Eliza Lee’s neighborhood in 1850
In 1850, Eliza Lee is living in Chesterfield, South Carolina with her family: Mother Elizabeth Lee (37), Father William Lee (34) Brothers and sisters James Crawford Lee (12), John Thomas Lee (11), Samuel Lee (9), Hannah Elizabeth Lee (7), Henry Alexander Lee (6), Mary Lee (4), Ann Lee (3), Sarah Jane Lee (2), and Eliza Lee (0).[1] From examination of neighbors, it seems that Eliza was probably born in the area of Chesterfield going toward Society Hill, near the community of Cash. Her neighbors included the wealthy Ellerbes, Crawfords, and the poorer freemen, the Brayboys. One of her neighbors was her aunt, Martha Lee Atkinson and her family.
[1] Year: 1850; Census Place: Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; Roll: M432_851; Page: 109B; Image: .
One of their neighbors are Shadrack Johns and Mary Boan Johns.[1] This family later moves to Russell County Alabama, and Washington County, Florida.[2] Shadrack Johns later ends up living in Marlboro County in 1880 in the same neighborhood as Samuel Thomas, brother of Eliza’s mother Elizabeth Martha Thomas Lee.[3]
[1]Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Carolina Family Roots: Search results for shadrack johns accessed October 14, 2023.
[3] Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
One of their neighbors is Henry Johnson and Louisa Purvis Johnson.[1] They are buried at Bethesda United Methodist Cemetery southeast of Chesterfield.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at Henry Johnson (1818-1888) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 14, 2023.
William Lee’s wealthiest neighbor was Zackariah Ellerbe and his wife Obedience. In 1850, Zackariah Ellerbe’s real estate worth was $40,000.[1] He is buried at Red Hill Ellerbe Cemetery on Red Hill Road at the location of Red Hill plantation.[2] Obedience’s mother was a Crawford. This is of note since William Lee’s first born son’s middle name was Crawford. Was he named for his wealthy neighbors?
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2]Find A Grave at Zachariah Ellerbe Sr. (1792-1864) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 14, 2023.
Another of William Lee’s neighbors was the family of Clarisa Brayboy who is listed as black.[1] According to a book by N. Brent and Robyn V Kennedy on Melungeon’s, Braveboy is a surname that belongs in the group of “Brass Ankles” of South Carolina. These were a small mixed group of Indians who have much of the same lineage as the Lumbee Indians in North Carolina.[1]
[1] Implosion by Morris F Britt, page 486.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
Another neighbor of color was the Richard Bass Charity Brayboy family in 1850.[1] In the Freedman Bureau records, Richard Bass is noted to be living on the Ellerbe place.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Ancestry.Com. U.S., Freedmen’s Bureau Records, 1865-1878.
Mary Brayboy is another neighbor of color.[1] She appeared as a single free woman of color in the 1830 and 1840 census. Neighbor Clarissa is documented as her daughter in trees on Ancestry.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
John Gulledge and his wife Ann Thompson are also near neighbors of the Lee Family.[1] Ann is buried the McLucas Cemetery in Clio in Marlboro, County.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at Ann Gullage (1822-1907) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 14, 2023.
Another neighbor of the Lee family is the Robert Hicks family.[1] His wife is a Thomas. Sarah Jane Thomas Hicks is the daughter of Micajah Thomas and Prudence Kelly. When she died in 1903, she is buried at the McLean Cemetery in Darlington, County.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at Sarah J. Thomas Hicks (1826-1903) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 14, 2023.
Another neighbor was Joseph Braddock and his wife.[1] Joseph died at Drewery’s Bluff in the Civil War but Martha Watson Braddock lived until 1904 and is buried at Harris Creek Baptist Church in Cash, South Carolina.[2] Around 1870 when she received her rations from the Freedman’ Bureau, she was living on the Society Hill Road.[3]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at Martha E. Watson Braddock (1827-1904) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 14, 2023.
[3] Ancestry.Com. U.S., Freedmen’s Bureau Records, 1865-1878.
Another neighbor of the Lee family is John Polk and Sarah Heustess Polk.[1] Elizabeth Polk their daughter is the mother of Mary Keith who married William N Lee, the son of James Crawford Lee. James Crawford Lee is the brother of Eliza Lee. Family members of the Polk family are also buried at Harris Creek Baptist Church in Cash, South Carolina.[1]
[1] Harris Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Cash, South Carolina – Find a Grave Cemetery.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
Another family that lived nearby to the Lee’s were the Watsons.[1] Elizabeth Turnage Watson is buried at Welsh Neck Baptist Church in Society Hill.[2] The place of burial for William is not documented.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at Elizabeth Turnage Watson (1804-1882) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 14, 2023.
There are several Atkinson families in the neighborhood. James Atkinson’s wife is purported to be a daughter of John Polk and Sarah Huestess.[1] The family moves to Darlington and several are buried at Welsh Neck Baptist Church.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Welsh Neck Baptist Church Cemetery in Society Hill, South Carolina – Find a Grave Cemetery accessed October 15, 2023.
John Atkinson and his wife Rachael Thompson Atkinson are also neighbors.[1] I could not find the burial place of John Atkinson and Rachael Thompson but their daughter Katherine who married Alexander Farmer is buried at Bethel Baptist Church in Cash, South Carolina.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at Katherine Farmer (1857-1939) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
Another family neighbor to the William Lee’s is William Atkinson and Martha Lee Atkinson.[1] Two of the children’s death certificate (Cynthia[2] and Wiley[3]) give their mother’s name as Martha Lee. It is possible that Martha could be William Lee’s sister. It is also of note that these two children are both buried at Zoar United Methodist Church in the Brocks Mill Community where William Lee is most likely buried.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Ancestry.Com. South Carolina, U.S., Death Records, 1821-1971.
[3] Ancestry.Com. South Carolina, U.S., Death Records, 1821-1971.
Another neighbor is the John McMillian and Lydia Jane Geer McMillan family.[1][2] This family has close ties and are buried at Welsh Neck Baptist Church in Society Hill.[3]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at John McMillan (1797-1867) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
[3] Find A Grave at Lydia Jane Geer McMillan (1802-1883) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
Archibald Clark[1] and Clarissa Geer McMillan[2] are also another neighbor family that has Welsh Neck Baptist church ties.[3] They are both buried there. Clarissa is the daughter of neighbors John McMillan and Lydia Jane Geer McMillian. Clarissa married Calvin Chapman after the death of Archibald Clark.
[1] Find A Grave at Archibald Clark (1818-1853) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
[2]Find A Grave at Clara Geer McMillan Chapman (1825-1897) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
[3] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
Gideon Duvall was another neighbor.[1] Gideon was first married to Caroline Cecilia Powe Duvall. She was first married to Thomas Green Ellerbe. She is buried at the Red Hill Ellerbe Cemetery with the other Ellerbes.[2] This is probably close to the neighborhood where Gideon and the Lee’s were living in 1850. Gideon and his second wife Sharah Powe Duvall are buried at Old St David’s Episcopal Church in Cheraw, South Carolina.[3]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at Caroline Cecelia Powe Duvall (1815-1842) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
[3] Find A Grave at Gideon Walker Duvall (1812-1882) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
Another neighbor is Charles G Pervis and his wife Mary Elizabeth Douglas, daughter of Dr. James Douglas and Esther Ellerbe.[1] Charles G Pervis was the son of John and Sarah McMillan Pervis. In 1887, Charles Pervis lost 650 acres of land which joined EBC Cash in a lawsuit against him for debt by Joseph Lide.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Chesterfield Register of Deeds Book 9, page 108.
Eliza Lee’s neighborhood in 1860
Eliza’s brothers James Crawford Lee and Henry Alexander Lee have left the nest. Sisters Hannah and Mary have also married the Parker brothers and have left the family. Eliza is no longer the baby. She now has a baby sister, Charlotte, age 9. Others in the home are: mother Elizabeth (51), father William (51), John Thomas Lee (21), Samuel William Lee (19), Ann (14, and Sarah Jane (12). William Lee’s net worth has increased from $350 in real estate in 1850 to $2,500 in real estate in 1860 and $1,600 in personal income since he now owns a slave.[1]
[1] Ancestry.Com. Year: 1860; Census Place: , Chesterfield, South Carolina; Roll: ; Page: 101; Image: 205.
One of William Lee’s wealthier neighbors in 1860 was Allen Dewitt Chapman and his wife Mary Jane Greer.[1] Allen Dewitt Chapman’s will in 1885 says his homestead is near Goodman’s Creek and the road leading from Hortonsville to the Macfarlan old Steam mill.[2]
[1]Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Ancestry.Com. South Carolina, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1670-1980.
Another neighbor is Joseph Hall and his wife Elizabeth Brown Hall.[1] This family had moved to Hartsville in 1880[2] and most of their family are buried in Southern Chesterfield County or Hartsville, South Carolina area.
[1] 1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] 1880 United States Federal Census.
John Wilks and Mary Campbell Wilks are also neighbors of the Lee’s in 1860.[1] According to John’s will in 1889, he was a farmer.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Ancestry.Com. South Carolina, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1670-1980.
Another Lee neighbor in 1860[1] John Huggins migrated to Monroe County, Alabama where he is buried in the Coleman Cemetery there.[2]
[1]Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at John Huggins (1821-1906) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
Neighbor Stephen H Parker[1] and his family owned land on Bear Creek which they sold to Charles Boan.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 1, Page 96.
The WL Porter family seems to be a blended family of some sort.[1] Thomas F Parker may be a son of Stephen H. Parker.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
The William K Ingram family also lived in the Lee’s neighborhood in 1860. Eleanor Wallace was the second wife.[1] William Ingram died in 1862 in Darlington, County.
[1] Ancestry.Com.1860 United States Federal Census.
Another family in the neighborhood is William Copeland and Nancy Sellers Copeland.[1] In 1870 and 1880, the couple is living in Mount Croghan.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
The family of William Jeptha Gaddy and Zilpha Ann Sellers also lives nearby.[1] The couple[2][3] are buried at the Gaddy-Sellers Cemetery near Ruby, North Carolina.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at William Jeptha Gaddy (1828-1906) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
[3] Zilpha Ann Sellers Gaddy (1830-1913) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
The family of Hosea White and Becky Pervis are also part of the neighborhood. Becky and her children are classified as M (Mulatto).[1]
[1]1860 United States Federal Census.
The family of William Cross and Anna Boan also are nearby neighbors.[1] William Cross is buried at Bethesda Cemetery in southern Chesterfield County.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at William Cross (1814-1884) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15, 2023.
Henry Cross was the oldest son of William Cross.[1] His young family lives next door to his dad.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
Lelia Langley and her children also live in the same neighborhood as William Lee and his family in 1860.[1] According to Ancestry, Lelia’s children have been proven by DNA to be fathered by Willis Brown who lived close by. In the Freedman’ Bureau records, Lelia lives on the road to Camden (20 miles away).[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com.1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Ancestry.Com. U.S., Freedmen’s Bureau Records, 1865-1878.
The young family of James D Crowley and his wife Mary Jane also live nearby.[1] Find A Grave says that David Crowley is buried at First Baptist Church in Hartsville, South Carolina.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Find A Grave at David Crowley (1833-1908) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 15,2023.
John Walsh and his wife Sallie Spencer Walsh are wealthy neighbors.[1] John Walsh has land identified as being between the road from Chesterfield Courthouse to Cheraw and the road from Chesterfield Courthouse to Society Hill at the mouth of Indian Creek.[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 2, page 266.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
[2] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 2, page 266.
The John Gulledge (Gullage) family has grown but it is the same family who were neighbors in the 1850 census.[1]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
From examination of Eliza Lee’s neighbors as a child, it seems that she is still living in the Society Hill area of the county rather than the Westfield Creek area. The John Gulledge family are neighbors both in 1850 and 1860.
Another piece of evidence which shows that Eliza Lee’s childhood home was in the Cash, South Carolina neighborhood is an 1881 deed from James Crawford Lee to Sara Jane White Lee. James Crawford Lee probably obtained this land from his father and it is located in this neighborhood.
Transcription: JC Lee to Sarah J Lee Deed
The State of South Carolina
To all persons to whom these presents shall come, J C Lee of Chesterfield County and the State aforesaid send greetings, know ye in consideration of the sum three hundred dollars the receipt of which is whereby acknowledged. I the said J. C. Lee have bargained, sell and release unto Sarah J Lee, all that track or parcel of land, lying in the fork of Reedy branches in Chesterfield County bounded on
The north by lands of Pervis and Cash on the easte by Cash on the south by Powe, and Mary Weiss, on the west by John Freeman containing one hundred and fifty acres more or less, Together with all and singular the rights, numbers, and hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining, to have and to hold all and singular the premises before mentioned unto the said Sarah J Lee her heirs and assignees forever, I the said J C Lee do hereby bind myself, my heirs and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the premises unto the said Sarah J Lee his heirs and assigns forever against this lawfull claims and demands of all persons claiming by from or unto the said J C Lee. Witness my hand and seal this the twenty third day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and ninety three (1893) and in the one hundredth and eighteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of
SJ White Jas. C Lee[1]
AR White
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 12, page 426.
Sarah Jane White sold the land that she bought from James Crawford Lee to Theo F Meisenheimer in ____. Theo F Meisenheimer sold it to GW Duvall in ___. It contains a much more detailed description of where the land is located.[1]
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 38, page 138.
Transcription:
All that certain piece parcel or tract of land lying in the said county of Chesterfield South Carolina known as Lee Land lying on both sides of the Cheraw and Society Hill public road and in the forks of the Reedy so Causeway branches containing seventy three and 2/10 acres as per plat made by Gillespie and Hughey surveyors on 14 Nov 1913 and described by meets and bounds in said plat as follows viz: beginning at a stake 3 x on run of North Reedy branch, and running thence with Freeman land S7; 15 E36, so chains to a corner in South Reedy branch, thence the various course of said South Reedy branch to a corner in said branch in the said Cheraw and Society Hill public road, thence with the various of the said South Reedy branch to its interaction with North Reedy branch thence with the various courses of North Reedy branch with the Cash lands to a corner in said branch on the said Cheraw and Society Hill public road, thence, the continued various courses of said North Reedy branch with the Purvis lands to the beginning corner stake in said branch containing 73 & 2/10 acres as aforesaid according to the said plat to which reference may be had.
Google Map of Reedy Creek Branch Area[1]
[1] Reedy Branch – Google Maps accessed October 15, 2023.
Eliza Lee’s: The Lost Years 1860-1880
Nothing is known of Eliza Lee’s life from the census in 1860 until she appears in the 1880 census. However, we can examine what we know about the activities of her family.
The Lees moved to the Westfield Creek area in this period. Their mother Elizabeth Martha also died. The South was racked by the Civil War. Her older brothers all served (James Crawford Lee, John Thomas Lee, Samuel William Lee and Henry Alexander Lee) in the confederacy. Her older sister’s husbands also served in the confederacy (Samuel James Parker, Badgerwood Boggan Parker and Samuel Wesley White) Badgerwood Boggan Parker (Sister Mary’s husband) lost his life at Elmira POW Camp in New York. Even Eliza’s father, William Lee, was conscripted at the end of the War.
Elizabeth Martha Thomas Lee also passes away. William Lee marries Hannah Parker? Thomas? William and Hannah have son Joseph Daniel Lee in August 1869. Joseph Daniel Lee’s death certificate says Hannah’s last name was Hanna Thomas.[1]
[1]Ancestry.Com. Arkansas, Death Certificates, 1914-1969.
In February of 1863, William Lee purchased 991 ½ acres for consideration of $2,500 from Gideon W Duvall who was a neighbor in 1850. Daniel Odom was a wealthy man who owned land on Westfield Creek, Chesterfield and in Marlboro County. He passed away in 1856. George W McIver was the executor of Daniel Odom’s will. Gideon Duvall had purchased the land from George W McIver. In 1850, Daniel Odom was in the Marlboro County census with his wife Winny and his stepson John Gay and his daughter.[1]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1850 United States Federal Census.
Transcription:
G W Duvall to William Lee Deed[1]
The State of South Carolina
To all persons to whom these presents shall concern
Now know ye that in consideration of the sum of Twenty five hundred dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged the said Gideon W Duvall have granted bargained sold and released and by these presents to grant bargain and release unto to William Lee all that tract or parcel of land conveyed to George W McIver executor of last will and testament of Daniel Odom of the district and state aforesaid by Deed bearing date the sixteenth day of ___ in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight Hundred and Fifty six and described in said deed as “all that tract or parcel of land lying on the west side of the Creek Beginning at a stake 3 x 11 near or opposite the old Hickory corner of Big Westfield’s Creek and running SW 75 degrees – 22 ch 50 degrees to a pine 3 x 11 through 31 chain 25 r to a pine 3 x 11 in John G Whites line, thence SW 63 degree with said 73 chain 50r to a stake 3 x 11 thence SE 13 degree 31 ch 50 4 to a stake near Sawney’s Branch South 29 ch 10r to a sassafras stake in Parker’s old field, thence SE 88 to a stump 3 x 11 in Benj Brock’s field thence NE 3 degree 12 chain 50 r to a pine by an Oak dead, thence SE 89 degree 9 ch 50 r to a Post Oak 3 x 0 dead and down thence SE “ to a corner stake at Brock’s fence, thence SE 30 degree 19 ch 50r to a piece on the bank of Westfields Creek there as SE 75 degree 37 ch 50r to a stake 3 x 0. Squire Brock’s corner Odom’s line. Thence NE 24 degree 40 ch 50 r to the head of the Mill Pond, thence and “high water marks to the run of the Creek. Big Westfield’s Creek thence __”with its various courses to the beginning corner stake containing ___ ____”ninety one and one half acres more or left” together with all and singular rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises ___or in any wide incident or appertaining: To have and to hold all the being the promises before mentioned unto the said William Lee his heirs and assignees and I the said Gideon W Duvall do hereby and myself my heirs Executors administrator to warrant and forever defend all and singular the ___ unto the William Lee His heirs and assigns forever against the lawful and demand of all persons claiming by from or under the said Gideon W Duvall. Witness my hand and seal this Eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty three and in the Eighty ____ year of the Independence of the State of South Carolina.
Liquid, sealed and delivered
In the presence of
WLJ Reid
EF Bryan
[1] Burnt Book page 73 and 74.
The star is approximately where William Lee’s Westfield Creek land was located.
Current Map from Google[1]
Historical Map from Library of Congress[2]
[1] Westfield Creek – Google Maps accessed October 16, 2023.
[2][Chesterfield District, South Carolina | Library of Congress (loc.gov) accessed October 16, 2023.
The State of South Carolina
Chesterfield District
Know all men by these presents that I William Lee of the State and District aforesaid have bargained sold and conveyed and do by these presents to bargain sell and convey all this tract or parcel of land to James C Lee containing seventy-five and one-fourth acres in and for the consideration of six hundred dollars in hand paid by to be by James C Lee the receipt which is hereby acknowledged said tract of land and marked as follows. Beginning at William Lee and Samuel P Brocks line at the high center mark of the millpond and runs the said line SW 34 degrees 39 chains 60 links to a red oak in said Lee and Brock line 3 rives pointed. The NW 40 degrees 33 chains and 10 links to stake 4 hickeys pointers then NE 63 degrees 40 chains to a stake 4 guns and white oak pointers then SE 65 degrees 6 chains and 25 links to a stake on the bank of Big Westfield 3 gums pointers then down the run of said creek to Brocks mill pond then along high waters mark of said mill pond to the beginning. Containing seventy-five and one-fourth acres. To have and hold the above described land unto the said James C Lee his heirs and assignees together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtances to the said premises belonging or any wise appertaining and I the said William Lee do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to covenant and forever defend all and singular the premises unto the same James C Lee his heirs and assignees forever against the lawful claims and domain of all persons claiming by from or under the said William Lee. Witness my hand and seal this 7th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
William Lee Seal
Signed Sealed and Delivered
In the presents of Jno Grasy
A Brock
M L Stamps amounting to one dollar properly canceled
State of South Carolina
Chesterfield District
Personally appeared Alexander Brock before me James Powell magistrate who solemnly swears that he was present and saw William Lee sign seal and deliver the within ded as his actual deed and that he with John Grasy signed the same as witness.
Sworn before me this 23d Alex Brock
Day of 1864
James Powell magistrate
Recorded 10th August 1870
Orgl Delivd to Jas. C Lee
In 1869 William Lee sold James Crawford Lee another 3 ¾ acre of land for $10.[1]
[1] Chesterfield Register of Deeds Book 3, page 27.
Deed
The State of North Carolina
Chesterfield County
Know all men by these presents that I William Lee of the state and County Chesterfield aforesaid here bargain sold and conveyed and does by these presents bargain sell and convey all this tract or parcel of land to James C Lee containing three and three quarters in and for the consideration of ten dollars in hand paid to me by J C Lee the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged said tract of land bounded and marked as following Beginning on James C Lee corner near head of a branch on said William Lee and James C Lee line three chains NW 19 degrees 18 chains 35 lines to a stake thence NE 71 degrees 10 chains 50 lines to a stake near the fence then SE 29 degrees 2 chains 70 lines to a post oak on James C Lee line thence SW 63 degrees 11 chains to the Beginning corner 3 ¾ three and three quarter acres to have and to hold the above described land until the said James C Lee his heirs and assignees together with all and singular writes members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in purpose appertaining and I the said William Lee do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the premises unto the said James C Lee his heirs and assignees forever against the lawful claims and demands all persons claiming by from or under the said William Lee my hand seal this the 26th day of December 1869 in the year of our lord one hundred eight hundred and sixty nine.
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presents of these witnesses
Theo L Malloy
D R Davis William Lee No Seal
M L Stamps amounting to fifty cents properly canceled
State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
Personally appeared D R Davis before me T L Malloy clk and off magistrate who solemnly swear that the aforesaid William Lee signed seal and delivered the written dead as his act and and deed and that he with T L Malloy signed the same as witnesses.
D R Davis
Sworn to me this April 1970
T L Malloy
Clk
Recorded 2nd May 1870
Original Delivered to
Timeline of James Crawford Lee Land on Westfield Creek
- Daniel Odom owns Westfield Creek land when he died in 1856
- George McIver who is administrator of Daniel Odom’s estate sells to Gideon W Duvall in 1856
- Gideon W Duvall sells 991 ½ acres of land to William Lee in 1863 for $2,500
- William Lee deeds his son James Crawford Lee 75 1/4 acres in 1864 for $600
- William Lee deeds his son James Crawford Lee 3 ¾ acres in 1869 for $10
- James Crawford Lee sells land to TF Sherrill for $350 on February 4, 1881 (Book 6 Page 399)
- TF Sherrill sells land to GA Sherrill for $300 on February 14, 1896 (Book 13, page 641)
- GA Sherill sells land to R L Rivers for $500 on January 21, 1907 (Book 24.Page 190)
- RL Rivers sells land to Sam Johnson for $1,670 on December 3, 1910 (Book 56, Page 313)
- Sam Johnson loses land in Sheriff’s auction as a result of complaint by RL Rivers on May 6, 1912 (Book 36, Page 175)
- Edwin Malloy Jr. and R J Little purchase land at courthouse door for $1,000 on May 6, 1912 (Book 36, Page 175)
- Edwin Malloy Jr sold Robert J Little 86 acres for $725 on October 1 1913 (Book 46, Page 1).
- Robert J Little sold 83 acres to R D Wallace for $1,250 on September 30th 1921 (Book 57, Page 166.
- Lem Watson sold Martha Pegues 83.84 acres on both sides of the Beaver pond for $95,000 (Book 385 Page 85) from Lem Watson (376 1229) This land was deeded to Dan & Ethel Watson from June Jones Cole and Estelle Jones Chapman in 1947. This land is mentioned in June Jones Cole will and is referred to as “the Wallace place”[1]
- Land is now owned by Carolina Nature Conservancy, (son of Martha Pegues)[2]
[1] Ancestry.Com. North Carolina, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998.
[2] Chesterfield Co, SC Map (wthgis.com) accessed October 2023.
Brock Mill Tract[1]
This land was deeded by James P Brock to Sarah J Brock on Jan 11 1876 and was around 50 acres. It is referred to as the Brock Mill Tract of land. It came into possession of the Rivers (James B Rivers) on Jan 14 1908 (Book 32, page 165) It came into possession of Bill J Rivers on June 20, 1966 (Book 177, page 393). The plat was made by Bill J Rivers in 1980 and it is now owned by Carolina Nature Conversancy, LLC.
Consisting of 319 acres, the Carolina Nature Conservancy is a privately owned agricultural operation devoted to the production of organic livestock. Cattle, sheep, and goats are not only raised as commercial products, but are used to manage the land for the improvement of wildlife habitat and the control of invasive species such as Chinese Privet Hedge. Following the wishes of the Peques’ parents who founded the operation in 1989, the Paxton Pegue family operates the farm without the use of commercial fertilizers, chemicals, or parasite control agents.[2]
[1] Chesterfield Co, SC Map (wthgis.com) accessed October 16, 2023.
[2] https://www.dnr.sc.gov/conservation/pdf/ChesterfieldAnnual2010.pdf
In 1866, Henry Alexander Lee married Sarah Jane Brock, the daughter of Squire Hezekiah Brock and Rachel Parker. William Lee also deeded Henry Lee 106 acres of the Westfield Creek Land. Elizabeth Martha Thomas appears to be dead at this time. William Lee appears to be a single man as there is no renunciation of dower attached to the deed.
William Lee to Henry Lee Deed Transcription[1]
The State of South Carolina
To all persons these presents shall come, I William Lee of Chesterfield District and the State aforesaid send greeting. Know ye in consideration of the sum of Six hundred dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged. I the said William Lee have bargained sell and release unto Henry Lee all that tract or parcel of land lying on the west side of Westfield Creek beginning on a white oak on the bank of said creek running with said line S 68 W 50ch, 25 ch to a Stake thence S 19E to a stake thence N71 E10 Ch50 to a stake cross the fence, thence S29 E 2ch 70 links to a post oak, thence N63, E28 ch 80 links to a stake in an old field thence S 65E 7ch 80 link to a stake on the west bank of Westfield creek thence up the various corners of the creek to the beginning corner containing 106 acres more or less with all and singular the rights members and hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging on in any error incident or appertaining to have and to hold all and singular the promises before mentioned unto the said Henry Lee his heirs and assigns forever, I the said William Lee do hereby bind myself my heirs and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the promises unto the said Henry Lee against the lawful claims and demands of all persons claiming by from or unto the said William Lee.
Witness my hands and seal this the third day of December in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six and is the ninetieth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Signed Sealed and Delivered in the William Lee
Presence of
William P Brock
Daniel McLaurin US Stamps amounting to One Dollar
Properly canceled
State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
Personally appeared before me Danl Mclern and, made oath that he saw the within named William Lee Sign Seal and as his act and deed deliver the within written Deed and he with Wm P Brock witnessed the execution thee of.
Sworn before me; Daniel McLearen
24 Jany 1870
TF Mulloy
Clk Recorded 24th Feby 1870
Orignal Dlvd to Henry Lee
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 2, page 328.
This plat is from a deed where Sara Jane White Lee deeded her children, Lennie Lee Jones, Rebecca Jane Lee Brock, and John William Lee approximately 33 acres a piece in 1911.[1] Henry Lee lost land bought from his father William Lee in a complaint brought against him by Ann E Evans. Ann Evans purchased the land at the Courthouse door in a public auction for $50 on March 2, 1896.[2] Sara Jane White Lee purchased the land from Ann Evans for $260 on September 25, 1897.[3]
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 32, page 55.
[2] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 13, page 547.
[3] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 14, page 504.
Time Line of Henry Lee Land on Westfield Creek
- Daniel Odom owns Westfield Creek land when he died in 1856
- George McIver who is administrator of Daniel Odom’s estate sells to Gideon W Duvall in 1856
- Gideon W Duvall sells 991 ½ acres of land to William Lee in 1863 for $2,500
- William Lee deeds Henry Lee, his son Henry Lee 106 acres in 1866 for $60
- Henry Lee loses land by complaint of Ann Evans in 1896
- Ann Evans sells Henry Lee Land to Sara Jane White Lee in 1897 for $260
- Sara Jane White deeds 33 1/3 acres to Lennie Lee Jones (Book 32, Page 169), John William Lee (Book 32, Page 55), and Rebecca Jane Brock Lee (Book 32, Page 56) for consideration of $100 in 1911.
| Rebecca Jane Lee Brock | Lennie Lee Jones | John William Lee |
| Heirs of Rebecca Brock deed 33 1/3 acres to James D and Nanny Lee Hursey for $2,750 on February 17, 1956 Book 128, page 248 | Lennie Jones deeds 33 1/3 acres to Sarah Ellen Gulledge Lee sister in law for $1,000 on February 7th 1911 Book 42 page 87 | JW Teal deed 33 1/3 acres to John Teal, brother in law for $400 on February 16, 1914, Book 39, page 208 |
| Nanny Hursey deed to John Willis Cash for $12,375 on July 25, 1978 Book 252 page 720 | Sarah Ellen Gulledge Lee deeds 33 1/3 acres To W T White for $1,500 on November, 1919 Book 53, page 196 | John Teal deeds 33 1/3 acres to Bessie Teal his wife on March 4, 1921, Book 54, page 337 |
| Deed of Distribution from Lizzie Lee Watson Cash to heirs, Book 507, page 1324 | W T White deeds 33 1/3 acres to wife Alice White on February 9, 1936 Book 54, 307 | Bessie Teal sells 33 1/3 acres to JS and CF Short for $500 on December 21, 1933 Book 79, page 475 |
| Alice Gregory White passed away in 1952 W T White passed away in 1970 | JS Short deeds CF Short 33 1/3 acres on August 19, 1940, Book 89, page 314 | |
| Heirs Gregory White and Leona White Cassidy deeds 33 1/3 acres to Donna Freeman on July 26, 1882 for $10,000 Book 276, page 442 | Charles Frank Short died in 1943 | |
| Donna Freeman deeds 33 1/3 acres to Robert Lee Smith on February 7, 1983 for $13,300 Book 279 page 564 | Ida Malissa Short was the sister of Charles Frank Short and his heir She passed away in 1949. Her husband Christopher Columbus Gibson died in 1960 | |
| Robert Lee Smith deeds 33 1/3 acres to Karl Eric Hancock on November 28, 1984 for $15,000 Book 290, page 577 | Ida and Christopher Gibson’s children sold 36.4 acres to Thomas A Brewer, Jr. for $3,000 on March 31, 1971 Book 211 page 371 | |
| Thomas A Brewer, Jr. sold 36.4 acres to William Pittman Jr for $4,000 on May 10, 1971, Book 211, page 373 | ||
| William Pittman Jr sold 36.4 acres to Harold Boan for $4,000 on December 6, 1973, Book 227, page 978 | ||
| Harold Boan sold 36.4 acres to Ted Vick for $62,800 on January 21, 2004 Book 408, page 899 | ||
| Ted Vick sold 36.4 acres to Ronald Danise for $84,200 on January 21, 2004, Book 411, page 332 | ||
| Ronald Danise sold 36.4 acres to Mary Ann Hogue for $97,025 on August 5, 2013, Book 478, page 381 | ||
| Mary Ann Hogue to Christopher Tyner 38.81 acres for $97,595.75 on July 15, 2021 Book 539, page 376 |
Lennie Lee Jones Tract[1]
[1] Chesterfield Co, SC Map (wthgis.com) accessed October 14, 2023.
Rebecca Lee Brock Tract[1]
[1] Chesterfield Co, SC Map (wthgis.com) accessed October 16, 2023.
John William Lee Tract[1]
[1]Chesterfield Co, SC Map (wthgis.com) accessed October 16, 2023.
William Lee also sold land to his son Samuel William Lee. Samuel mortgaged it in 1874. When he moved to Blount County, Alabama, his brother John Thomas Lee took over the mortgage and later his wife distributed this land to her children.
Samuel Lee to John Thomas Lee Transcription[1]
Blount County
Whereas I Samuel W Lee of the County of Blount of the State of Alabama but formerly of the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina did on or about the fifth day of December A.D. 1874 make, execute and deliver to Edmund J Waddill of Cheraw in the County of Chesterfield the State of South Carolina. My mortgage deed bearing date on that day whereby I did convey to the said Edmund J Waddell by way of mortgage all that certain piece parcel or tract of land situate in the County of Chesterfield in the said State of South Carolina heretofore described for the purpose of securing to the said Edward J Waddill my bond made executed and delivered by me the said Samuel W Lee to the said Edmund Waddill on or about the 30 day of November A D 1874 which said bond was in the ____ sum of one thousand dollars conditioned for the payment of the sum of five hundred dollars on or about the 30 day of November A D 1875 and whereas the said bond and mortgage was afterwards by the said Edmund J Waddill dully assigned transferring and set over to William Lee and by the said William Lee was dully assigned transferred and set over to Henry Lee and the said Henry Lee dully assigned transferred and set over the said bond and mortgage to John T Lee and whereas I the said Samuel W Lee did agree with the said John T Lee to sell and convey to him said tract of land for full satisfaction of said Mortgage and the further sum of one hundred and fifty dollars and I have placed him in the full peaceable and quiet possession of said land but have never executed to him a title to said land as I should have done. Now therefore know all men by these presents that I the said Samuel W Lee of the County of Blount in the state of Alabama but formerly of the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina have granted, bargained and released for the consideration heretofore ____ by these presents to grant, bargain, sell, and release unto the said John T Lee of the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina all that certain piece parcel or tract of land situate lying and being in the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina, the same being a tract of land conveyed to me by William Lee by his deed having date the eleventh day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four now of record in the office of Register of ____ Conveyance in the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina containing eighty-six acres more or less, and is bounded as follows: on the east by the run of Big Westfield Creek on the west by lands formerly belonging to William Lee, but now said to be the property of Joseph Lee, on the north by lands formerly the property of William A Peagues and Daniel Mclaurin but now the property of William A Pegues and John McLaurin and John W Odom and on the south by lands of Henry Lee, the same being the tract of land described in the mortgage heretofore referred to together with all and singular the rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anymore incident or appertaining. To have and to hold all and singular the said premises unto the said John T Lee his heirs and assigns forever. And I do hereby bind myself my heirs, executors and Administrators to warrant and forever defend all and said singular the said premises unto the said John T Lee his heirs and assigns from and against myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and all persons whomever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and seal the 27th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred ninety two and in our hundred and seventeenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of BF Weaver & JM Dodd
Samuel W Lee Seal
State of Alabama
Blount County
Before the subscribing officer, Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County of Blount in the State of Alabama personally appears J W Dodd who having duly sworn says that he saw the within named Samuel W Lee sign seal and as his act and deliver the forgoing deed and that he together with BF Weaver witnessed the due execution thereof.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 27th day of August 1892 to which I hereby certify under my hand and the official seal of the Court at my office in Blountsville the County Seat of Blount County. SC Algood
Clerk of the Circuit official Court for Blount County in the State of Alabama
Recorded this 7th day of January 1893 in Book C page 244 Fee 24
RE Rivers
Auditor Chesterfield County SC
Recorded 7 January 1893
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 11, page 701-702.
Timeline of Samuel William Lee Land on Westfield Creek
- Daniel Odom owns Westfield Creek land when he died in 1856
- George McIver who is administrator of Daniel Odom’s estate sells to Gideon W Duvall in 1856
- Gideon W Duvall sells 991 ½ acres of land to William Lee in 1863 for $2,500
- William Lee deeds his son Samuel William Lee land
- Samuel mortgages land to Edmund Wadill on November 1874
- John Thomas Lee, Samuel’s brother takes over mortgage after he moves to Blount, Alabama
- Samuel Lee signs land over to John Thomas Lee on August 27, 1892
- John Thomas Lee signs over Samuel Lee land to Sara Jane White Lee on April 9, 1896 (Book 13, page 619)
- Sarah Jane White Lee deeds Bessie Lee Teal 40 acres of Samuel Lee land on February 11, 1911 (Book 32, page 53)
- Sara Jane White deeds Mary Lee Teal 25 acres of Samuel Lee Land on April 25, 1911 (Book 32, page 52)
| Bessie Lee Teal | Mary Elizabeth Teal |
| Bessie Lee mortgages 43 acres land to Federal Bank of Columbia recorded in Book 51 page 187 dated June 28, 1921 | Heirs of Mary Lee and Daniel Teal sell to brother HD Teal 25 acres for $1,322 June 23, 1953 Book 124, page 271 |
| Federal Bank of Columbia forecloses and sells 43 acres to BH and Estelle Chapman (Watson) for $515.29 November 6, 1940 Book 90 page 226 | HD Teal sells 25 acres to Charles and Betty Ratliff for $8,000 October 15, 1976 Book 242, page 439 |
| BH and Estelle Chapman sell to Dan and Estelle Watson 43 acres for $4,000 November 2, 1947 Book 109, page 9 | Betty Ratliff sells to Kenneth W Ratliff and Rovetta Dick Ratliff 25 acres for $8,000 on December 6, 2012 Book 473, page 968 |
| Dan and Estelle Watson sell to Albert and Lillie Marshall for $400 Page 249 342 Lem Watson deeds to Lemuel Watson for $10 43 acres on January 5, 2012 Book 467 page 870 Lemuel Watson deeds to sister Velvelyn Watson Smith for $5.00 1.70 and 14 acres on April 16, 2015 Book 490 page 1025 |
Samuel Lee Tract[1]
[1]Chesterfield Co, SC Map (wthgis.com) accessed October 16, 2023.
William Lee’s testimony[1] in the Barrentine case for the Southern Claims Commission details the Lee family status during the War.
[1] Ancestry.Com. U.S. Southern Claims Commission, Disallowed and Barred Claims, 1871-1880.
The Lee family is not found in the 1870 census but in the South Carolina Census for 1869[1], there are listed five white females living in the home. This could have included at least four females who should have been in the home (Wife Hannah and daughters Sarah Jane, Eliza, and Lottie).
Sometime after this census was taken in 1869, William and Hannah Lee have a son Joseph Daniel who was born in 1869.
[1]William Lee1869 census image 808 from Family Search (ancestry.com) accessed October 16, 2023.
Eliza’s sister Mary Lee Parker and her two daughters also received rations from the Freedman’s Bureau.[1] Sometime after this Mary Lee Parker passes away. However, there is no documented date.
[1] Ancestry.Com. U.S., Freedmen’s Bureau Records, 1865-1878.
In 1870, William Lee mortgaged 519 acres of land to a cotton factor George Williams[1] of Charleston for $125.[2]
[1] Newspapers.com – The Sumter Watchman – 1 Feb 1871 – Page 4.
[2] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 2, page 269.
The State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
Personally, appeared before me TD Hardin and made oath that he saw the within named Wm Lee sign, and his act and deed deliver the within written lien and that he witnesseth the execution thereof.
Sworn to me this 18th day of February 1870
Henry D Malloy
Notary Public
Wm Lee to Geo W Williams & Co Mortgage
$125 Cheraw S C July 18th 1871
On the fifteenth day of November next I promise to pay to Geo. W Williams Co or assignee one hundred twenty-five dollars for value cost interest before and after maturity at the rate one 100 per cost per month.
The State of South Carolina
County of Chesterfield
To all to whom these presents may concern I Wm Lee in and by my certain promissory note under seal bearing date on the 18th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one shall indebt to the form of George W Williams & Co of the City of Charleston in the sum of one hundred and twenty five dollars and no /100 in and by the said promissory note under seal reference being these events had will more fully appear. Know Now all men that I the said WM Lee in consideration of debt and sum of money aforesaid and for the better securing the payment thereof to me the said George W Williams & Co according to the true interest of the note aforesaid; and in consideration of the further sum of three dollars to me the said Wm Lee in hand, well and truly paid, it and before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt thereof is hereby acknowledged here granted, bargained, sale and released and by these presents to grant bargain sale and release unto the said George W Williams & Co, and to the survivor or survivors of them and the heirs and assignees of said known tract of land hereinafter described and set forth to ____ all that certain piece, parcel or tract of land situated, lying and being in the County and State aforesaid, containing five hundred and fifty eight acres more or less and bounded on the West by lands of Thomas P Powe, on the south by lands of James P Brock, on the East by lands of R J Bullock and James W Pegues, and on the west by lands of Samuel J Parker. Together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging in or anyone incident or appertaining to have and to hold all and singular the said passes these events to the said George W Williams Co and the survivor or survivors of them of such Heir’s, Executors, administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said George W Williams and Co and to the survivor or survivor of them and the heirs executors and administrators and assignees and against all persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof provided _______ and it is the true interest and of the parties to these presents that if I the said Wm Lee do and shall and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said George W Williams Co the said debt sum of money aforesaid with interest thereon if any shall be due and infusion of money aforesaid with interest thereon if any shall be due ,even to the term interest and meaning of the aforesaid promissory note under seal then this deal if bargain and sale shall ____determine and be written by me and of ____ effect. But in case of the engagement of the said sum of money secured by said promissory note under seal and with the interest thereon in any part though or in any part interest is to become due according to the time interest and meaning of the note aforesaid then and in such case it shall and may be lawful for the said George W Williams Co or the survivor or survivors of them or the heirs Executors or administrators of the said premises, with the appertances at public auction or residue, and on hand sale to make and assent to the purchase or purchases, his heir or their Heirs and assignees forever, good couple and sufficient deals of congruence in the land rendering the surplus money (if any there be) to the said Wm. Lee, his Heir’s, Executors, administrators after deducting the costs and charges of said sale as aforesaid. Witness my and sell this 18th day February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy one and in the ninety eighth day year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Signed Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of H D Malloy TD Hardin
William Lee Seal
Stamps amounting to fifty cents properly counted.
Note says The mortgage is fully satisfied. TD Malloy
Reconstruction in Chesterfield County was violent and chaotic. There was a murder on election day, Saturday July 24, 1869 at Mount Croghan. A confederate veteran Archibald Nicholson was killed by freedman Jacob Brewer. Eliza’s brother James Crawford Lee is listed as on the grand jury that investigated the murder.[1]
[1] Blind man with a math degree: July 2023 (blindmanwithmathdegree.blogspot.com) accessed October 16, 2023.
Eliza Lee and her two oldest sons in the 1880 Census
Eliza Lee is found in the 1880 census in Red Hill Township in Marlboro County, North Carolina.[1] It should be noted that this close by Cash’s Depot where she grew up. Ann and Richard Wilkerson and their family are also living in Red Hill Township. James Crawford Lee and his family are living in Steer Pen Township. Brother Samuel and his wife Sarah Ellen White Lee have moved to Blount, Alabama. Hannah Lee Parker, Henry Alexander Lee, John Thomas Lee, Sarah Jane Lee Brock, and Lottie Charlotte Lee are all living in Court House Township in Chesterfield in the Westfield Creek neighborhood bordering the North Carolina line.[2] Eliza has two boys: Henry and John. Henry was born in 1873 and John was born 1876. There is no indication that Eliza has married. She is a single mother who “works on the farm”.[3]
[1]Tunison’s new Railroad, Distance and Township map of North Carolina and South Carolina :: North Carolina Maps (unc.edu).
[2] Carolina Family Roots: Search results for chesterfield townships accessed October 16, 2023.
[3] Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
Eliza’s next door neighbor is the Sandy and Nora Brown family,[1] a black family who also are farm laborers.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
Another neighbor is Elizabeth Clarke and her sister and baby who also work on a farm.[1] They are listed on the census as being a white family.
[1] Ancestry.Com.1880 United States Federal Census.
Jesse W Jenkins and his young family were also living close by.[1] He was operating a small farm where possibly Eliza worked.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
Also living with the Jesse W Jenkins family is farm laborer, Alex Rye.[1]
[1]Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
The Noland family was also living nearby in 1880.[1] The father was sick and had the measles.
[1]Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
Brittan Patrick and his wife Martha live in the neighborhood[1] along with sons Eli, Allen, Alexander and daughter Mary Ellen Patrick Poole. All are involved in farming.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
Eli Patrick and his wife Maggie Grice Patrick[1] and their family are also farmers in the neighborhood.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
Allan Patrick and his wife Ellen Bridges Patrick[1] are also farming in the neighborhood.
[1] 1880 United States Federal Census.
Alexander Patrick and his wife Rebecca Ida Thomas[1] are also farming in the neighborhood. Ida Thomas is a cousin of Eliza Lee through her mother’s family.
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1880 United States Federal Census.
Mary Ellen Patrick Poole[1] is daughter of Britton and Martha Patrick. They are also neighbors of Eliza Lee. Her husband William is a farm laborer.
[1] Ancestry.Com.1880 United States Federal Census.
Charles Hyatt and his family are also members of the neighborhood.[1] He also is a farm laborer.
[1] Ancestry.Com.1880 United States Federal Census.
The following tables compares the agricultural schedules of the neighborhood farms in Eliza’s neighborhood[1]:
[1] Ancestry.Com. U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880.
Eliza Lee marries Aaron Butler
Aaron Butler’s mother and father were Edward Butler and Honor Quick Butler. In 1850, Aaron is living with his family in Stewartsville Township in Richmond County.[1] Scotland County was not formed until 1899. Stewartsville Township is in Southern Scotland County which borders Marlboro County where Eliza Lee was living in 1880.[2] Aaron’s (age 26) brother John Thomas Butler died in 1849 and his sister-in-law Martha Talley (age 42) and children Edward (age 19), William (age 16), Thomas (age 13), Ellizabeth (age 10) and Nicholas (age 6) are living with Aaron’s dad Edward (age 76), brother John (age 36) and sister Rachel (32).
[1] Ancestry.Com.1850 United States Federal Census.
[2] Stewartsville township, Scotland County, North Carolina (NC) Detailed Profile (city-data.com) accessed October 16, 2023.
By 1860, Aaron has married Eliza Bugg and is living in Marlboro County near Bennettsville. They had one son, Thomas Jefferson Butler.[1]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1860 United States Federal Census.
In April 1862, Aaron Butler joins Company D, 46th Regiment North Carolina Troops. He was enrolled by Captain Colin Stewart in the Sons of Mars at Camp Mangum.[1] Camp Mangum was a Camp of Instruction[2] located in Raleigh near or on the site of the current North Carolina State Fairgrounds.[3] Aaron was a volunteer and was aged 40. He was reported to be a Cooper.
[1] Page 2 US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Confederate – North Carolina, 1861-1865 – Fold3.
[2] Newspapers.com – The Spirit of the Age – 5 May 1862 – Page 2.
[3] NC Military Installations – Civil War – Camps | NCpedia accessed October 16, 2023.
In June 1863, Aaron Butler was reported missing and $30 was offered for his apprehension.[1]
[1] Page 8 US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Confederate – North Carolina, 1861-1865 – Fold3.
In November 1863, Aaron was sent to the hospital in Richmond, Virginia.[1]
[1]Page 10 US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Confederate – North Carolina, 1861-1865 – Fold3.
Aaron Butler was reported with a slight face wound in the summer of 1864.[1]
[1] Newspapers.com – Fayetteville Semi-Weekly Observer – 14 Jul 1864 – Page 2.
Aaron was captured at the Battle of Petersburg in April 1865 and taken to Point Lookout, Maryland as a Prisoner of War. He was released on his oath of loyalty to the Union on May 12, 1865.[1]
[1] Page 18 US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Confederate – North Carolina, 1861-1865 – Fold3.
Little is known of Aaron Butler’s life after the war. It is not known what happened to his first wife, Eliza Bugg. It is believed his oldest son Thomas Jefferson Butler moved to Florida and married there.
Aaron Butler married Eliza Lee sometime after 1880. The parentage of Mary and Alford who appear in the 1900 census as 16 year olds is not fully established. Although Alford went by Butler in that census, he went by Lee in later life.
Eliza Lee, wife of Aaron Butler died on May 8, 1898 and is buried at Kings Cemetery in Laurel Hill.[1]
[1] Find A Grave at Eliza Butler (unknown-1898) – Find a Grave Memorial accessed October 16, 2023.
In the 1900 census, Aaron is a widower living in Laurel Hill, Scotland County. Also in the home are children: Mary (16), Alford (16), Lizzie (12), Eddie (10) and Aaron (6). All of the children work in the cotton mill except for the youngest Aaron. They rented their home.[1]
[1] Ancestry.Com. 1900 United States Federal Census.
Henry Lee, Eliza’s oldest son was living in Williamson in Scotland, County. He was a wagon driver. His wife Lizzie McPherson reported she had given birth to seven children but only one was alive.[1]
[1]Ancestry.Com. 1900 United States Federal Census.
[1]Ancestry.Com. 1900 United States Federal Census.
John Wesley Lee, Eliza’s second son cannot be found in the 1900 census. However he has married Sally Croley, the daughter of Robert Croley and Mary Eliza Terry Croley. In 1900, the couple has one daughter, Bessie Mae.
Eliza Lee was predeceased by her mother Elizabeth Martha Lee who died in the early 1860’s and her father William Lee who died in 1892. Six grandchildren, the children of Henry and Lizzie Lee also passed away prior to 1900. Sisters Mary Lee Parker who died around 1860 and sister Lottie Charlotte Lee white died in 1891.
Eliza was survived by son Henry and his wife Lizzie McPherson Lee and grandson John Robert Lee and son John Wesley and wife Sally Croley Lee and granddaughter Bessie Mae Lee. She was also survived by her husband Aaron Butler and children Mary, Alford, Lizzie, Eddie, and Aaron Butler.
Eliza was survived by seven siblings: James Crawford Lee, John Thomas Lee, Samuel William Lee, Hannah Elizabeth Lee Parker, Henry Alexander Parker, Ann Lee Wilkerson, and Sarah Jane Brock Lee.
In 1902, Aaron Butler was approved for a pension for his Confederate service.[1] The 1916 Laurinburg Exchange published a list of the Company D 46th Regiment Soldiers. Stephen M Thomas, First Lieutenant of the Regiment, who signed Aaron’s pension application was a cousin of Eliza Lee Butler on her mother’s side.[2]
[1] North Carolina, Confederate Soldiers and Widows Pension Applications, 1885-1953; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9GY8-9J8G?cc=1911763&wc=M613-7N5%3A190563901.
[2]Ancestry.Com.Newspapers.com – The Laurinburg Exchange – 29 Jun 1916 – Page 3.
Legacy of William Lee to the Descendants of Eliza Lee
On April 22, 1890, William and wife Hannah Lee sold 93 7/8 acres on Sauney’s Branch for $234.68 to John Wallace Odom. (Book 10 Page 382). On April 15, 1891, William and Hannah Lee sold another 11 ½ acres for $28.75.[1]
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 46, page 395.
On April 15, 1891, William and Hannah Lee sold another 11 ½ acres for $28.75 to John Wallace Odom.[1]
- Atkinson on the north
- Brock on the East
- B Brock and S J Parker on the South
- S J Parker on the west
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 46, page 395.
On May 17, 1892 William and Hannah Lee sold 125 acres of land to his son Joseph Daniel Lee for $625.[1]
- Neighbors JW Odom, TF Sherill, JB, Brock and SW Brock
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 11, page 441.
On December 31 1892, William and Hannah Lee sold 136 acres of land to his son Joseph Daniel Lee for $420.[1]
- Neighbors John W Odom, Atkinsons, and Samuel Lee
[1] Chesterfield County Register of Deeds Book 11, page 688.
History of William Lee Land sold in 1891 and 1892
| William Lee sold 93 7/8 acres in 1891 (Book 10, page 382) and 11 ½ acres in 1892 (Book 46, page 395) to John Wallace Odom | William Lee sold 136 acres to Joseph Daniel Lee (Book 11, page 441) | William Lee sold 125 acres to Joseph Daniel Lee in 1892 (Book 11, page 688) |
| Joseph Daniel sold 136 acres to John Wallace Odom (Book 46, page 394) | Joseph Daniel Lee sold 125 acres to W L Stricklin for non-payment of mortgage for $276 (Book 12, page 425) | |
| John Wallace Odom sells 220 acres to W A Stegall for $5,000 on Sept 29, 1909 (Book 26, 297) | W L Strickland sold 125 acres to G A Sherrill for $500 on Jan 5, 1901 (Book 17, page 552) | |
| GA Sherrill sold 125 ½ acres to L C Brock (Page 23, Book 771) | ||
| L C Brock sold 125 ½ acres to W A Stegall (Page 56, Book 69) | ||
| Melvin Stegall sold 345 ½ acres to Gene Nelson Nov 26, 1941 (Book 138 page 31) | ||
| Gene and Myrtise Nelson deed land to children Current owners are grandchildren[1] | ||
[1] Chesterfield Co, SC Map (wthgis.com).
William Lee Death and Will January 12, 1893
When William Lee passed away on January 12, 1893 at son’s John Thomas Lee, the value of earthly goods was $76.25.[1] He aspired to be a big land owner and cotton producer but his legacy was the family he left behind not the earthly goods. Instead of working in the cotton fields on Westfield Creek and Sawney’s Branch, Chesterfield, South Carolina his legacy to daughter Eliza Lee Butler’s children would be working in the Morgan cotton mills of Laurel Hill North Carolina.
[1] Ancestry.Com. South Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1670-1980.
SPOOL BOY TO OWNER
“The great Success of a Poor Cumberland County Youth” October 17, 2008 Myrtle Bridges
Richmond, Ida, & Springfield are the mills that sing his praises with nearly 10,000 spindles. Mark Morgan, a cotton mill genius among the whispering pines. His three successful mills at Laurel Hill and the great goodthey have done. His valuable aids, M. L. Morgan and W. H. Morrison
Away back in 1843 a little barefooted boy went into the old Rockfish cotton factory for employment. The old Rockfish factory was situated on little Rockfish creek, at the point where now is located the Hope Mills No. 1.
This boy was seven years old and was very small, but what there was of him was made of the kind of material out of which they make great men. He was too small to manage a knitting frame or to do almost any other work in the mills, but he could carry spools, bring water, run errands. The wages connected with a position of this kind was but a pittance a week, but it carried with it the opportunity to learn and some chances for promotion; so our little hero was duly installed into the position of spool carrier.
He had love for mechanism and determination in his make-up, so it was but a few years before he could manage a machine. A few more years and he could not only manage, but mend or make a machine. Before he was twelve
years old he was a spinner, and when Sherman came along and burned down the factory, the spool carrier had arisen to the position of superintendent of the spinning department, and for the first time in his life was
out of a job. But not for a great while, in less than three years he was superintendent of the Granite Mills at Haw River where he remained until 1872 when his health failed, and he was forced to take a little rest, a short while. After this he went and buried himself (so some people would call it) in the pine forest of Richmond County in a little cotton factory near Laurel Hill, having less than one thousand spindles and even these were old and worn out.
Today that boy is a man, a man full of years, years crowded with incessant work, with honors and with success. He is now the principal owner and official head of three important cotton factories, and owns stock in others and is recognized authority in the business of cotton spinning and weaving in the South.
Many North Carolinians will see in this short sketch the sturdy figure of Mark Morgan, of Laurel Hill, Richmond County, one of the most valuable men and one of the best men in this or any State, and when I say “best”I mean more than the tern is generally intended to convey. I mean best in its highest and truest sense. Mark Morgan is a model man and there are few like him. He is one of the kindest, and most even tempered men I ever met, a charming specimen of the true-hearted gentleman, a man whose fortune, (and he has a comfortable fortune) is the legitimate result of a busy life time of toil.
When Mr. Mark Morgan went first to Richmond County he took with him but little money and he undertook a work from which most men would shrink. The old Laurel Hill Mills had been struggling, running unpopular yarns on machinery, a part of which had been sunk at the Port of Wilmington to keep it out of the hands of the confiscators, and after the war closed was fished out and placed in the mill. The property in the main (building) belonged to Col. W. H. Malloy of Wilmington. Mr. Morgan took charge as superintendent in 1872.
In two years he had the mill equipped with new machinery, the name was changed to “The Richmond Mills” and a season of prosperity began. Mr. Morgan bought an interest in the enterprise. He bought other interests until he owned a majority of it. The mill was shut down when he went there in 1872. He started it up then and it has been running ever since. During fair weather and foul, whether it rains or whether its dry, the little sand hill tributary to the Great Pee Dee, on which the Richmond Mills are located, has at all times water sufficient to turn the machinery.
Mr. Morgan started up at the Richmond Mills just prior to the panic of 1873, but the enterprise he planted so firmly, braved that, and has braved all others that has overtaken it, even to the one just ended and through them all the spindles have whirled on and the operators have been as regularly paid as though times were flush. Of the Richmond Cotton Mills Mr. Mark Morgan is the President. Mr. Marcus Lauder Morgan, his clever son, is Secretary and Treasurer, and Mr. R. A. Morgan is Superintendent.
Mr. M. L. Morgan is the only son of Mr. Mark Morgan and is a chip of the old block in the highest and noblest sense of that phrase. His character seems mottled after that of his venerable sire, and he is a prudent, careful, industrious mill manager and has been a valuable aid to his busy father in the conduct and management of his enterprises.
In 1888 father and son went down the creek a couple of miles from the old Richmond Mills and developed there a new water power, and built thereon the Ida Yarn Mills, named in honor of a deceased daughter and sister. This mill was filled with new machinery and immediately followed along in the successful wake of its thirsty parent, the Richmond Mills. Of this enterprise Mr. Mark Morgan is President, Mr. M. L. Morgan Secretary and Treasurer and Mr. Ralph Morrison Superintendent.
From these two mills has come still another, the newest and biggest of the trio. A mile farther down the same stream is another waster power, and in 1892 the Messrs. Morgan and Mr. W. H. Morrison, son-in-law of Mr. Mark Morgan, began the erection of the Springfield Cotton Mills at this point, and in a few months the mill was completed, the machinery placed on the water turned on, and not-with-standing the business and financial
horizon was beginning to blacken with the pall of a serious panic. The Springfield mills started up and the men and women who went into the mill to work never knew, so far as any perceptible effect on the enterprise or their work was concerned, that the panic was a reality. Mr. Mark Morgan is also President of this mill, Mr. W. H. Morrison Secretary and Treasurer and Mr. C. A. Hodge Superintendent.
Mr. Morrison is a native Richmond County boy and up to four years ago was engaged in and railroading, being for years the Seaboard Air Line’s trusted and efficient agent at Gibson Station. Mr. Morrison is one of the rising young mill men of the State. He is the kind of young man-prudent and industrious and not afraid to work-that successful cotton factory men naturally look for when in need of a manager for a new enterprise.
These three cotton mills located in the long leaf Pine Forest of Richmond County, on the banks of a little stream whose waters formerly went winding towards the Pee Dee River, singing, but not singing as they are now, the new song of industrial progress. These are links in that continuously lengthening chain of golden wealth that is being forged as the years pass along by native Carolinians and their associates in the great business of cotton manufacturing. They had been built upon the industry, the honor, and the integrity of Mark Morgan, a native of Cumberland County, that good old Cape Fear county. He has spun his name ineradicably into the industrial fabric of the State, and has built with the aid of his enterprising son, Mr. M. L. Morgan and his son-in-law, Mr. Morrison, little industrial villages in hitherto rural wastes and peopled them with cheerful, prosperous workers, built for their benefit churches and schools and inspired them with the hope that comes to hones and profitable labor.
The product of these three enterprises is confined to standard warps, skeins, and yarns 16s to 30s cone and tube, two and three ply, and they never lack for purchasers. The eight thousand spindles that turn off these yarns and warps have succeeded in supplying an ever increasing demand that comes from the best weaving mills in the country.
With the building of these mills the Morgans have not only provided work for nearly two hundred people, who find steady employment in the mills, but they have provided a market for the cotton and other agricultural products of this section.
The three thousand bales of cotton used in these mills per annum is grown in the cotton fields that are tributary to them and hauled to the mills by the cotton growers themselves. In this way the building of these mills at Laurel Hill has been of untold benefit to the community at large.
The News and Observer, (Raleigh, NC) Thursday, Nov 28, 1895; pg. 3; Issue 100; Col A Transcribed October 10, 2008 by Myrtle Bridges[1]
[1] The story of Morgan Mills, Richmond County, NC (ncgenweb.us) accessed October 16, 2023.
Descendants of Eliza Lee 1849-1898
Conclusion
Eliza Lee, the daughter of William Lee and Elizabeth Martha Thomas is very elusive. This study seeks to find more about her and her family through the following tools:
- FAN or Cluster Research
- Descendancy Research
- Shared Matches in Ancestry, 23 and Me, and My Heritage
- Chromosome Triangulation with DNA Painter
Eliza most likely grew up near the community of Cash in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. She later moved with her family to the Westfield Creek area near the North Carolina state line. As a young single mother, she appears alone without the support of her family in the Red Hill Township area of Marlboro County with her two young sons Henry Lee and John Wesley Lee. She probably worked on the small farms nearby and she reared those sons to manhood. At some point she met and married the older confederate war veteran, Aaron Butler, who grew up the part of Richmond County which became Scotland County, North Carolina. Aaron Butler had previously been married to another Eliza (Bugg) . Eliza’s third son, Alford went by Butler in the 1900 census and after that he went by Lee. Mary, who disappears after the 1900 census may have been Aaron’s child before his marriage to Eliza Lee.
Eliza’s other children who are identified through DNA matches and other records are: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Butler Freeman Saunders, Edward “Eddie” Butler, and Aaron Butler.
DNA research also shows through shared matching and chromosome triangulation evidence of relationships with William Lee and Elizabeth Martha Thomas other children. It also shows DNA relationships with Reece and Rebecca Thomas, descendants (parents of Elizabeth Martha Thomas Lee).
Eliza’s children and their spouses worked in the Morgan Cotton Mills in Laurel Springs where Eliza and Aaron Butler lived. Eliza is buried at Kings Cemetery in Laurel Hill, the burying place of the Morgan Mill Workers along with at least three of her children and her husband.
Martha's Family Connections 