188; Family History Library Film: 0002332

14“Alabama, State Census, 1855,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6PB-PZM : accessed 9 February 2015), Lucy St Cyre, Baldwin, Alabama; citing p. 22, Department of Archives and History, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,533,830.

15Alabama, Estate Files, 1830-1976, index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VNTV-ZW6 : accessed 14 February 2015), R Stanmyress, 1842; citing Baldwin County, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,363,134. Louis St. Cir signed his name with this spelling. page 11.

16“United States Census, 1850,” William T Brantly in household of M M Mcmillan, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 87, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

17“United States Census, 1850,” William T Brantly in household of M M Mcmillan, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 87, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

18“Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDTB-8BG : accessed 13 February 2015), Octavia Q. Brantley in entry for Bryant Lawrence White, 28 Oct 1938; citing reference cn 21699, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,908,569. [B. L. White, farmer, resided in Baldwin County, Alabama through the 1930 Census.]

19“Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974,” Octavia Brantley in entry for Julia Cravy, 12 Jul 1936; citing reference cn 17594, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,908,544.

20“Alabama, State Census, 1855,” Chas Foster, Baldwin, Alabama; citing p. 7, Department of Archives and History, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,533,830.

21 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-L44 : accessed 9 February 2015), Charles Foster and [Mrs.]Fannie Hundee [Handee], 05 Oct 1864; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

22“United States Census, 1860,” Emma Foster in household of Charles Foster, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing “1860 U.S. Federal Census – Population,” Fold3.com; p. 96, household ID 613, NARA microfilm publication M653; FHL microfilm 803001.

23Ibid. Transcribed January 2015.

24“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” John Wilson and Matilda E Brumley [Bromley], 01 Sep 1860; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

25“Alabama Estate Files, 1830-1976,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VNTV-CCJ : accessed 23 March 2015), John Wilson, 1888; citing Baldwin County, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,322,979.

26“Alabama Estate Files, 1830-1976,” Benjamin S Brumley, 1832; citing Baldwin County, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,322,456.

27“Alabama Estate Files, 1830-1976,” , John Q Hardee, 1861; citing Baldwin County, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,363,675.

28“United States Census (Slave Schedule), 1850 ,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MV8D-VT4 : accessed 23 March 2015), John Hardee, Monroe county, Monroe, Alabama, United States; citing line number 21, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 442,873.

29Alabama Department of Archives and History, ADAH, Alabama 1867 Voter Registration Records Database, Information about 1867 Voter Registration Database, http://www.archives.state.al.us/voterreg/results.cfm : accessed: January 2015.

31 Kay Nuzum, A History of Baldwin County. Page & Palette, Fairhope, Alabama, 1971, page 69.

32“Alabama Estate Files, 1830-1976,” , John Q Hardee, 1861.

33“Alabama, State Census, 1866,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6PL-NWY : accessed 11 Jul 2014), Fanny Foster, Baldwin, Alabama; citing Department of Archives and History, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1533830.

34Ibid.

35Alabama, Estate Files, 1830-1976, Charles Foster, 1867; citing Baldwin County, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,322,507.

36Ibid.

37Ibid.

38Alabama, Estate Files, 1830-1976,” Charles Foster, 1867; citing Baldwin County County; FHL microfilm 2322507 page 33.

39“United States Census, 1860,” John Veidell [Vidal] in household of Martha J Stanmyers, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States; from “1860 U.S. Federal Census – Population,” Fold3.com; citing p. 82, household ID 539, NARA microfilm publication M653, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 803,001.

40Alabama, Estate Files, 1830-1976,” Charles Foster, 1867.

41Ibid. page 10.

42Charles Foster, Baldwin County, Alabama, Recorded in Book ‘A’ Probate Records, pg. 165, 1857; Book ‘B’ Probate Records, page 251, 289. 321 327;

43“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Dick Foster and Fanny Foster, 17 Jul 1869; citing Mobile County; FHL microfilm 1294435.

44“United States Census, 1870,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHKL-HKG : accessed 24 March 2015), Wm Boyd in household of Edw Kronaburg, Alabama, United States; citing p. 78, family 616, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 545,530.

45Ibid.

46“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Dick Foster and Fanny Foster, 17 Jul 1869; citing Mobile County.

47“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Charles Foster and Fannie Hundee [Handee], 05 Oct 1864; citing Baldwin County; FHL microfilm 1839621.

48“United States Census, 1880,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4N1-WDK : accessed 10 February 2015), Abram Johnson, Sibleys Mills, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district 6, sheet 183A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0001; FHL microfilm 1,254,001.

49“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Charlie Foster and Augusta Mccall, 06 May 1900; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,624.

50“United States Census, 1900,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9ZL-7ZV : accessed 10 February 2015), Charles Foster, Precinct 1 Montgomery Hill, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 12B, family 242, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,240,001.

51“United States Census, 1920,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MXCL-X7T : accessed 10 February 2015), Charles E Foster, Blackshear, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 3A, family 42, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,820,002.

52“United States Census, 1930,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/3DVW-13Z : accessed 10 February 2015), E O Foster, Blackshear, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 0001, sheet 7B, family 135, line 94, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2; FHL microfilm 2,339,737.

53“United States Census, 1880,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4N1-WD7 : accessed 10 February 2015), Emmeline Johnson in household of Thomas Johnson, Sibleys Mills, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district 6, sheet 183A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0001; FHL microfilm 1,254,001.

54“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Richard C Foster and Mary St Cyre, 25 Apr 1879; citing Mobile, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,294,438.

55“United States Census, 1910,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MK3V-PLM : accessed 12 February 2015), Mollie Foster, Stapleton and Ducks, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 7, sheet 1B, family 14, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,374,014.

56“United States Census, 1870,” Blanche Foster in household of John Platt, Alabama, United States; citing p. 77, family 609, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 545,530.

57“United States Census, 1900,” John Platt in household of John Brantley, Mobile city Ward 7, Mobile, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 5A, family 103, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,240,032.

58“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Joseph P Andry and Blanche Foster, 23 Aug 1882; citing Mobile, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,294,438.

59“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” John Coe and Lucinda Foster, 27 Jul 1859; citing Mobile, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,294,421.

60“United States Census, 1860,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHDX-P5Q : accessed 14 February 2015), Lucinda Coe in household of John Coe, The Southern Division, Mobile, Alabama, United States; from “1860 U.S. Federal Census – Population,” Fold3.com; citing p. 61, household ID 421, NARA microfilm publication M653, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 803,017.

61“United States Census, 1850,” Henry Sendson [Senser, Sincere/St. Cyre] in household of Lucy Sendson, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 189, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

62“United States Census, 1870,” Fanny Foster in household of Richard Foster, Alabama, United States; citing p. 6, family 48, NARA microfilm publication M593, FHL microfilm 000545500.

63“United States Census, 1860,” Henry Cyre in household of G Bonifay, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States; from “1860 U.S. Federal Census – Population,” Fold3.com; citing p. 82, household ID 537, NARA microfilm publication M653, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 803,001.

64“United States Census, 1860,” Eleanor Wilkins in household of G Bonifay, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States; from “1860 U.S. Federal Census – Population,” Fold3.com; citing p. 82, household ID 537, NARA microfilm publication M653, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 803,001.

65“United States Census, 1870,” Harriet Fountain in household of William Wilkins, Alabama, United States; citing p. 5, family 35, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 545,500.

66“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Henry Stcyre and Harriet Fountain, 24 Jun 1866; citing Baldwin County; FHL microfilm 1839621. [Free Persons of Color].

67Marilee Beatty Hageness, Alabama Genealogical Sources. page 20.

68Alabama, Estate Files, 1830-1976, William Wilkins, 1878; citing Baldwin County, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,322,979. page 7.

69“United States Census, 1880,” Dick [Richard] Foster, Sibleys Mills, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district 6, sheet 186D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0001; FHL microfilm 1,254,001.

70“Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974,” Richard Foster in entry for Marie Foster Crooks, 26 Jul 1971; citing reference 19089, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 2,051,654.

71“Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974,” Richard Foster in entry for Sarah Foster, 20 Oct 1923; citing reference cn 21497, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,908,253.

72“United States Census, 1900,” Sarah Foster in household of Richard Foster, Precincts 5-6 Halmons, Sibleys Mill Halmons, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 9A, family 163, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,240,001.

73“United States Census, 1860,” Colbert Roberts in household of G Bonifay, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing “1860 U.S. Federal Census – Population,” Fold3.com; p. 82, household ID 537, NARA microfilm publication M653; FHL microfilm 803001.

74“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Rich H Bonifay and Caroline J White, 10 Aug 1853; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

75“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” George P Bonifay and Sarah Ann Keithley, 15 Aug 1857; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

76“United States Census, 1880,” George Bonifay in household of Michel Bonifay, Grand Bay, Mobile, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district 122, sheet 144B, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0025; FHL microfilm 1,254,025.

77“United States Census, 1880,” Sarah St Cyr in household of Henry St Cyr, Sibleys Mills, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 187A, NARA microfilm publication T9.

78Ibid.

79“United States Census, 1900,” Richard Foster, Precincts 5-6 Halmons, Sibleys Mill Halmons, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 9A, family 163, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1240001.

80“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Frank Williams and Mary St Cyre, 25 Nov 1897; citing Baldwin County; FHL microfilm 1839624.

81“United States Census, 1880,” Mary Stcyr in household of Henry Stcyr, Sibleys Mills, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 183A, NARA microfilm publication T9.

82“United States Census, 1900,” Mary Williams in household of Frank Williams, Precincts 5-6 Halmons, Sibleys Mill Halmons, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 9A, family 159, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1240001.

83Year: 1860; Census Place: Baldwin, Alabama; Roll: M653_1; Page: 262; Image: 261; Family History Library Film: 803001

84Marilee Beatty Hageness, Alabama Genealogical Sources, Abstracts of Will Book A, 1809-1881, Mississippi Territory & Baldwin County, Alabama, Volume AL4-2, 1995, page 12.

85“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” James H Stanmyres and Martha Jane Brumley [Bromley], 22 Aug 1846; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

86“United States Census (Slave Schedule), 1850 ,” Eleanor Wilkins, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing line number 29, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 442,868.

87“United States Census, 1860,” John A Hammack in household of G Bonifay, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States; from “1860 U.S. Federal Census – Population,” Fold3.com; citing p. 82, household ID 537, NARA microfilm publication M653, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 803,001.

88Alabama Department of Archives and History, ADAH, Alabama 1867 Voter Registration Records Database, Information about 1867 Voter Registration Database, http://www.archives.state.al.us/voterreg/results.cfm : accessed: January 2015.

89Alabama, Estate Files, 1830-1976, Robert J White, 1902; citing Baldwin County, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,322,980.

Uncategorized

Wreckage of Last Known Slave Ship in U.S. May Have Been Found

January 24, 2018 Carolyn Leave a comment

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/wreckage-of-last-known-slave-ship-in-us-may-have-been-found/ar-AAv6LIl?OCID=ansmsnnews11

This site is primarily concerned with the Tensaw region of Baldwin County, Alabama. The slaves on the ship Clotilda, post date the relatives we discuss here. Their immediate descendants occupied northern Mobile. Our antecedents occupied Tensaw and further south.

Uncategorized

Aids to Research

January 1, 2018 Carolyn Leave a comment

Sometimes you can trust a source. Case in point the Grassroots of America: A Computerized Index to the American State Papers, Land Grants and Claims 1789-1837. Edited by Phillip W. McMullin, 1972.

Grassroots of America: Index to American State Papers, Land Grants and Claims, 1789-1837

Front Cover

Phillip McMullin

Arkansas Research, Incorporated, Dec 1, 1990 – American state papers – 489 pages

For example, Cornelius Rane [Rain]:

from The Library of Congress

A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774 – 1875
American State Papers, House of Representatives, 14th Congress, 1st Session
Public Lands: Volume 3

Page 14 of 820

The proper algorithm is to look up the ancestor in the alphabetic index of Grassroots. The first number encountered will be the Volume of the Public Lands section of the ASP (American State Papers.) Then you have the page number. In the above instance, for Cornelius Rane, we have Vol. 3 page 14. The result as follows:

Further, when we check the spelling and look up Cornelus Rain, in Grassroots, page 379, we find Vol. 1 page 632, etc.

Grassroots and the online edition of the ASP are marvelous, when they actually intersect. Frequently, one must dig deeper for accuracy, to find those illusive antecedents.

Happy New Year!!!

Carolyn Hood-Kourdache

Bryars, Buford, Edmondson, Ellis, Ficklin, Gentry, Houston, Johnston, McDowell, McGill, Morris, Reed, Smith, Taylor, Woods

Mariah ELLIS

December 23, 2017 Carolyn Leave a comment

Mariah ELLIS

Widow and Relic of

[John C. Houston – William H. Buford and Hiram McGill, Sr.]

Illustration 1: Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950

Seventeen-year-old Mariah Ellis knew she was a desirable commodity in 19th-century Baldwin County, Alabama. It didn’t matter that she was a person of color, or that she had no money, beautiful women were rare and cultured women, even rarer.

She was acquainted with my maternal second great grandfather, George Ficklin of Montrose, Baldwin County, Alabama. During my years-long search for his family members, I noted his brother-in-law, Rev. Jeffrey Ellis, T[homas Jefferson] Ellison, born 1813.¹

Rev. Ellis’ first wife and mother of his children, was Louise Ann Ficklin. Reverend Ellis officiated at numerous weddings, including for his nieces, Millie Ficklin to Frank Reed, in 1881²; and Mary Ficklin to Samuel Taylor, the year before he died, in 1889.³

During the search, I encountered members of the Ellis tree. Namely, Elbert [Ethelbert] Ellis, Lowrey Ellis, and his wife Maria; as well as Jeffrey’s presumptive aunt, Mariah.

Meriah [Mariah] Ellis, age 17, married John Huston, Esquire [sic], at Baldwin County, Alabama, in 1817.⁴ James Johnston officiated. John Houston was a very wealthy man, holding many land grants throughout Florida and Alabama.

In 1836, Ethelbert [Elbert] Ellis died leaving his sister, Mrs. Houston as his administratrix.⁵ His heirs were Susan Ellis, born 1837 and Daniel Ellis, born 1835.⁶ In 1841, Maria Buford [formerly Maria Houston] was appointed by the Orphans Court as Guardian over the minors.

Daniel and Susan resided in the household of Henry Taylor, in 1850.⁷ Presumably, their deceased biological mother was Taylor’s sister. Susan Ann Edmondson born 22 February 1837, died 17 July 1919. rests at Daphne Baptist Cemetery, Baldwin, Alabama.⁸

In 1858, Susan Ellis married Larkin Edmondson.⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹² ¹³ In 1880, Mrs. Edmondson and son Larken resided doors from cousin Anthony Ellis, Rev. Jeffrey Ellis’ brother.¹⁴ Larkin Ellis Edmondson died in 1899.¹⁵

A severe yellow fever epidemic took many lives at Mobile, 1819-1821. Mrs. Moriah Hewston [Mariah Houston], formerly Mariah Ellis, age 20, three years after her marriage to Houston, on 14 September 1820, wed wealthy William H. Buford.¹⁶

Hiram McGill wed Mariah Buford.¹⁷

In 1850, Francis J. Ficklin resided with her father, Thomas J. Fickling.¹⁹Fifteen-year-old Francis Ficklin(g) resided in the household of Joseph McGill, stepson of Mariah McGill in 1860.¹⁸ By November Francis married her neighbor, 19-year-old John W. Gentry. That was in July, 1860. Executed at [Stephen] Dick Bryars, in the presence of Clarasy L. Bryars and family, and Mr[s] Henry Jones.

Mrs. Fanny [Frances] Gentry married 1850’s neighbor [Ben]Henry J. Smith, in the presence of his mother and sister, Mrs. Margaret [Mrs. Smith] John D. McDowell²¹ ²² and Mrs. Susan Wood[s].²³ ²⁴ John W. Gentry was divorced with five sons under the age of five, in the 1866 AlabamaCensus.

May they rest in peace. Amen.

© 2017-2020 Carolyn E. Hood Kourdache

FamilySearch.org, although FREE, is now a registered-only access site. You must login in order to view connected citations here.

1Johnnie Andrews; William David Higgins, Creole Mobile : a compendium of the colonial families of the central Gulf Coast 1702-1813, Prichard [Ala.] : Bienville Historical Society, 1974, page 26, “T.J. Ellison.”

2“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTWT-5QQ : 27 September 2017), Frank Reed and Millie Ficklin, 03 Mar 1881; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

3“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,”, Samuel Taylor and Mary Ficklin, 09 Oct 1889; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,622.

4“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” , John Huston and Meriah Ellis, 14 Jul 1817; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

5“Alabama Estate Files, 1830-1976,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNTV-H5W : 12 December 2014), Elbert Ellis, 1836; citing Baldwin County courthouse, Alabama; FHL microfilm 2,322,507.

6Ibid.

7“United States Census, 1850,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHP5-HS5 : 12 April 2016), Susan Ellis in household of Henry Taylor, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 380, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

8“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVK9-YP9J : 13 December 2015), Susan Ann Edmondson, 1919; Burial, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States of America, Daphne Baptist Cemetery; citing record ID 36292997, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

9“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Larkin C Edmonson and Susan A Ellis, 29 Apr 1858; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

10“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Larkin C Edmonson and Susan A Ellis, 29 Apr 1858; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

11“United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK3V-NYT : accessed 17 October 2017), Susan A Edmondson in household of Annie Edmondson, Daphne, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 8, sheet 2B, family 36, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1; FHL microfilm 1,374,014.

12“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVK9-YP9J : 13 December 2015), Susan Ann Edmondson, 1919;

13“United States Census, 1870,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHK4-RTT : 12 April 2016), Susan Edmonson, Alabama, United States; citing p. 7, family 61, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 545,500.

14“United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4N1-DHN : 22 August 2017), Susan Edmundson, Court House, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district ED 7, sheet 194C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0001; FHL microfilm 1,254,001.

15Ibid; “Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVK9-YP9F : 13 December 2015), Larkin Ellis Edmonson, 1899; Burial, , Baldwin, Alabama, United States of America, Daphne Baptist Cemetery; citing record ID 36292998, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

16“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” William H Buford and Monah [Mariah] Hewston[Houston], 14 Sep 1820; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

17“United States Census, 1850,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHP5-H5W : 12 April 2016), Maria L Mcgill in household of Hiram Mcgill, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 103, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

18“United States Census, 1860”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHD4-LK6 : 3 October 2017), Maria L Mc Gill in entry for Joseph Mc Gill, 1860.

19“United States Census, 1850,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHP5-34P : 12 April 2016), Francis J Fickling in household of Thos Fickling, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 66, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

20“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” John W Gentry and Frances J Ficklin, 24 Nov 1860; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,621.

21“Alabama State Census, 1866,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V6PL-V6R : 18 July 2017), Margaret Mcdowell, Baldwin, Alabama; citing certificate 12730, p. 30, Department of Archives and History, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,533,830.

22“United States Census, 1850,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHP5-354 : 12 April 2016), Margaret Mcdowell in household of John Mcdowell, Baldwin county, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing family 150, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

23“Alabama State Census, 1866,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V6PL-NCN : 18 July 2017), Susan Woods, Baldwin, Alabama; citing certificate 9956, p. 43, Department of Archives and History, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,533,830.

24“United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK3V-26M : accessed 17 October 2017), Susan Woods in household of Alex Mcdowell, Perdido and Lottie, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 4, sheet 9B, family 176, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1; FHL microfilm 1,374,014.

25“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVVJ-QCV2 : 13 December 2015), Susan A. Woods, 1920; Burial, Rabun, Baldwin, Alabama, United States of America, Guys Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery; citing record ID 21509625, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

Bailey, Ficklin, Morris

Louvenia Morse and Mahala Morris Ficklin

December 23, 2017 Carolyn 5 Comments

Louvenia Morse and Mahala Morris Ficklin

A Tale of Two Matriarchs

Oh, how I love thee

my darling, my sweet

on to thy father

for thou, I bespeak

oh, how I love thee

my darling my sweet

if thou will have me

we’ll marry tout de suite .

Louvenia Morse was enumerated in the 1900 U.S. Federal Census, for Baldwin County, Alabama, as “Melvina.” She was born February 1846, in Alabama, and was widowed before 1900.¹ Viney Louvenia Morse died October, 1832; interred at Montrose, Baldwin, Alabama.² She was of interest to me because her surname was the same as my 2^nd great grandmother, Mahala Morris Ficklin, a neighbor, in 1900. They were both buried at Montrose. Louvenia Morris was described as “black,” in this census, and “mulatto,” by 1910.³

Other household members were her daughters, Daisy [Morse] Parker, and granddaughters, Lavenia and Georgia Parker. Daisy Morse married George Parker, June 14, 1894, at Montrose, Baldwin County, Alabama. Russell Dick and D.C. Stapleton were witnesses.⁴

Luvenia Morse’ possible husband was Jack [Jacob] Morse as enumerated in the 1866 Mobile County Census,⁵ and the [Jacob Norris] 1867 Alabama Voter Registration for Mobile County.⁶ Jacob Moss was enumerated in the 1880 Census. His departure from the record coincides with the withdrawal of Federal troops, and the end of Reconstruction in the South. Louvenia Morse [Viny Moss and Jake] were counted in the 1880 U.S. Federal Census, for Baldwin County [Courthouse], Alabama.http://”United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4N1-CBG : 22 August 2017), Viny Moss in household of Jake Moss, Court House, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district ED 7, sheet 190C, NARA …

Returning to the 1900 U.S. Federal Census, for Baldwin County, Alabama, a perusal of the surrounding households elicits further details concerning Louvenia’s family, specifically, the names of five of her six children:

Daisy [Morse Johnson], b. Apr 1879 – 1953,⁷ m. George Parker; and later, m. Percy Johnson.^{8, 9}
Lewis [Louis Morse, Sr.], b. 1866-67(not) m. Georgia Allen^{10, 11, 12}
Jacob H. Morse, b. 1870 – 1932 m. Lucinda Davis, October 1886 at Baldwin County.
Robert Morse, b. Feb 1870-1872 – 1923 m. Caroline Bailey^{13, 14}
Willie Morse, b. 1874 – 1936 m. Violet Tucker, 28 June, 1896, at Montrose.
Unknown married Louisa Valrie Morse, widow.¹⁵ No marriage record was found.
Daniel Morse [Dan’l Moss] married Amy Valrie, father of Jasper J. Morse, who died 1970, aged 45 years; and m. Ruby Wiggins. Jasper’s mother, Amy Valrie Morse, widow, married Samuel E. Taylor, at Mobile, in 1905.¹⁶ Samuel E. Taylor married Floreta Williams, widow, at Mobile in 1908.¹⁷ Amy Valrie was the daughter of Melinda Webster, a granddaughter of Amy Webster former slave of David Tate. Amy Valrie Taylor died at Montrose, in 1917.¹⁸

A Samuel Taylor was the widower of Mary Ficklin, Mahala’s daughter, whose uncle, Rev. Ellis officiated at their nuptials. Their son, Mahala’s grandson, Henry T. Taylor wed Louvenia’s granddaughter, Lavinia Parker, in 1912, at Baldwin County.¹⁹

George Ficklin and Mahala Morris Ficklin’s children, as enumerated in the 1870 and 1880 U.S. Federal Census were the following persons:

1. Percy Walker Morris, 1854 – 1935 – stepson m. Susannah Alexander¹

2. Caroline Ficklin, 1861 – 1932, m. Edward [Edmund] Bailey,² (my great-grandmother, mother of Caroline Elizabeth Bailey Stradford). Caroline Bailey died at Tensaw, in 1932.³

3. Millie Ficklin, 1863 – 1904, m. Frank Reed⁴; m. Harrison Andersen; m. Charles Vivians, Rev. Ellis officiated;⁵ daughter Gertrude Reed married Eugene Talley of Bessemer, Jefferson, Alabama, 1911⁶.

4. Elizabeth Ficklin, 1866 – Elizabeth Smith (George) married 16 years in 1900. Her children were George, Mary, Louisa, Caroline, and Eliza.⁷ ⁸

5. Amelia Ficklin, 1869 – 1919, m. Augustus Jones⁹

6. Mary Ficklin, 1871 – 1898, m. Samuel E. Taylor¹⁰ in 1889, the year of her father’s death, at Edmund Bailey’s house; Rev. Jeffrey Ellis officiated. Samuel Taylor was the brother of Susan Taylor. Rests near her father at Montrose.

7. Georgia Ficklin, 1874 – 1906, died a widow – husband unnamed.

8. Helena Ficklin, 04 June 1873 – 1956, m. Walter Joyce¹¹ Helena Ficklin Joyce died a widow, in Cook County, Illlinois, 1956.¹²

9. Lucretia Ficklin, 1877 – 1952, m. Henry Pickett¹³ Lucretia Pickett died 1952, at Mobile, Alabama.¹⁴

1 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-PMK : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Percy Morris and Susannah Alexander, 1876

2 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-P87 : accessed 17 Feb 2013), Edward Bailey and Caroline Ficklin, 10 Apr 1878; citing Baldwin County; FHL microfilm 1839621.

3“Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDGY-MPX : 27 November 2014), Caroline Bailey, 14 Jun 1932; citing reference cn 11224, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,908,500.

4 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-5Q3 : accessed 25 Sep 2013), Frank Reed and Millie Ficklin, 1881.

5“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Charles Vivian and Millie Andersen, 15 Mar 1891; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,622.

6“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Eugene Talley and Gertrude Reed, 07 Aug 1911; citing Jefferson, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,065,260.

7“United States Census, 1900,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9ZL-6WB : accessed 27 October 2017), Elizabeth Smith in household of George Smith, Precincts 2-3 Stockton, Perdido, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 2, sheet 15A, family 242, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,001.

8“United States Census, 1920,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXCL-JPG : accessed 27 October 2017), Lizzie Smith in household of George Smith, Stockton and Deans, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing ED 3, sheet 9A, line 21, family 201, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 2; FHL microfilm 1,820,002.

9 ” Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTW8-M3N : accessed 07 Mar 2013), Augustus Jones and Amelia Fickling, 1896.

10 ” Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWY-SYD : accessed 07 Mar 2013), Samuel Taylor and Mary Ficklin, 1889.

11 “Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911,” index, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2ZP-GV9 : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Walter Joice and Helena Fickler, 1904.

12“Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1878-1994,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MH-YCG8 : 17 May 2016), Helna [Helena] Joyce, 05 Aug 1956; citing Melrose Park, Cook, Illinois, United States, source reference , record number , Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm .

13 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTW8-9MP : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Henry Pickett and Creacy Fickling, 1900.

14“Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J64X-BYS : 27 November 2014), Lucretia Pickett, 19 Jul 1952; citing reference 15090, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,908,871.

Louvenia’s childrens’ father was “Jake,” or “Jacob,” on the following death records:

Willie Morse²⁰
Robert Morse (incorrect in the record as “Lewis”)²¹
Daisy Morse Johnson, and²²
Jacob H. Morse.²³

Again, nexus has been established for Louvenia’s husband, namely, Jacob Morse. All were buried at Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Baldwin County, Alabama.

Louvenia’s children never agreed on her actual maiden name, and presumed it was other than Morse. On her childrens’ death records, “mother” was either “Vinie Gayle, or Vinie Owen,” or just plain “Vinie.” Jacob Morse died sometime after the conception of his youngest child, William Morse, b. 1874; and before the 1900 enumeration. Jacob’s burial site was marked “unknown” for both birth and death. Jacob was interred at Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Baldwin County, Alabama, with his family. Jacob’s cause of death, whether by disease or misadventure, remains a mystery.

Was it pure coincidence that Louvenia Morse lived on the same street as Mahala Morris Ficklin? The case may be made that Mahala Morris Ficklin was related to Louvenia Morris, by marriage. She bore George Ficklin eight children. Percy Walker Morris was born ca. 1855, in [Cleburne County,] Alabama,²⁴ (more likely Claiborne, Monroe County, because Cleburne County didn’t exist prior to 1866).

What do we know?

Louvenia Morse was enumerated in 1900, a neighbor of Mahala Morris Ficklin; and more, we conclude that not only were Louvenia Morse and Mahala Morris Ficklin, neighbors, but family. Mahala Morris lived outside Baldwin County, Alabama, prior to her residence, and subsequent marriage to George Ficklin ca. 1859. Louvenia Morse resided near relatives, during her widowhood; and it was no coincidence that Louvenia Morse and Mahala Morris Ficklin lived on the same street, and are interred in the same cemetery in 1900’s Daphne, Alabama.

May they rest in peace. Amen.

Addendum:

Viny Moss, a mulatto domestic servant with four children, was enumerated in the household of Dr. and Mrs. Owen of Mobile. Mrs. Susan Owen nee Norris was the nexus for the Norris surname. In the 1870 U.S. Census, Jacob Morris, a mulatto and presumably his brother, William Morris, a black, resided with two white children at Mobile, as laborers.

“United States Census, 1900,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9ZL-ZZ3 : accessed 10 Oct 2013), Melvin ? [Luvenia] Morse, ED 5 Precinct 7 Courthouse, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 2A, family 24, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1240001.

2“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKS-SDMM : 13 December 2015), Viney Louvenia Morse, ; Burial, Montrose, Baldwin, Alabama, United States of America, Montrose Cemetery; citing record ID 37025598, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

3“United States Census, 1910,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MK3V-PR1 : accessed 10 Oct 2013), Vina Morse, Daphne, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet , family 87, NARA microfilm publication T624, FHL microfilm 1374014

4“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTWY-QQD : accessed 10 December 2015), George Parker and Daisy Morse, 1894.

5“Alabama State Census, 1866,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V6PT-T46 : 3 August 2016), Jacob Morse, Mobile, Alabama; citing certificate 1260, p. 146, Department of Archives and History, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1,533,835.

6Alabama Department of Archives and History, Alabama 1867 Voter Registration Records Database, http://www.archives.alabama.gov/voterreg/search.cfm for “Jack Morse.”

7 “Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKS-S8TT : 11 July 2016), Daisy Morse Johnson, 1953; Burial, Montrose, Baldwin, Alabama, United States of America, Montrose Cemetery; citing record ID 37020186, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

8 “United States Census, 1900,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11095-106671-81?cc=1325221&wc=MMPN-BHQ:544119545 : accessed 09 Nov 2013), Alabama > Baldwin > ED 5 Precinct 7 Courthouse; citing NARA microfilm publication T623.

9 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWY-QQD : accessed 10 Oct 2013), George Parker and Daisy Morse, 1894.

10“United States Census, 1910,” Lewis Morse, Daphne, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet , family 92, NARA microfilm publication T624, FHL microfilm 1374014.

11 “United States Census, 1900,” Lewis Morse, ED 5 Precinct 7 Courthouse, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 1B, family 22, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1240001.

12“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Louis Morse and Georgia Allen, 1886.

13 “United States Census, 1900,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9ZL-WWC : accessed 09 Nov 2013)

14“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Robert Morse and Caroline Bailey, 1895.

15 “United States Census, 1880,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4N1-6FG : accessed 09 Nov 2013), Loueser Valree in household of Judie Valree, Lowells, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 217A, family 8, NARA microfilm publication T9-0001

16“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Samuel E Taylor and Amy Morse, 10 Jul 1905; citing Mobile, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,550,509.

17“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” Samuel E Taylor and Floreta Williams, 26 Dec 1908; citing Mobile, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,550,510.

18“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKS-SD7K : 11 July 2016), Amy Valrie Taylor, 1917; Burial, Montrose, Baldwin, Alabama, United States of America, Montrose Cemetery; citing record ID 37026915, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

19“Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTW8-QXL : 28 September 2017), Henry T Taylor and Lavenia Parker, 29 Feb 1912; citing Baldwin, Alabama, United States, county courthouses, Alabama; FHL microfilm 1,839,624.

20“Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDRZ-338 : accessed 10 Oct 2013), Willie Morse, 27 Nov 1936; citing reference cn 25208, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1908547.

21“Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974,” Lewis Morse, 29 Jun 1923; citing reference cn 13047, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1908250.

22“Alabama Deaths and Burials, 1881–1952.” Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2010.

23 Ibid.

24 “Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974,” Percy Mcmorris [Morris], 12 Jan 1935; citing reference cn 16, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1908527.

Bailey

Possible Reconstruction of Phineas Bailey’s Family Tree

July 22, 2017 Carolyn 1 Comment

Possible Reconstruction of Phineas Bailey’s Family Tree^¹

[Richard] Bailey __ m. __ Native or African maiden

1747-1799

Willis [William] Bailey^²,^³ ,^{⁴, ⁵} ____ m. ____ Delia Webster (21 children)^⁶, ^⁷, ^⁸

________1800-1867___________________|_____________1826-1910________

| | | | | | | |

Phineas Adolphus Sip William Edmund Abe Seth Major

et al.

Figure 3. Possible Reconstruction of Phineas Bailey’s Family Tree.

The presence of William Bailey in Baldwin County from the 1830 Census forward signifies that there was at least one other son of Richard Bailey, banned trader, residing in Mississippi Territory. This William Bailey and his children were probably well known to Origin S. Holmes and his associates, also residents of Baldwin County. As the eldest son, Phineas Bailey would have inherited William Bailey’s estate. Was that the hidden treasure?

1Elizabeth Shown Mills, Editor, Reassembling Female Lives, A Special Issue of the Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume 88, Number 3, September 2000.

21830 US Census; Census Place:, Baldwin, Alabama; Page: 24; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 2; Family History Film: 0002329.

3Year: 1840; Census Place: Baldwin, Alabama; Roll: 1; Page: 86; Image: 178; Family History Library Film: 0002332

4“Alabama, State Census, 1855,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6PB-5Q8 : accessed 03 Mar 2014), Willis Bailey, 1855.

5Bailey and Webster are Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Cherokee surnames, according to the Dawes Rolls, Final Rolls, at accessgenealogy.com. Accessed: November 2013.

6“United States Census, 1880,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4N1-X4G : accessed 03 Mar 2014), Delia Grant in household of Saml. Grant, Court House, Baldwin, Alabama, United States; citing sheet 194D, family 1, NARA microfilm publication T9-0001

7“United States Census, 1900,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9DN-PWY : accessed 03 Mar 2014), Delia Grant in household of Joseph Grant, Mobile city Ward 7, Mobile, Alabama, United States; citing sheet , family 786, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1240032.

8“Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-LTT : accessed 03 Mar 2014), Sam Grant and Delia Webster, 1869.

Ficklin

George Ficklin – At the Beginning

Image April 19, 2017 Carolyn 12 Comments

GEORGE FICKLIN

FREE CREOLE OF MOBILE

For the past several years, I have been researching my 16 second great-grandparents in various counties of Alabama. This research has led me to tackle many uncomfortable realities as an African American. The Cleveland Historical Society was my jumping off point. A small membership fee and many hours sitting in front of microfiche machines were small prices to pay. Reading census hieroglyphics was exciting and frustrating, but brought me closer to the names and places I sought. Enthusiasm ruled over frustration, and eventually I got the hang of it.

Then I discovered the internet and away we go! Ancestry.com yielded a community of relatives with the possibility of closing a few gaps and revealing new avenues of investigation. Alas! It was not to be. It seemed that no one had yet ventured as far as I, and it was time to step up my amateur status. So, here we are, at the proverbial 1870’s brick wall. Do we climb over it? Ignore it? Or just ram our way through? I opted for taking it apart, brick by brick. Then, reading a source citation on ancestry, I found FamilySearch. It has proved to be the most productive besides the ADAH – the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Since, George Ficklin was my first brick, his life and place are the focus of this writing. There wasn’t much to go on. Initially, I had to discern whether he was or was not George Augustus. The Ficklings of Baldwin County, Alabama, seemed a well-documented family. After all, they were in every census since 1790.

Others may encounter the very same genealogical traps as separating one individual or one family from another. I hope this writing proves encouraging, in that, if an amateur can achieve some measure of success, it’s possible for anyone.

It seemed obvious, at first, that George Ficklin and Thomas Ficklin were somehow related. But how? George Ficklin was a distinct individual that made his mark on his place and time. He purchased real estate, possibly for his aging mother to live out her waning years. He was a church-going man that contributed to the founding of a landmark church. He fathered eight daughters and sought to ensure their marital status. He chose a difficult yet prosperous trade in order to provide for his family.

The question arose whether George Ficklin was aided by some congenital benefit in his endeavors. Was he just a hard-working man of color? Or, was he endowed with the caste supreme, i.e. color status, in an area of the world that rewarded one for his color (or lack thereof)? Did he have help? For a man of color, living under the yoke of possible enslavement, deportation if identified as a Native American, and a host of codified indignities too numerous to highlight, he did well.

Was George Ficklin free? How likely was a slave to buy property in 1860 Alabama? Why couldn’t I find a marriage record for him? Was he the “Geo. Ficklin” in the 1855 Alabama Census?

Where does one find the answers to these questions besides Ancestry.com?

Perusal of the below footnotes will give some idea of the available resources used to answer the foregoing questions. It is my sincere wish that they are helpful.

George Ficklin was my maternal 2nd great grandfather. He was born in Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama in 1834, according to his Civil War Draft Registration papers of 1863.^¹ He was not a slave prior to Emancipation was the hypothesis, based on the following items of evidence:

1) He purchased property in 1860.² (The property was definitely bought by my ancestor rather than George Augustus Fickling.)³ The deed lists a “George Fickling,” and not “George Augustus Fickling.” It was in Township 2. Geo. A. Fickling’s widow resided in Township 4, Baldwin County, Alabama, in 1870.⁴

George Augustus Fickling was another George Fickling that resided in Baldwin County Alabama. It was necessary to research both in order to eliminate one.

2) The George in question was NOT George Augustus Fickling, born 1827, in Baldwin County, son of Thomas Fickling, Sr. and Caroline.⁵ George Augustus married Laura Mirvin,⁶ and died during the Civil War in 1861.⁷ That George always used his middle name, “Augustus,” (except for the 1855 Alabama Census where no middle initial was recorded for either George).⁸ That was an initial point of differentiation between the two brothers. It is very likely that they knew each other since they lived in the same county with so few inhabitants, and were so close in age.

3) George Ficklin enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1864, on the Union side, at Warrington, Florida, to serve at Dauphine Island, for the duration. Hostilities ceased after the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1865.⁹ (There is some question as whether he was drafted or enlisted voluntarily.) This detail is not dispositive of his having been free prior to the Emancipation Proclamation of January, 1863.

4) George Ficklin married Mahala Morris, and not Laura Mirvin.

5) George Ficklin was enumerated in the 1870 United States Federal Census, in Baldwin County, Alabama, with his wife, Mahala and their children.¹⁰ (George Augustus was deceased.)¹¹

6) George Ficklin, of Montrose, Alabama, purchased land from Fanny P. Foster, in Baldwin County, Alabama, in 1870.¹² The property abutted Thomas and Francis Cypert’s land. Both Fanny Foster, and her second husband, Richard Foster were free “mulattos,” i.e. creole, enumerated in the 1850 United States Federal Census for Baldwin County, Alabama.¹³

7) Laura Mirvin, widow, remarried Robert Slaughter, and started life anew.⁶

8) George Ficklin was enumerated in the 1880 United States Federal Census, in Baldwin County, Alabama, with his wife, Mahala and their children.¹⁴

9) George Ficklin was instrumental in founding the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, in Daphne, Baldwin County, Alabama, during Reconstruction.¹⁵ Whether he contributed land or money has not been clarified, as of this writing.

10) George Ficklin registered to vote in 1867.¹⁶ He was one of three Ficklin(g)s to register. One may deduce that he was related by blood to two other male Ficklings in Baldwin, at that time, namely, Thomas, Jr. and Charles.

11) George Ficklin was a farm laborer in 1870, but became a teamster by 1880. Teamsters made more money.

12) George Ficklin died 05 October, 1889, in Montrose, Baldwin County, Alabama.¹⁷ He was survived by his wife, Mahala, and their children.¹⁸ He was laid to rest at Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Baldwin County, Alabama.¹⁹

13) George Ficklin and Mahala Morris Ficklin’s children, as enumerated in the 1870 and 1880 U.S. Federal Census were the following persons:

1. Percy Walker Morris, 1854 – 1935 – stepson m. Susannah Alexander²⁰ ; mother of Virginia Morris Lemont;

2. Caroline Ficklin, 1861 – 1932, m. Edward aka Edmund Bailey,²¹ (my great-grandmother, mother of Caroline Elizabeth Bailey Stradford)

3. Millie Ficklin, 1863 – 1904, m. Frank Reed²² ; father of Gertrude Reid; last married Charles Vivians;

4. Elizabeth Ficklin, 1866 –[before 1900], m. George Smith

5. Amelia Ficklin, 1869 – 1919, m. Augustus Jones^²³

6. Mary Ficklin, 1871 – 1898, m. Samuel E. Taylor²⁴

7. Georgia Ficklin, 1874 – 1906, died unmarried.²⁵

8. Helena Ficklin, 1875 – 1964, m. Walter Joyce²⁶

9. Lucretia Ficklin, 1877 – 1952, m. Henry Pickett²⁷

14) The land purchased in 1860, was in Township 2 aka Bay Minette, but George didn’t live there. The only nonwhite Ficklins residing in Township 2, in 1870, were Charlotte Ficklin, age 70, Jane Ficklin, age 10, and Virginia Ficklin Harrison, age 30.²⁸ They must have been George’s relatives, and plausibly his mother, niece and sister, respectively. These Ficklins were also persons of color or creole.

15) The largest free nonwhite population lived in the two counties of Mobile and Baldwin, Alabama, before the Civil War, and enjoyed freedom unlike the remaining counties of Alabama.²⁹

16) The only “Charlotte,” born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1800, as recorded, was Charlotte Ryan. ^³⁰ In Creole Mobile, #230 is the number corresponding “with an extensive card catalogue system in the Cleveland Prichard Memorial Library.” There were many Carlotas, but only one “Charlotte.” There were no Ficklin(g)s. The names “Charlotte” and “Caroline” have the same etymology. It was customary to name the eldest daughter after her grandmother.

17) Thomas Fickling, Sr., born 1797, in South Carolina, died before 1860, in Baldwin County, Alabama, was the only Fickling of record, who would intersect with Charlotte Ficklin, born 1800, in Alabama, died before 1900, in Baldwin County, Alabama, in both age and vicinity, as a possible father for George.^³¹ Charlotte (Ryan) was married to a Mr. Fickling, or lived in concubinage.

18) Charlotte’s children were namely, Louisa Ann Ficklin Ellis, (Rev. Jeffrey Ellis was George’s brother-in-law, and officiated at his daughters’ weddings.) George Ficklin, Virginia Ficklin Harrison, Jane Ficklin (more likely granddaughter due to Charlotte’s advanced age), and possibly more. Whoever fathered her children, was obviously in a long-lasting and committed relationship. She adopted his name, which occurs in a marital situation. “One emerging pattern of free Negro society is that of sexual continency and family stability.”^³²

19) If Charlotte was a free woman of color, her children were also free. It has yet to be determined whether she was born free or obtained freedom either by manumission or self-purchase. No such records could be located at the Baldwin County Probate Court.

20) George’s next-door neighbor, in 1870 was Nathaniel Hall. Nathaniel was related to wealthy Charles Hall, deceased since 1843. In the 1830 U.S. Federal Census, Charles Hall had in his household a free woman of color with her minor daughter.^³³ This could have been Charlotte Ficklin. No record was found to support this in the Baldwin County Probate Court holdings. However, it is a likely nexus for George being acquainted with Nathaniel Hall. No evidence was found to support Nathaniel Hall being a slaveholder in either the 1850 or 1860 U.S. Federal Census Slave Schedules. Nathaniel Hall apparently was uniquely abolitionist in his practices. This was a remarkable finding.

21) Additionally, no record of any Ficklin(g)s in either Baldwin or Mobile County as slaveholders was found in the 1850^³⁴ or 1860 Slave Schedules^³⁵. This was also remarkable. So, whatever her legal status, Charlotte and her children lived free and unencumbered by slavery.

22) The boundaries of Mobile County and Baldwin County changed several times.

It may be concluded from the genealogical evidence presented above that:

a) George Ficklin, born 1834, in Mobile County, died 05 Oct 1889, in Baldwin County, was a free person of color in both locales.

b) George Ficklin purchased real estate prior to the inception of the Civil War, as a free person.^*

c) George Ficklin enlisted in the military as a free person, during the Civil War.

d) George Ficklin’s parents were free persons prior to Emancipation, therefore he enjoyed the privileges of freedom as a non-indentured citizen of Alabama.

e) George Ficklin’s society included other land-owning free persons of color from Mobile.³⁶ (Fanny and Richard Foster were married in Mobile County, Alabama.)

And thus, given the foregoing conclusions, George Ficklin lived free in Creole Mobile, prior to the Civil War.

George Ficklin, 1834-1889

1 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General’s Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110, Records of the Provost Marshal General’s Bureau (Civil War); Collection Name: Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865 (Civil War Union Draft Records); ARC Identifier: 4213514; Archive Volume Number: 1 of 1.

2 Fickling, George, Baldwin County, Alabama, homestead patent no. 14305; “Land Patent Search,” digital images, General Land Office Records (glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch : accessed 25 Aug 2013).

3 United States, Bureau of Land Management. Alabama, Homestead and Cash Entry Patents, Pre-1908 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1997. Original data: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Alabama Pre-1908 Homestead and Cash Entry Patent and Cadastral Survey Plat Index. General Land Office Automated Records Project, 1996.

4 “United States Census, 1870,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHKH-QQP : accessed 28 Sep 2013), Laura J Slaughter in entry for Robert W Slaughter.

5 “United States Census, 1850,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHP5-34D : accessed 25 Sep 2013), George A Fickling in entry for Thos Fickling, 1850.

6 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-K5K : accessed 25 Sep 2013), George Augustus Ficklin and Laura Mirvin, 1854.

7 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-25K : accessed 25 Sep 2013), Robert W Slaughter and Laura J Fickling, 1861.

8 Population index to the 1855 Baldwin County census [database on-line], Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data: Population index to the 1855 Baldwin County census, unknown: unknown, 19–? This George Ficklin is obviously George Augustus Ficklin, his new wife Laura Mirvin, and their newborn daughter, Laura Delphine Ficklin. They are enumerated on page 9. Geo. Ficklin is also listed on page 6. Are these duplicates?

9 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

10 Year: 1870; Census Place: Township 6, Baldwin, Alabama; Roll: M593_1; Page: 287B; Image: 578; Family History Library Film: 545500.

11 “United States Census, 1870,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHKH-J8K : accessed 25 Sep 2013), George Fickling.

12 Land Conveyance from Fanny P. Foster to George Ficklin, September, 1870. Judge of Probate, Baldwin County, P.O. Box 459, Bay Minette, Alabama 36507, and: 220 Courthouse Square, Minette, Alabama 36507; Deed Book I, Pg. 460.

13 “United States Census, 1850,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHP5-7RV : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Richard Foster in entry for Lucy Sendson, 1850.

14 “United States Census, 1880,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4N1-X4W : accessed 25 Sep 2013), George Ficklin, 1880.

15 Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church “About Us” section of its website : www.macedoniabaptistchurch-daphne.com/aboutus.html

16 Ficklin, George, African-American, Bwww.archives.state.al.us/voterreg/results.cfmaldwin County, Precinct 5, Election District 3, : accessed 05 Jun 2013.

17 “BillionGraves Index,” index, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KXZM-Z7M : accessed 25 Sep 2013), George Fickilin, 05 Oct 1889.

18 Alabama, Marriages, Deaths, Wills, Court, and Other Records, 1784-1920 about George Ficklin. Alabama Department of Archives and History; Montgomery, Alabama. Ancestry.com. Alabama, Marriages, Deaths, Wills, Court, and Other Records, 1784-1920 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors. Original data: Alabama Department of Archives and History, comp. Public information subject files—Card index of personal and corporate names and of subjects, ca. 1920–1960. Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama.

19 Web: Alabama, Find A Grave Index, 1755-2012 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Find A Grave. Find A Grave. www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi: accessed 18 January 2013.

20 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-PMK : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Percy Morris and Susannah Alexander, 1876.

21 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-P87 : accessed 17 Feb 2013), Edward Bailey and Caroline Ficklin, 10 Apr 1878; citing Baldwin County; FHL microfilm 1839621.

22 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWT-5Q3 : accessed 25 Sep 2013), Frank Reed and Millie Ficklin, 1881.

23 ” Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTW8-M3N : accessed 07 Mar 2013), Augustus Jones and Amelia Fickling, 1896.

24 ” Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTWY-SYD : accessed 07 Mar 2013), Samuel Taylor and Mary Ficklin, 1889.

25 Web: Alabama, Find A Grave Index, 1755-2012 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Find A Grave. Find A Grave. www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi: accessed 18 January 2013.

26 “Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911,” index, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2ZP-GV9 : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Walter Joice and Helena Fickler, 1904.

27 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTW8-9MP : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Henry Pickett and Creacy Fickling, 1900.

28 Censusrecords.com www.censusrecords.com/search?lastname=ficklin&lastname_variants=true&state=alabama&censusyear=1870&county=baker. “Baker” is incorrect. It should be “Baldwin,” for Baldwin County. The other Ficklins are Henry and Mary Ficklin.

29 Stewart King, ed. “Mobile, Alabama,” in The Encyclopedia of Free Blacks and Free People of Color in the Americas, volume II. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2012, 534-536. View: /uploads/1/1/8/8/11883350/mobile_fpc002.pdf findingafricanamericanancestors.weebly.com/publications.html

30 Johnnie Andrews, Jr. – G.R.S. and William David Higgins with an Introduction by Mrs. Henry Gautier, Creole Mobile : A Compendium of the Colonial Families of the Central Gulf Coast 1702-1813, Prichard Bienville Historical Society, 1974; page 62 – “Charlotte Ryan – Born in 1800. #230”

31 “United States Census, 1850,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHP5-34C : accessed 26 Sep 2013), Thos Fickling, 1850.

32 Gary B. Mills, Miscegenation and the Free Negro in Antebellum “Anglo” Alabama: A Reexamination of Southern Race Relations, The Journal of American History, Vol. 68, No. 1 (Jun., 1981), 16-34. Stable URL: http//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0021-8723%28198106%2968%3A%3C16%3AMATFN1%3E2.0.CO%3B2-P

33 1830 US Census; Census Place: Baldwin, Alabama; Page: 21; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 2; Family History Film: 0002329

34 1850 U.S. Federal Census – Slave Schedules [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Seventh Census of the United States, 1850. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1850. M432, 1,009 rolls.

35 1860 U.S. Federal Census – Slave Schedules [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Eighth Census of the United States, 1860. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1860. M653, 1,438 rolls.

* The 1860 date was coincidental with his marriage to Mahala Morris. A Bible Record dating 1859, could not be verified at this writing.

36 “Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950,” index and images, FamilySearch (//familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VRJ1-BGW : accessed 01 Oct 2013), Dick Foster and Fanny Foster.

Taitt [Tate]

Buy DAVID TATE: ORIGINS now!

December 6, 2016 Carolyn Leave a comment

Buy DAVID TATE: ORIGINS now! – treeringspublishing.com

a historical narrative –

David Tate had big shoes to fill. His father, also named David Taitt, a British loyalist was the Deputy Superintendent Indian Agent for the Southern District, before and during the American Revolution. The British Southern strategy was in play. Taitt dutifully followed orders to incite and lead the Creek Indians into battle against colonials; he was a hated man. Taitt’s liason with Sehoy McPherson was arranged by the rising star in the Creek Confederacy, her half brother, Alexander McGillivray. His union with Sehoy produced David Tate.

Taitt [Tate]

Book Review – Portrait of Margaret Tate

November 23, 2016 Carolyn Leave a comment

/w/portrait-of-margaret-tate-mistress-of-montpelier-a-plantation-carolyn-e-hood-kourdache/1124107268?ean=9780692748923

Brenna Pappert

http://brennam.booklikes.com/

Google Plus Book Club

Portrait of Margaret Tate, Mistress of Montpelier, a Plantation: Widow and Relic of William Theophilus Powell
Carolyn E. Hood-Kourdache
Paperback, 92 pages
Published June 22nd 2016 by Tree Rings Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 069274892X (ISBN 13 9780692748923)

While I found this to be more of a textbook read, I did enjoy it. A great amount of research went into this and shows a side of history that needs to be told. A woman considered a “Chocktaw mixed-blood” and someone who freed black slaves is an important part of American history (especially for Floridians) that needs to be told and included in the school books. Technically written for adults, the format could easily be read and understood by high school grades. A wonderful bibliography/source list is included.

***This book was received from author through a Booklikes giveaway. ***
#carolynehoodkourdache #history #nonfiction #Chocktaw #TreeRingsPublishing

Weatherford

Susan McGillivray Weatherford : William Weatherford’s Lost Granddaughter

October 17, 2016 Carolyn 3 Comments

A matriarch of Daphne, Alabama, lived life to its fullest in the neighborhood of estranged family and friends because she chose to marry a man of color. Susan Douglas was loved and revered. Unknown to her associates, she was the daughter of a once proud and wealthy Alabaman, son of the notorious Red Eagle, William Weatherford. A full blood Creek Indian, Weatherford’s granddaughter avoided deportation. She carved out a niche with the “colored” community; and rose to prominence in her Church. Her descendants may be proud of her life and legacy.

Grassroots of America: Index to American State Papers, Land Grants and Claims, 1789-1837

Mariah ELLIS

Widow and Relic of

[John C. Houston – William H. Buford and Hiram McGill, Sr.]

© 2017-2020 Carolyn E. Hood Kourdache

Creek Chief David Tate and Alabama Roots