Christmas Awe

Friday Furnace Findings Furnace Marriages

Furnaces Marriages - Copiah County, Mississippi
Albert Furnace m. Carrie Leach
1 Jan 1909

Albert Furnace m. Hulda Dixon
21 Sep 1918

Elbert Furnace m. Julia Hooker
24 Dec 1921

Israel Furnace m. Leatha Jackson
27 Feb 1923

Israel Furnace m. Binta Gary
7 Oct 1925

Jake Furnace m. Eugenia Johnson
Jan 23 1905

Marigold Furnace m. Cora Vardaman
16 Jan 1903

Norman Furnace m. Ella Leathers
6 Jan 1902

Pres Furnace m. Evaline Jones
Dec 23 1909

Solomon Furnace m. Lillian Powell
22 Mar 1901

Furnaces Marriages - Lincoln County, Mississippi
Solomon Furnace m. Dora Woodward m. 23 Jul 1912

Opportunity To Make A Good Man

Ben Washington found himself in a precarious situation in the fall of 1908. The Chancery Court of Copiah County, Mississippi, labeled him a bastard; his mother died in 1905, leaving him in the care of a man said to be his father, William Washington, who was cruel and abusive.

A pitiful, half naked Ben arrived at the home of Steve Jackson in 1906. Steve and his recent bride, Pearl Shannon, had started their family but were willing to adopt Ben.

Jackson told the court he could give Ben a good home, teach him to work, to be upright, honest, send him to school and see that he had an opportunity to make a good man.

Sixteen years old Ben requested the court change his surname from Washington to Jackson. The adoption and request for surname change was granted by the court, 28th Sep 1908.

In 1910, eight-teen years old Ben Jackson was living in the Jackson household with his adopted parents, siblings, and paternal grandparents.

Ben was a married man in 1920. Apparently he did become a good man. His younger brother Versie Washington was living with Ben and his wife Bettie. According to their World War I Draft Registration Cards, Ben was living on Steve Jackson's place and Versie worked for Steve Jackson.

During this season of thankfulness, I am thankful a good man, Steve Jackson, invested time and resources in the lives of brothers Ben and Versie.

How is Steve Jackson connected to my family?
Steve Jackson's sister, Susan Jackson, married Pedro Demyers.
Pedro Demyers was the son of John T Demyers and Mary Hart(Truehart).
John T Demyers and my 2nd great grandmother, Alice Demyers Overton Usher were siblings.

Chancery Court Case
Copiah County, Mississippi
Case Number: 4162
Microfilm Number: 8256
Microfilm found at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

A Girl a Worm and a Fish

Gee enjoys worms and bugs which she used to catch her first fish, a brim I think.

How does Gee connect to my family?
Gee is my brother's, James, granddaughter.

Sunday Obituary Allie Mae Markham Moncrief 1911-2016

Mrs. Allie Mae Markham Moncrief was born September 29, 1911, to the late Octavius and Mamie Culver Markham in Caseyville, MS. She was the third of seven children. She first professed her faith in Christ as a young child by joining the Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church in Caseyville, MS.

Later in her young life she moved from Caseyville to Brookhaven, MS in order to pursue a better education and she did so by finally graduating from Alexander High School in 1939. After graduating, she spent a brief period of time in New Orleans, LA. She then relocated to Youngstown, Ohio where she met and married the late John H. Moncrief in 1955. During her time in Youngstown, Ohio her chosen profession was that of an insurance salesperson. She went about performing her duties very enthusiastically, and she had a deep passion for doing her job well. After John retired from the steel mill in the late 1970's, they moved to his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. After John's death in the early 1980's, Allie Mae returned to Brookhaven, MS. She then joined St. Paul M.B. Church where she served faithfully until her health began to decline. She has always said, "God has been present in my life, all of my life!!".

Mrs. Allie Mae departed this life one day before her 105th birthday at Whispering Pines Hospice Home in Ridgeland, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings: Eva J. Markham, Larry David Markham, the twins Louvella and Louvenia Markham, Earlie Markham, and Marilda L. Diggs. She leaves to cherish her precious and fond memories one nephew, James Earl Diggs, Sr. and his wife, Fannie, of Brookhaven, MS; one great nephew James Earl Diggs, II and his wife, Markita, Of Prince George, VA; one great niece, Kishara M. Diggs of Pearl, MS; two great, great nieces, Alexis and Kyah, one great, great nephew, Alexander, along with many other relatives and friends.

Other Posts about Cousin Allie
Allie Mae's Birth
First Day of School - 1916
Allie's Education - Getting the Sheepskin
His Banner Over Me Was Love
A Living Treasure
Happy 100th Birthday
Happy 103rd Birthday

How does Allie connect to my family tree?
Allie's father, Octavis Markham, and my grandmother Alice Markham Marshall were siblings.

Unidentified Mother and Son circa 1930s

This is another unidentified picture from my great grandmother's, Mary Byrd Markham, photograph collection. I am guessing this is a picture of a mother and son and would like to know their names.

Servants Have Boils and Risings - 1861

The Great Grandchildren of Patience Bradley

The mistress of Spring Hill Plantation, Sarah Frances Adams Taliaferro, wrote a newsy letter to her son Henry during the first year of the Civil War. Below is an excerpt from that letter mentioning the servants and their suffering with boils and risings. A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected, inflamed hair follicles.

The Excerpt of the Letter
Sarah Frances Taliaferro to her son Henry (Richard Henry Taliaferro)
Spring Hill Plantation
November 16, 1861

"We are getting on now pretty well picking cotton but have been much hindered by the servants having boils & risings. Edmond has had his hand in a sling for 6 weeks - Rachel and Gilmer have done nothing for 2 months - Patience with one finger - Sam with sore back - no fevers or chills on the place the whole summer - the cotton is indifferent they say it is rotten in the bolls."

Sarah Frances was married to Peachy Ridgway Taliaferro of Copiah County, Mississippi. After his death in 1852, she was allotted several slaves including the ones mentioned in the letter. Edmund was appraised at $1500, Rachael $1000, Gilmer $1300, Patience $600, and Sam $700.

Patience, along with her husband Arthur, and five of their children were also named on Peachy R Taliaferro's probate records.

How does Patience connect to my family?
Patience Bradley's grandson, James Howard Bradley, married Ella Demyers. Ella Demyers was the daughter of Peachy Demyers.
Peachy Demyers was the brother of my 2nd great grandmother, Alice Demyers Overton Usher.

Letter Excerpt Shared by Beverley Ballantine from Family Letters
Photograph Courtesy of Melvia Ella Cherry Dean

Lamar Smith's Wife Annie

Lamar Smith and Wife Annie Clark Holloway Smith
Brookhaven, MS
Photograph from Mary Byrd Markham Photograph Collection

Annie's husband Lamar was murdered on the crowded lawn of the Lincoln County courthouse, on 13 Aug 1955, for encouraging African Americans to vote by absentee ballot.

Finding a woman's maiden surname can be confusing if the woman has unknown marriages. What was the maiden surname for Lamar Smith's wife Annie? Take a look at what was found.

Annie was born, Jan 1890, to George Clark and Delphinia Culver. In 1900, ten years old Annie was living with her parents, widowed sister Lizzie Lyons and her two children. Annie could read and write, and the family lived on a rented farm in Caseyville, Lincoln County, Mississippi.

Annie was a Christmas bride. She married Lee (Leiguil) Holloway, 24 Dec 1908, in Lincoln County. In 1910, the young couple rented farm land from Lee's parents, George and Manda Holloway. A son, Willie, was born to the couple on 22 May 1912.

Lincoln County Marriage Records - Book 8C, Page 161

The marriage ended before the beginning of the next decade, how, I don't know. A death certificate for Lee was not found.

Anna Holloway married Lamar Smith, 26 Oct 1919, in Lincoln County after he was discharged from service in World War I. Lamar and Annie were living alone in 1920, still in Caseyville, on land they owned and farmed. The family remained in Caseyville through 1940 per census records.

Lincoln County Marriage Records - Book 13C, Page 4

In the couple's 1930 household was his brother Martin, the couple's 2 years old daughter Earline. By 1940, 8 years old daughter Lola Mae was now a member of the household.

The couple remained together until his death. Annie died 27 Jun 1984. They both are buried in the Mount Carmel Cemetery of Caseyville, MS.

Thank You, Willie

Boy Dressed in Sailor Suit circa 1920s

This picture was found in the collection of my great grandmother Mary Byrd Markham of Lincoln County, Mississippi. The boy is likely a relative but I don't know his name.

Bearden Widow Sought Justice

Sheriff Is Defendant in Unusual Lawsuit

Biloxi, June 1.-(AP)

One of the most interesting damage suits on the docket of the federal court, which opens here Monday, and the first of its kind filed here, is that of Jeannie Mae Bearden, her mother-in-law and her children, against Martin Brister, sheriff of Lincoln county, and the U. S. Fidelity and Guaranty Co., surety on his bond, in which plaintiffs seek $10,000 damages for the killing of Stanley Bearden, head of the household by a mob in Brookhaven, June 28, 1928.

It is alleged the killing was due to the negligence and misfeasance of the sheriff.

The case resulted in a nonsuit after the plaintiffs, before trial, announced they desired this step to be taken.

Nonsuit is a ruling by the judge in a lawsuit either when the plaintiff (the party who filed the suit) does not proceed to trial at the appointed time or has presented all his/her/its evidence and, in the judge's opinion, there is no evidence which could prove the plaintiff's case. A nonsuit terminates the trial at that point, and results in a dismissal of the plaintiff's case and judgment for the defendant.

Sources:
Daily Clarion Ledger
Jackson, Mississippi
Sunday Morning, June 2, 1929
Page 1
Microfilm Number: 28876
Microfilm found at Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Encyclopedia of American Law:
nonsuit. (n.d.) West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. (2008). Retrieved August 31 2016 from http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/nonsuit

Thank You, Nona

Denounce Lynching Chamber of Commerce Goes on Record as Opposed to Mob Violence

An argument over a debt of six dollars between James Bearden and Caby Brynes quickly escalated, ending in the deaths of two brothers, James and Stanley Bearden who were lynched by mob violence on 29 Jun 1928, in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Caby Byrnes was born`22 Jul 1897, son of William Reese Byrne and Laura Criscoe, all Mississippians. He and his family remained in Brookhaven after the lynchings. Caby was the proprietor of an auto repair shop, his wife Mary Ford Byrne was the bookkeeper for the business. The couple had at least two children, Virginia and Caby, Jr. The senior Caby died 16 Sep 1955 and is buried in the Rosehill Cemetery, Brookhaven, MS.

The following paragraph was published in the second printing of the local newspaper since the lynching of the brothers. There is nothing like green power, money, to make folk repentant.

W. D. Davis, the President (Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce) referred to the terrible affair of June 29, when the law was trampled under foot. He spoke of the affair with feeling, both of the deed itself and its consequences on the actors themselves, on society and on the good name of the county for law and order.

Sources:
The 1930 and 1940 Federal Censuses for Lincoln County, MS
Findagrave - Rosehill Cemetery
The Lincoln County Times
Brookhaven, Mississippi
Thursday July 12, 1928
Page 6

Photograph Courtesy of
Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 S. Jackson St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369

Mob Violence Results in Death of Two Negroes Friday Night

Brookhaven, Mississippi
Two negroes, Stanley and James Bearden, brothers were taken from the Lincoln county jail early Friday night and lynched.

There had been threats of the impending action throughout the afternoon and the sheriff, failing in his efforts to secure a guard of militia, had under him only a handful of deputies who were unable to offer any effective resistance to the large and well armed mob. No shots were fired by the officers defending the jail, only pleas and some physical resistance being offered. Starting at about dusk, and despite the pleading of several of the city's most respected and worthy citizens, among others, Rev. P. D. Hardin, W. D. Davis, Hon. J. A. Naul and Hon. T. Brady, Jr., the mob worked about an hour on the door of the jail, to which the sheriff refused to turn over the keys, and finally came out with two negroes, one of whom they soon discovered was not wanted. They then returned and managed to find the other, James Bearden, who was hiding in the rafters of the jail.

Both negroes were then taken to the Old Brook Bridge and James, in the sight of his brother, was strung to a small nearby tree and shot to death. Stanley was then taken back to Brookhaven and dragged through the streets of the city and through the negro quarters by a truck which was followed by a possession of other automobiles. Leaving the city the party proceeded several miles north and hung what was left of the mutilated body of Stanley Bearden to another tree.

Parts of the large crowd of men, women and children who had gathered at the courthouse to see the lynching followed the cars either to Old Brook or to the point north of town, and viewed the indescribably revolting spectacles to be found at those places.

A short while afterward the bodies were taken in charge by Hartman's undertaking establishment and brought back to Brookhaven, preceding which an inquest was held. The corners jury, composed of B. B. Boyt, E. P. Martin, J. C. Martin, George Stanley, R. C. Douglass and Tom Crawford, pronounced James Bearden dead from gunshot wounds inflicted by parties unknown and Stanley Bearden dead from being dragged behind an auto driven by persons unknown.

James Bearden, whose wife died about a week before his lynching, is survived by one child and Stanley is survived by a wife and two children.

The trouble which lead to the lynching commenced late Friday morning when Caby Byrnes insisted on payment of a $6 bill which James Bearden owed him. Mr Byrnes had tackled Bearden for the bill earlier in the day and Bearden had promised to see about it right away. After awhile he returned followed in a few moments by his brother Stanley. In discussing the bill further it is understood that Bearden became extremely imprudent whereupon Mr. Byrnes hit him in the face with his fist.

In the meantime, Byrnes, who happened to be passing near, noticed that his brother was in danger and rushing to the scene hit James Bearden with the flat side of a shovel just after the negro struck Caby Byrnes on the head with a piece of iron, knocking him to the ground. Stanley Bearden then got into the fight and opened fire on Claude Byrnes, one bullet striking him in the shoulder and another piercing one leg breaking the bone and entering the other.

Deputy Sheriff Charles Brister who reached the scene just then, arrested James Bearden without much trouble and took a shot at Stanley Bearden as he made escape through the back of the repair shop in front of which the fight occurred. Archie Smith and Alfred Day, at their work in a barber shop near by, came out during the shooting to assist the Byrnes's in their fight with the negroes with the result that Stanley Bearden fired a shot at both of them, luckily with bad aim.

After making his escape through the back of the shop a crowd chased him up the railroad several blocks until he turned and ran to his home near the Cotton Oil Mill. During the chase several persons started to head the fleeing negro off but were dissuaded by the sight of the automatic pistol he was flourishing and firing.

After the crowd arrived at Bearden's house volley after volley of bullets were exchanged between the officers and the fugitive until the latter weak from wounds was brought from the house, gun still in hand. He was rushed to the county jail where Dr. Frizell, after examination, stated that despite five wounds he was not desperately hurt.

How do the brothers connect to my family tree?
The brothers are not related to me but their family does connect to my family tree.
N Z Robinson's first wife was Essie Bearden, a sister to the brothers.
N Z Robinson's second wife was Ada Elnora Markham.
Ada's father was John Markham, a brother to my grandmother, Alice Markham Marshall.

Source:
Article transcribed from The Lincoln County Times, Brookhaven, Mississippi
Thursday, July 5, 1928, Page 1
Microfilm Number 30703
Microfilm found at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Actual Newspaper Article

Photograph Courtesy of
Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 S. Jackson St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369

Bearden Brothers Deaths by Mob Violence

The horror of the brothers' deaths first came to my attention from this blog post, A Brookhaven, Mississippi, Lynching, where the author shares his father's memories of the lynching. I had not heard of the lynching but was curious to learn more about the two brothers.

They were the sons of John Bearden and Doshia/Dosie/Docie McGowan. Both brothers were born and raised in Lincoln County, Mississippi. The family roots were also in Lawrence and Pike counties, MS.

A detailed newspaper article of the brothers' death will follow this post.

James Bearden

James was born, 10 Feb 1903. He is not seen in the census records with his parents under the name James. I suspect he may be known as Pearlie by family. He could not read or write, worked on the farm his father owned and for Samuel Abrams who owned a grocery store. In 1910, he was 8 years of age; 1920, 18 years. He married Eliza Robins, daughter of Will Robins, in 1923. She died, 18 Jun 1928, a few days prior to her husband's death of tuberculosis of the lungs. The couple had one child.

James owed Caby Byrnes a $6 bill, which is what sparked that day's event. James died, in front of his brother Stanley, from gun shots wounds, supposedly by parties unknown.

Stanley Bearden

Stanley was born 03 Dec 1903. Like his brother, he could not read or write and worked on his father's farm and for Samuel Abrams who owned a grocery store. Per the 1910 census records, he was listed as 7 years of age; in the 1920, 16 years. He married Jinnie Mae Banks in 1924. The couple had at least 2 children. Stanley, Jr., was born premature, died the same day he was born in 1926. The couple's daughter Willa Mae was born in 1925, she reached adulthood, died in 1992.

James and Stanley returned to discuss the debt with Byrnes. James was "extremely imprudent" to Byrnes who then hit James in the face with his fist. Fights between the Bearden and Byrnes brothers resulted in Stanley being dragged on the ground at the rear end of a car to his death, again supposedly by parties unknown.

What happen to the family after the brothers' deaths.

The family left Lincoln County after the deaths. Per the 1930 census records, the brothers' father John Bearden was deceased. Their mother Docia was living in LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, with her sons Ogey and Estus. Docia was living with son Estus, in 1940, Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi. Docie was alive in 1954, living in Hattiesburg.

Marriages of John and Docia Bearden's Children

Ogey J Bearden married Josie May Smith - 20 Mar 1920
Essie Bearden married N Z Robinson - 03 Apr 1922
Minnie Bearden married C F Adams - 24 Feb 1923
James Bearden married Eliza Robins - 07 Mar 1923
Stanley Bearden married Jiinnie Banks - 10 Jul 1924
Estus Bearden married Anna Banks - 14 Nov 1925
Lentille Bearden married Henry Gearing - 26 Aug 1926

How do the brothers connect to my family tree?
The brothers are not related to me but their family does connect to my family tree.
N Z Robinson's first wife was Essie Bearden, a sister to the brothers.
N Z Robinson's second wife was Ada Elnora Markham.
Ada's father was John Markham, a brother to my grandmother, Alice Markham Marshall.

Mary Wears a Hat

1900-1985
Daughter of James & Anna Culver Markham
Wife of Jay Lively & Wallace Young

Mary was born 26 May 1900. The 1900 census records her as a 1 month old baby in the household of her parents, James and Anna Markham, with older brother James Monroe. They were living in Caseyville near Mary's grandparents Monroe and Mary Markham, uncle Grant Markham and other relatives. They were still in the same community by 1920. The family had grown to include Mary and her siblings: James Monroe, Asriah, Bessie, Elizabeth, Theodosia, and Alberta.

The 1930 household of Mary's parents were reduced by three. Asriah died of a accidental gunshot wound on 1 Apr 1923. Mary and brother James Monroe were a part of the Great Migration. The two moved to Chicago where James Monroe was a Pullman Porter and 29 years old Mary was a beauty operator, working in a beauty parlor. In Nov 1930, Mary married Jay Lively.

By 1940, Mary and Jay Lively were listed as lodgers in Chicago. Mary continued her career as a beauty operator and Jay was a porter in a department store. Jay died in Dec 1945. Back home in Caseyville, Mary's father had died, and her mother Anna, sister Elizabeth were living on the old homestead. All of the siblings, except Alberta, migrated from Mississippi.

Mary 2nd husband was Wallace Young. At the time of her death, Mary was using the Lively surname. Mary died 27 Mar 1985, in Chicago.

Photograph Courtesy of Marianne Culver

How does Mary connect to my family?
Mary's father, James Markham, and my grandmother Alice Markham Marshall were siblings.

Eudora Markham Coleman's Record of Funeral

Every document we find on our ancestors can provide additional information about their lives and deaths. Grandaunt Eudora "Dora" Coleman died, 27 Sep 1948, at King Daughters Hospital in Brookhaven, MS. She was married to Henry Coleman who was also the informant.

Dora had burial insurance which paid for a third of the funeral cost. She received a complete funeral at a cost of $335. The family paid $210. She received a casket with an engraved plate but because the services were not itemized, I am not sure which of the other items listed were included.

The funeral was held, 03 Oct 1948, on a Sunday afternoon, 2pm, at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Cousin Reverend Frank James Durr was the clergyman.

How does Eudora connect to my family tree?
Eudora Markham Coleman and my maternal grandmother, Alice Markham Marshall, were sisters.

Henry and Eudora Coleman

Henry H Coleman was born, 04 Jul 1877, in Franklin County, MS, to Philip Coleman and Jane Williard. He married Eudora "Dora" Markham, 16 Dec 1896. She was born, 17 Jan 1877, in Lincoln County, MS, to Monroe Markham and Mary Jane Byrd.

Dora was the fourth child, first daughter of 17 children born to her parents. Dora's younger sibling called her Sister Dora because she was a married woman with children close in age of some of her siblings.

Education was important in the Markham's household. According to oral history, Dora taught her husband how to read at the end of their long days. They were both active in church and community activities. Henry held the office of pastor, Class Leader and Sunday School Superintendent. Dora was president of the Stewardess Board and the Missionary Society.

The couple were successful farmers and land owners. Their land is held by their descendants.

The couple were the parents of fourteen children. The children were:
Smylie Coleman (1897-1991) married Joanna Benson
Nellie Coleman (1899-?)
Clara Jane Coleman (1900)
Emmet Coleman (1901-1976) married Estella Williams
Grover Coleman (1903-1965) married Amanda Brooks and Ollie Bell Justice
James Coleman (1904-?)
Henry Webb Coleman (1906-1992) married Mattie Lee Baker and Ethel Myers
Anderson Coleman (1908-?)
Albert B (1909-?)
Dorcus Ethel (1910-2000) married Ulysses Williams
Gladys Coleman (1912-1981) married Johnny Hughes Jr
Lewis Larry Coleman (1914-1976)
Ida Coleman (1917-?)
Woodrow Coleman (1919-2010) married Odessa

How does the couple connect to my family tree?
Edudora Markham Coleman and my grandmother, Alice Markham Marshall, were sisters.

Picture from Cory Broadnax
Another Photograph of the Couple

Men and their Overalls

Overalls were the uniform of southern farmers, and elsewhere.

Aunt Ada Markham Spencer and her husband Ernest (1881-1971)
Ernest was a farmer in Copiah County, Mississippi.
He was the son of Lewis Spencer and Emaline/Emma Smiley.

Cousin Sam Baker (1927-2009) of Brookhaven, MS
He was the son of Gilbert Baker and Nannie Benson.

Cousin John Henry Jordan (1900-1991) and his wife Frances Davis
He was a farmer in Copiah County, MS.
He was the son of William Burl Jordan and Mariah McGrew.

Cousin James Pearly Scott, Jr (1900-1992)
Farmer in Caseyville, Lincoln County, MS
Son of James Pearly Scott and Catherine Markham

Photographs courtesy of Anita Christopher and Rance Brown
Cory Broadnax
Shawnmarie Jordan Gonzalez
and James Earl Scott

Barbara Markham Thompson Coleman Born About 1865

Wife of Thomas Thompson and Cupit Coleman, Jr
Mother of Henrietta Thompson and Dora Thompson Roberts
Daughter of James Markham and Marilda Whitney

How does Barbara connect to my family tree?
She was a sister to my great grandfather, Monroe Markham.

Photograph courtesy of Anita Christopher and Rance Brown.

The Settlement Louie Heirs vs Washington Heirs

George Washington and and his wife Leah Beasley Washington, who did not have children together, died intestate. Fifty acres in Copiah County, Mississippi, were at dispute among their heirs.

The complainants in the case were George's grandchildren, children of his deceased son from a previous relationship. They claimed Leah Washington never held title to the land, therefore her kin could not inherit the property.

The defendants in the case were Leah's nieces and nephews. They charged Leah was the only heir at the time of George's death and they also questioned the paternity of Jim Washington. They believed Jim was not a son of George Washington, thus, Jim's children were not heirs of George Washington.

The complainants filed the case in Copiah County Chancery Court, October 1903.

George and Leah purchased the land jointly, thus, when George died in 1900, Leah became the absolute or sole owner of the property. The questions of George's heirs, title and paternity did not need to be addressed. Leah was the sole owner and it would be her heirs, the Louie family, who would inherit the 50 acres of land when she died in 1902.

Source
Copiah County Chancery Court Records
Case Number: 3260
Microfilm Number: 8245
Record found at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

The Defendants - William Louie et al.
The Complainants - Lawyer Washington et al.

The Defendants William Louie et al.

Leah Beasley married George Washington on the James Beasley's place before the Civil War. Their marriage was never legalized but they were married according to the customs of slavery. Leah and George did not have children together. They both died intestate, without a will, leaving 50 acres in Copiah County, Mississippi, at dispute among their heirs. George died in 1900; Leah in 1902.

The defendants in the case were the nieces and nephews of Leah Beasley Washington.

Leah was born about 1815 in Tennessee. She was the daughter of a white man named Louie from Texas and a slave woman Dina. She chose the surname Beasley as this was her owner's surname.

James Beasley, Leah's slave owner, owned 15 slaves per the 1860 Copiah County Slave Schedule.

Leah's husband George lived on the Hooker's place which was about two and half miles from Leah's home. According to the tradition in this community, husbands were allowed to visit their wives Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights, known as "wife nights." On those nights, the "patta rolls" could not bother them.

Beliah Louie and Aaron Beasley/Mitchell were Leah's brothers. Beliah Louie and Leah shared the same set of parents, Aaron and Leah shared the same mother but not the same father. The brothers' children were Leah's heirs, the defendants.

The Louie defendants were: Bert Louie of Lincoln County, MS; William Louie of Windfield, Kansas; Ida Louie Hartly of Sunflower County, MS; and James Louie, Preston Louie, Nancy Louie Mack, Lizzie Louie Cason, Wade Louie, Burrel Louie, John Louie, and Allen Louie all of Copiah County, MS.

The Mitchell defendant was Jennie Mitchell Robinson of Copiah County, MS.

The defendants charged that George Washington left only one heir at the time of his death, his wife Leah. The defendants also questioned the paternity of George Washington's son Jim Washington. They believed Jim was not a son of George Washington, thus Jim's children were not heirs of George Washington.

Source
Copiah County Chancery Court Records
Case Number: 3260
Microfilm Number: 8245
Record found at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

How do the defendants connect to my family tree?
My granduncle, Haber Overton of Copiah County, married a Rosa Louie. At this time, I don't have enough information to connect Rosa to this Louie family.

Next Post - The Settlement

The Complainants Lawyer Washington et al.

George Washington and his wife Leah, who did not have children together, died intestate. Fifty acres in Copiah County, Mississippi, were at dispute among their heirs. George and Leah had lived together for nearly a half century. Their marriage was never legalized but they were married according to the customs of slavery. George died in 1900; Leah in 1902.

The complainants filed the case in Copiah County Chancery Court, 1903. They were the grandchildren of George Washington.

George Washington was born about 1810 in South Carolina. He was a slave of the Hooker family, probably Zadock Hooker who owned 52 slaves per the 1860 Copiah County Slave Schedule.

George had only one child, a son, James/Jim Washington born about 1853 to Susan Fry.

James married Easter Davis, 01 Feb 1872, in Copiah County. By 1880, the family had added six children; William 11, George 7, Lawyer 5, Quilla 4, Elias 2, and Mary Ida 0. James and Easter died after 1880, and the couple's children were raised by George and Leah. By the 1900 census, George and Leah were living alone.

All of James' children, with the exception of George, were named as complainants. The complainants charged Leah Washington never held title to the land, therefore the defendants could not inherit land from Leah.

Source
Copiah County Chancery Court Records
Case Number: 3260
Microfilm Number: 8245
Record found at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

How do the complainants connect to my family tree?
I am not sure how I connect to this group of Washington kin. I connect to them through DNA tests.

Next Post - The Defendants

Hannah Furnace b. 1856 Friday Furnace Findings

Children of James Howard Bradley, Sr., and his wife Ella Demyers
Grandchildren of Hannah Furnace

Researching a paternal great grandmother, Jane Furnace born about 1860, to discover her parentage and additional information about her life.

Hannah Furnace was born about 1856 in Mississippi. Hannah had a child with a 2nd great granduncle, thus she is on my family tree. I suspect she is related to my great grandmother Jane Furnace but I have not found any information to connect the two ladies.

In 1870, Copiah County, Mississippi, Hannah was in the household of Hezekiah Brown, a former slave owner of family members. She was 14 years old, listed as one of four domestic servants. None of the domestic servants shared her surname.

Hannah had a daughter, about 1871, with Peachy Demyers. She named her Ella. The Copiah County educable children lists shows Ella Meyers, 6 years old.

Twenty one year old Hannah and her nine year old daughter Ella were living in the 1880 household of Elijah and Alice Overton Usher. Their relationship to the head of household was listed as other. Alice Overton Usher was my 2nd great grandmother.

Hannah Furnace married Jordan Powell, 24 Dec 1884, in Copiah County. This is the last record I found Hannah.

Ella, Hannah's daughter, married James Howard Bradley. They had several children: Mary Alma, Ella Mae, Lela Beck, Hannah, James Howard Jr., Oliver Barrington, and Celestine Dicey. Ella and her family were last seen in the Copiah County census in 1910; Tallahatchie County, Mississippi in 1920. The family moved to Gary, Indiana, by 1930. Ella died in 1938, in Gary.

How does Hannah connect to my family?
Hannah married Peach Demyers
Peach Demyers was the son of my 3rd great grandmother, Peggie Demyers.

Photograph Courtesy of Melvia Ella Cherry Dean
Direct Descendant of Hannah Furnace

Wordless Wednesday Roses are Pink

1918 A Bad Year Luther Coleman vs Eddie Coleman

Luther and Eddie's youngest daughter, Amy Victoria Coleman Beard
Photograph Courtesy of Eddie Beard

The year 1918 was a bad year for the Luther Coleman family. The family began the new year, Jan 19, with the premature birth and death of a baby boy. The eldest son shot his six year old sister, 21 Jul, after they were left alone without adult supervision. Luther Coleman, and his wife Eddie Roberts Coleman separated in December. Luther had an ongoing relationship outside of the marriage. The deaths of two children in 1918 were likely the straw that broke the camel's back in the dissolution of the marriage.

Luther Coleman married Eddie Roberts on Christmas eve, 1905, in Lincoln County, Mississippi. The couple had six children: Lula Mae, T. C., George, S. A., Amy Victoria, and Willie.

A bill of complaint was made against Eddie, 05 Mar 1920, claiming she had deserted the marriage for more than two years, lived separately from her family in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Luther wanted a divorce and the custody of his four children who were in his custody.

Three children were listed in the 1920 census living with their paternal grandmother, Amy Markham Coleman: 13-year-old Lula, eleven-year-old TC, 7-year-old George. Amy was four, maybe with her mother.

The children's grandmother died 04 Mar 1920, which likely spurred Luther to file for divorce and custody.

Eddie claimed she was not living in Bogalusa, she lived with her mother, Sallie Roberts, less than 2 miles from Luther and the children. She claimed he was cruel and inhumane, did not provide for her, and was guilty of adultery. She left her home because of inhumane treatment. She wanted to dissolve the marriage, custody of the children, alimony, and attorney fees

Luther was a farmer, with access to 53 acres. Eddie said he made large crops, which brought in good money.

Eddie, 35, was living with her mother per the 1920 census in Lincoln County.

The couple's marriage legally ended 26 Apr 1920. Eddie was granted custody of the minor children. Luther was ordered to aid in the children's support and given the right to see the children at reasonable times. He was also ordered to pay the attorney fees for Eddie's attorney.

How does the family connect to me?
Luther Coleman was the son of Anthony Coleman and Amy Markham.
Amy Markham and my great-grandfather, Monroe Markham, were siblings.

Source
Lincoln County Chancery Court Record
Case Number: 4265
Microfilm Number: 12876
Microfilm found at Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Read the newspaper article concerning S. A.'s death here, read additional information here and more here.

St James Missionary Baptist Church Brookhaven, MS

The St James MB Church is the oldest African American church in Brookhaven. It was organized by Rev George Black of Vicksburg, MS, in 1866.

The pastors of the church were: Reverends George Black, two brothers Sim A Jordan and Jesse J Jordan, W L Magee, William L Creshon, P T Thadison, Clarence Coleman (Sister Jeanette Markham Coleman), Percy Dixon, and currently Larry Jointer.

SOURCES
Research Notes of Cynthia Thadison Williams

1st Church Photograph Courtesy of
Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 South Jackson Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369

2nd Photograph Courtesy of Cynthia Thadison Williams
Direct Descendant of Pastor P T Thadison

St James Missionary Baptist Church

Doshia Ebbs Fair's Death Record 1873-1937 Friday Furnace Findings

Researching a paternal great grandmother, Jane Furnace born about 1860, to discover her parentage and additional information about her life.

How does she connect to my family tree?
Doshia's mother, Barbara Furnace, may be a sister to my great grandmother Jane Furnace Overton.

Monroe Markhan and Family circa 1920

Monroe Markham b. 1852, and his wife Mary Jane Byrd b. 1855, were my great grandparents. They were the parents of seventeen children, 10 daughters and 7 sons. I think the above picture of the family was taken somewhere around 1920, give or take a couple of years. They also appear to be the same group listed in Monroe's 1920 census household.

The couple's children in their own households around the time this photograph was taken were:

• James married Anna Culver in 1895
• John married Ida Blue in 1896
• Joseph b. 1876, apparently died when he was a child. He was only seen in the 1880 census and does not show in the 1885 or 1892 educable children lists with the other children.
• Eudora "Dora" married Henry Coleman in 1896
• Nellie married Clarence Coleman in 1896
• Octavius married Mamie Culver in 1903
• Willie Lewis married Fredonia Culver in 1913
• Ada married Ernest Spencer in 1914

In 1920, Monroe was 68 years old, wife Mary 63, children; Mary Jane 36, Lou Ella 33, Alice 29 (my grandmother), Mattie 24, Samuel David 22, twins Missouri and Beatrice 20, and Inez 17. They could all read and write except for the mother. They were farmers who rented land from the Buie family in Caseyville, MS.

I based the age of the picture on when the last son married and left home.

• Mary Jane unmarried
• Mattie married John Vaughn in 1921
• Samuel David, the last son at home, married Rosanna Thomas in 1922, which is what helps to date the picture. Samuel was a twin, his brother David died shortly after birth. The parents named the twins Samuel and David. They gave both names to the surviving son.
• Lou Ella married Elijah Howard in 1924
• Missouri died in 1925
• Alice married Daniel Marshall in 1927
• Dad, Monroe died in 1932
• Mom, Mary died in 1937
• Beatrice married Silas Johnson in 1938
• Ina (Inez) died in 1938

I think those in the above picture are: Monroe, Mary, Mary Jane, Alice, Mattie, Samuel David, Lou Ella, Missouri, Beatrice, and Ina (Inez). I am not sure which sister is which.

Photograph courtesy of Rance Brown and Anita Christopher
Direct Descendants of Monroe and Mary

Della Green Missionary Baptist Church Brookhaven, MS

In 2011, I blogged about the little country church when I didn't know the name of the church. Cynthia Thadison Williams provided the name.

Church Founder, Bennie (Benjamin) Green 1878-1958
Husband of Louella Crump 1878-1966

Church Photograph Courtesy of
Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 South Jackson Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369

Bennie Green Photograph Courtesy of Sarah Kelley
Direct Descendant

Friday Furnace Findings Jane Furnace Overton

Researching a paternal great grandmother, Jane Furnace born about 1860, to discover her parentage and additional information about her life.

The Furnace family of Copiah County, Mississippi, left very little of a paper trail. The only census great grandmother Jane Furnace was found was the 1870 census . She was listed as a 10 year old, born in MS. Her parents may be Alexander Furnace and Charlotte. The next piece of paper to document her life was in 1898.

Jane's first child, a daughter, was born about 1873. The father of the child was Elijah Usher (1848-1925). Elijah was married to my 2nd great grandmother Alice Demyers whom he married in 1869.

• Ollie Usher, 1873-1938, married Emsley Wallace in 1893

The father of Jane's other children was Richmond Overton (Alice Demyers Usher's only child). Oral history whispered the children claimed to be Richmond's are not all his but some are the children of Elijah Usher. DNA tests will have to solve that quandary.

• Mary Brown Overton, 1882-1938, married Pink Jack Brandon
• John Evans Overton, Sr., 1882-1958, married Georgia Rockingham
• Garland Overton, 1883 - ?, married Lethy Dixon
• Haber Overton ,1887 - ?, married Rosa Louie
• Edgar Overton, 1887-1923, married Hannah Gary
• Carrie Overton, 1888-1916
• Severe Overton, 1890-1933, married Wayman/Raymond Flowers
• Gertrude Overton (my grandmother), 1895-1967, married Mike Durr, Sr
• Melissa Overton, 1897 - ?, married Unknown Linson
• Alice Overton, 1900-1929, married McNesse Sanders
• Jean Overton
  Nothing Available

Jane and Richmond legalized their two decades relationship, 02 Apr 1898, Copiah County.

My grandmother Gertrude always said her mother died when she was seven years old, which would date Jane's death between 1901-1903.

Chopping Wood on a Cold Mississippi Day

How much wood would a woodchuck chop for a Mississippi winter? I don't know but I suspect Earnest Spencer knew how much it took to heat his home in rural Copiah County, Mississippi.

Earnest was born in 1881 in Copiah County, died in 1971 in Chicago. He was the son of Lewis and Emaline Spencer.

Homesteading cousins talk about a cord of wood, which they consider more than enough to get through a mild Mississippi winter depending on size of home, how well insulated and the efficiency of a wood stove.

How does Earnest connect to my family tree?
Earnest married Ada Markham. She was a sister of my grandmother, Alice Markham Marshall.

Photograph of Ernest is courtesy of Anita Christopher, Ernest's granddaughter.
Photograph of the cord of wood is courtesy of Wikipedia.

Picture of Ada and Ernest

Wordless Wednesday Modeling for the Social Club 1940s - Chicago

How does Ina Kellogg connect to my family tree?
Ina and I are not related. Ina was born about 1903 in Georgia.
She is the aunt of Anthony Neal, Sr.
Anthony married cousin Bettie McDaniel.

Photograph courtesy of Anthony Neal, Sr

Wordless Wednesday Anna Butler Coleman 1887-1956

Daughter of George and Mary Ann Butler
Wife of Melvin Coleman, Sr
Mother of Anna, Henry, Melvin, Johnnie, Willie May, J C, Nellie, and Eula Tee

How does Annie connect to my family tree?
Anna's hubsand Melvin Coleman was the son of Tom Coleman and Nellie Markham.
Nellie Markham Coleman and my great grandfather, Monroe Markham, were siblings.

Photograph Courtesy of Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 South Jackson Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369

Samuel Markham and Family circa 1926

Rosanna Thomas Markham, Samuel Markham and infant Jessie Mae

Samuel was the 13th child of sixteen, last son born to Monroe Markham and Mary Byrd. He was born 04 Oct 1898 in Caseyville, a rural community in Lincoln County, Mississippi. He married Rosanna Thomas, daughter of Alex Thomas and Roxanne Smith, in 1922.

Hallie Buie shared a tidbit about Samuel in a 1936 letter she wrote to her sister Prential. Hallie and Prential were the daughters of Prentiss Buie who would have been the family's last slave owner if the Civil War had been won by the South.

I have found out that is all right for Samuel Markham to come down here, he has a corn field rented from Estelle and comes to get their corn to have ground. I just don’t know what they could do without him. I hope you will not mention this--he has a mail box and if we need him for anything we drop him a card and he comes right over. He lives on the Adams place. His house is located about a mile from this one. He charges ten cents for bringing things from Mr. Smith’s and twenty cents from Lamar’s, charges for the time and not the size of the package, large or small the same price, he certainly is nice about it. He just happened to come along the day the box came. he said, "Dat box aint hebby."

Samuel and Rosanna's families have been in the Caseyville area since the early 1830s. Rosanna's grandfather, George Thomas, served with the 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, during the War.

Two additional children were born to this union, Velma "China" and Samuel, Jr.

Samuel was a farmer who eventually owned his own land, which remains in his family.

Rosanna died in 1966, Samuel in 1981, and Jessie Mae in 2006.

How does Samuel Markham connect to my family tree?
Samuel Markham was a brother to my maternal grandmother, Alice Markham Marshall.

Photograph Courtesy of Rance Brown and Anita Christopher

Friday Furnace Findings Elbert Furnace 1855-1936

Researching a paternal great grandmother, Jane Furnace born about 1860, to discover her parentage and additional information about her life.

Elbert Furnace may be a brother to my great grandmother Jane Furnace. Both were in the same 1870 household but because relationships were not presented, I can only speculate on their relationship. Elbert could not read or write and was 15 years old.

Elbert does not appear in the 1880 census. In 1881, he married Emily Jane Wells in Copiah County, Mississippi. The marriage lasted almost twenty years but ended in divorce in 1899. Elbert claimed Jane deserted him in Jan 1899, taking all her furniture and other property she had in the home to move in the home of Charles Demorrow. Children were not named in the bill for a divorce. Elbert stated he was a good and faithful husband and did not understand why she deserted the marriage.

In 1900, Elbert was 45 years old, living in his household was 18 year old Henry Hall. The relationship was not defined. Elbert was a widower who had been married for 20 years. He was a farm laborer and renter who could not read or write.

Living alone in 1910, Elbert said he was divorced. He was 51 years old working as a servant.

Elbert was still alone in 1920, listed as a widower. He ended his widowhood and married Julia Hooker on Christmas eve in 1921. They were still together in 1930. He was listed as 60 years old and she was listed as 48. He should be about 75 years old and she should be about 62 years of age.

Elbert died 19 Apr 1936, of high blood pressure and heart problems, near Georgetown, Copiah County, MS. His death certificate listed his age as 80. His death record named his father Alex Furnace and did not name his mother.

Additional Sources
Elbert's Death Certificate MS1936-6680
Copiah County Chancery Court Case Number: 3179,
Microfilm Number: 8244
Records found at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Sunday Obituary Luther Brewer

1912-1991

Services for Luther Brewer of Brookhaven are at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at the Della Green M.B. Church with burial in the Carver Heights Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. Saturday and a family hour will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.. Saturday night at Tyler Funeral Home

Brewer, 79, died March 17, 1991, at the V. A. Medical Center in Jackson. He was born in Lincoln County to Luther and Louvenia Brewer, Sr. He was a retired steel mill worker, a member of Galilee A.M.E. Church and a U.S. army veteran.

Survivors include: his wife, Pearline Cheeks Brewer; sons, Alex Brewer, U. S. Army, James Crump of Jackson, C. L. Brewer, Percy Brewer, Denon Brewer, all of Gary, Ind.; daughters, Barbara Brewer of Brookhaven, Mary Gilmore of El Cerrito, Calif., Genevia Davis, Emma Jean Brewer both of Oakland, Calif., Flora Mae Lee of Fayetteville, N. C.; 13 grandchildren; three great grandchildren.

How Does Luther Brewer, Jr, connect to my family tree?
Luther's grandmother, Violet Markham Brewer, and my 2nd great grandfather James Markham were siblings.

Obituary from Daily Leader Newspaper
March 21 1991 - Page 12
Brookhaven, Mississippi
Microfilm Number: 33776
Mississippi Department of Archives
Photograph from Williamson Family Tree

Barbara Funace Friday Furnace Findings

Researching a paternal great grandmother, Jane Furnace born about 1860, to discover her parentage and additional information about her life.

Searching for my Furnace relatives has me scratching my head, where o where art thou. As of this date, I've found very little to document them or to prove relationships.

Barbara Furnace was different. I've been able to find her in most of the census records until she disappeared in 1930. I suspect Barbara was a sister to my great grandmother Jane Furnace. Barbara was born about 1853 in Mississippi. She was first seen in the 1870 census living with several other Furnace relatives including Alexander and Charlotte who may be her parents. She was 17 years old.

By 1880, she was living next door to Martha Furnace, a possible sister. Barbara had two children; nine year old Lawrence, and infant daughter Loeb. I didn't find the children on any educable children lists. Barbara is 25 years old.

Twenty years later, the children from Barbara 1880's household were no longer in her household and they were not found in the 1900 census. In the 1900 household were three additional children: Aria, 12; Kady, 7; Frank, 5. Barbara was listed a widow, 48 years old.

In 1910, Barbara (Bobbie) had three grandchildren living with her: Hattie Ebbs, 15; J B Dodds,5; Dodds, 2. Daughters Mettie Conley and Aria Rea, son-in-law Jack Rea were also living with her. Barbara was 51 years old.

Living in Barbara's 1920 household were her daughter Mettie Conley, 38, and two grandsons, Bob and Cal Conley. Barbara was 62 years old. This was her last census.

Albert Ebbs was named as the father of three of Barbara's children, Doshia, Aria and Mettie. He may be the father of all of Barbara's children. Albert lived near the Furnace families in Copiah County. Albert died 02 January 1929, in Copiah County, at the age of 85 years. Barbara's death record was not found.

Barbara's Daughters Marriages - Copiah County, Mississippi
Docia Ebbs b. 1873, married Henry Jeff Fair 26 Jan 1898
Mittie Ebbs, b 1890, married Willie Conley 29 Nov 1906
Aria Ebbs, b. 1894, married Jack Rea

Wordless Wednesday Old Country Store circa 1840

Destroyed by fire in 2004
Union Church, Jefferson County, Mississippi

Photograph Courtesy of Nathaniel Thomas

Wordless Wednesday Brookhaven Colored School 1920's Class

Photograph Courtesy of Nathaniel Thomas

Professor Phillip Davenport Gullage's Slave Narrative

Cod-Liver Oil - The Cure All

Oil for the Children

Give them oil - cod-liver oil. It's curious to see the result.

Give it to the peevish, fretful child and he laughs. Give it to the pale, anemic child, and his face becomes rosy and full of health. Take a flat chested child, or a child that has stopped growing, give him the oil, and he will grow big and strong like the rest.

This is not a new scheme. It has been done for years. Of course you must use the right oil, Scott's Emulsion is the one.

Scott's Emulsion neither looks not tastes like oil because we are so careful in making it pleasant to take.

Apparently my mother didn't know about Scott's oil because the cod-liver oil she gave me was not tasty. The purpose was to put "meat on my bones," to gain weight. Now, I need it to help with weight loss.

11 Benefits of Cod-Liver Oil

Advertisement from Brookhaven Leader Newspaper
April 09, 1902

Heir Property - A Tangled Web

It was probably a proud day for Washington Marshall when he scribbled the "x" on the deed. He could now provide for his family on his own ten acres, purchased in rural Copiah County, MS, about 10 miles west of Hazlehurst on 23rd March 1899, from Fred Rembert and his wife Hannah. Fred's father, Richard Rembert, purchased the land from the prominent Millsaps family in 1874.

In 1900, seventy-eight year old Washington was living with his wife Mary, 61, and their children: Willie, 23; Charley, 22; Henry, 21; Dan (my grandfather), 14; Annie, 23; and Alice, 19. Mary had given birth to 14 children, 8 were living. The couple had been married for 45 years. No one in the household could read or write. They were all farming the land.

10 Ac in NW Corner NW 1/4 SW 1/4 - Sec 12 - 9N - 6E
HWY 28

Washington and Mary were still alive in 1910, living with them were three of their children; Annie, Charley and Dan. By 1920, both Wash and Mary were deceased and neither left a will. Living on the land were the same three children from the 1910 census, Charley, Annie, Dan, plus their widowed sister Alice Goodwin. The land was not legally transferred.

Between the 1920 thru 1940 censuses, Charley left to marry Ola Smith Coleman and established a household, helped Ola to raise children from a previous marriage. Dan got himself a wife in 1927, my grandmother Alice Markham. They continued living on the place, added two children. Annie remained single, eventually living with her sister Alice Goodwin who had built a separate house, which she also shared with her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren. The land was not legally transferred.

Annie Marshall died in 1937, leaving no heirs. Alice Marshall Goodwin died in 1941, leaving several heirs. Dan was the last of Washington's children to reside on the land. He died in 1955. His wife Alice remained until she developed dementia and left to live with a sister in the early 1960s. Dan's wife Alice died in 1966. Dan and Alice's two children are deceased, leaving several heirs. The land was not legally transferred.

Washington and Mary's children were: Collin, Esther, Margaret, Humphrey, Jessie, Willie, George, Annie, Charley, Mary, Henry, Alice and Daniel, leaving countless, unknown heirs.

The acreage remains in the family, unused. The acreage will likely remain heir's property, too costly to pursue unknown heirs to settle small acreage. I suppose one day the land will be sold for taxes when there are no longer heirs who have a memory of its history.

Mary and Martha FurnaceFriday Furnace Findings

Researching a paternal great grandmother, Jane Furnace born about 1860, to discover her parentage and additional information about her life.

Following sisters Mary and Martha Furnace, who were in the 1870 household of Alexander Furnace, has proved to be difficult. The sisters may be sisters to my great grandmother Jane Furnace.

Between the 1870 and 1880 census Martha had five children: Mariah b. 1868; Alexander (Ellic) b. 1870; Henry b. 1873: Amy b. 1876; and Hart T W b. 1879. They all used the Furnace surname in both census. The father of the children was not in the household and his birthplace was reported as Virginia for all the children in 1880.

A death record for R T Kennard named his parents as Edmond Kennard and Martha Furnace. He was born 1888, in Copiah County, died in Kentwood, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana in 1938.

Edmund Kennard was born about 1814. He lived in the same community with the Furnace family. He was a married man with children. He was followed through the 1900 census.

The 1870 census was the only one found for Mary. I searched for her children hoping to find them under a different surname in the household with Mary. The children were Wallace b. 1866, and George b. 1868.

The sisters and their children disappear from the records. They are likely using a different surname, missed or avoided the enumerators.

The Richard Rembert Family

Eight years after the end of the Civil War, Richard Rembert was named as one of the trustees on a 1873 deed for the New Zion Baptist Church.

Richard and his family were the slaves of John Rembert in Copiah County, Mississippi, near Hazlehurst.

John Rembert was a prosperous slave owner who owned 62 slaves at the time of his death in Feb 1858. Those slaves were allotted to his children, less than a year after his death, in January 1859.

Richard and his family were in Lot 1. They went to John's daughter Amelia Rembert Grandberry. She was the wife of Benjamin F Grandberry who was also a slave owner.

Lot 1
Dick, Charlie, Alcinda and child (Cherry), Margaret, Fed, Posh, Jane, Klavia

The values placed on the individuals in lot 1 from John's 1858 inventory and appraisement listing were as follows: Dick $1400; Charlie $1400; Alainda and child Cherry $900: Margaret $300; Fed $300; Poash $1300; Jane $1100.

Richard and Alcinda legalized their marriage 10 Jul 1870.

The Rembert household of 1870 consisted of Richard, 45 - Cinda, 40 - Ann, 15 - Cherry, 14 - Fred, 13 - Cuff 43, and twenty years old James, all born in Mississippi. Cuff's age suggest he may be a brother to Richard or Cinda but more research is needed to confirm relationship. Cuff was also named on the inventory listing. No one in the household could read or write. By 1880, Richard and Cinda had one child living with them, 24 year old Fred and his wife Hannah, 19. Richard was 56 and Cinda hadn't aged, she was still 40. They farmed for a living.

Richard purchased land from E Millsaps in 1874 and the family farm was productive.

Richard and Alcinda disappeared from the 1900 census. Alcinda was found in 1910, a 72 year old widow, living alone. She lived next door to my great grandparents Washington and Mary Marshall in Copiah County. Alcinda shared with the census worker she had given birth to three children, one living. She also shared she could read and write. Alcinda died 11 Feb 1917.

How does the Rembert family connect to my family?
Fred Rembert, son of Richard and Alcinda, sold land to my great grandfather Washington Marshall.

Rembert Marriages (Copiah County, Mississippi)
Richard Rembert married Alcinda Rembert 10 July 1870
Maggie Rembert married Frank Calhoun 02 May 1872
Cherry Rembert married Henry Jackson 06 Sep 1872
Fred Rembert married Hannah Sinclair 30 Jul 1879

Additional Sources:
1880 Copiah County Agricultural Schedule
Copiah County Deed - Book 9 - Page 283

Deed for New Zion Baptist Church 1873

The Indenture made and entered into this 18th day of August AD 1873 by and between David Bufkin and Susan P Bufkin, his wife, of the first part, and Richard Rembert, Andrew Watson and Jefford Campbell, Trustees of New Zion Baptist Church of the second part; all of the county of Copiah and the State of Mississippi.

Witnesseth: That the said parties of the first part for in consideration of the sum of five dollars to them in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, have this day granted, bargained and by these present, do hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said parties of the second part and their successors in office, and assign all that certain tract of land lying and being situated in the County and State aforesaid. Know and described as follows to wit: Commencing at a point on the Three Notch Road Thirteen (13) chains South and Three (3) chains and Fifty (50) links West of the North East corner of the South East Quarter of the North East corner of Section Thirty five (35) Township Ten (10) Range Six (6) East ? thence West Five (5) chains; Thence South four (4) chains; Thence East Five (5) chains; thence north four (4) chains to beginning; containing by estimation two (2) acres more or less, To have and to hold the same together with all the rights and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining to the said parties of the second part their successors in office and assigned to fee simple forever.

In trust and confidence to and for the uses, intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned, namely: To have and to hold the monies herein conveyed for the sole and separate use and benefit of the said New Zion Baptist Church and the members thereof to be used, owned and enjoyed by them for the purpose of erecting thereon a church of worship, cemetery and any and all other necessary improvements that maybe beneficial or useful for said church or for any purpose connected therewith.

On testimony whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written.

David Buffkin (seal_
Susan P Buffin (seal)

Note: The record was recorded in the Copiah County Courthouse October 22nd 1877.

How does this church connect to my family?
Maternal and paternal family were/are members of this church. It was the childhood church home of my mother

Record found at Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Microfilm Number: 8112
Book DD, Page 597
Image of Deed