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Thompson Family Short Story Revised from the booklet titled
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Friends and Relatives It was my intention to write a brief account about my Mother's ancestors, perhaps only three pages, because I knew little about her family. God was generous, for each week He revealed new facts and data about her relatives. It's still a little family book, but it far exceeds my expectations. After one hundred years, our descendants migrated from North Carolina to California. Today, 12,000 individuals may have descended from the children of Charles Thompson. His son, also a Charles Thompson, was born over two centuries ago. I wonder where all my relatives have gone. I hope one of them will read this and contact me. We might pool our knowledge, thus grow a friendship, even though we're presently strangers. Thompson Thompson is an ancient name. Thompson was derived from the name Thomas. That name dates to the time of Christ. Every European culture used the name of Thomas. It's one of the most popular names. In about 1730, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson possibly from Scotland or England sailed to America. Evidence indicates they settled along the Deep River of North Carolina. They helped establish a Baptist Church in that area. By about 1759 Charles Thompson and his father, Thomas Thompson, moved to Union County South Carolina and established Fairforest Baptist Church on the Broad River. Charles Thompson and his wife Elizabeth had four children named Susannah, Charles, William, and John according to the will of Charles Thompson. Charles Thompson died in Union County South Carolina ca. March
of 1797. Soon after that, Charles Thompson moved to Washington County Georgia,
Morgan County Georgia and finally to Walton County Georgia. It is believed that
William Thompson and a brother, John, also moved to the Morgan / Walton Counties
area by 1820 accompanied by Elizabeth, the widow of Charles senior. Thomas Thompson The earliest evidence we have about our Thompson line is they
may have been in Orange County North Carolina before or about 1755. On page 180
of the book, Christopher Gist Of Maryland and Some of His Descendants, written
by Jean Muir Dorsey and Maxwell J. Dorsey in 1969, state this, Several other references to Thomas Thompson (and his son Charles) exist which ties them to the Stearns, Mulky, Gist, Breed, Collins and Howard families who came from Massachusetts, to Orange County North Carolina and later to Union County South Carolina. The following short history is from Union County Early Settlements and Families: Dining Creek / Fairforest Creek / Padgett's Creek A group of
Separate Baptists arrived from North Carolina and settled on Broad River in 1759
and incorporated into a church. In 1762, the congregation moved up Fairforest
Creek to the Dining Creek area in southwestern Union County. The Fairforest
Baptist Church was the first Baptist church in the South Carolina up-country,
and is the mother church of many up-country Baptist churches. Families in this
group included: Philip MULKEY, Obediah and Stephen HOWARD, Benjamin GIST,
Charles and Thomas THOMPSON, Joseph BREED, and Rachel COLLINS. In his HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION IN AMERICA, David Benedict says, "In the year 1759 Philip Mulkey and wife, Stephen Howard and wife, Obediah Howard and wife, Joseph Breed and wife, Benjamin Gist and wife, Charles Thompson, Thomas Thompson and Rachel Collins, all members of Deep River Church in N.C., arrived in South Carolina and settled first at Broad River, and chose Mr. Mulkey for their pastor. After tarrying there for two years and increasing to 104, the above named 13 persons (leaving the rest behind) removed to Fairforest where they were again formed into a church in 1762. Another book says Nehemiah Howard, a member of Mulkey's Church at Deep River, did not come with him to SC but followed later about 1787 Nehemiah and his family moved to Wilkes Co GA -- he died before the first of April 1798 in Elbert County, GA. Charles Thompson The most important document found which establishes the direct
line between Thomas Thompson to Charles Thompson (#1) is a deed from the South
Caroline Archives. It is reproduced here: (an abstract) The above deed proves William, son of Charles (#1) was the grandson of Thomas; hence, Charles was the son of Thomas. Further, Charles was deceased by by 10 March 1797. It also suggests Thomas was deceased before that same date. The census records tend to support that both were deceased by 1800. How many months or years before March 1797 they died can not be determined from this deed. In 1797, there was a general recording or proving of deeds in Union County South Carolina. People who owned land had to go before the court and prove they had right to it by testimony in open court generally by a third party. However, since the will of Charles Thompson was proved in court in 1800, it is my opinion Charles died about 1797. He died after 1795 as the deed refers to his property location dated 10 January 1795. Below, we will see Charles had a will dated 23 February 1795 so he died after that date. The deed registration which was required in 1797 also produced references to a Charles Thompson. These were almost certainly deeds involving the son (Charles #2) of Charles (#1). Charles(#2), son of Charles was aged 23 at this time and was capable of buying and selling in his own name. Again, the dates of 1797 do not actually mean the land was sold or bought in 1797, as that was the years that deeds had to be registered for all prior transactions. Prior to this time any documents that existed were held in Charleston, South Carolina for the entire state or actually recorded in other states, mainly North Carolina. The Family of Charles Thompson (#2) The will of Charles Thompson (#2) follows: Page 97 of film reads: (There were several - - - dashes in the will which were used as periods or. I did not show them here.) In the name of God Amen, I Charles Thompson of Union County and State of South Carolina, being of sound and perfect mind and memory and blessed by god, do this twenty third day of February in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety five make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner following that is to say First, I lend unto my wife Elizabeth during her widowhood all my estate real and personal. In case my wife Elizabeth do marry then at that time the personal estate to be divided equally amongst and with my wife Elizabeth and my children that is now living with me, each to have an equal part without having the personal estate lots. Item- I also give and bequeath unto my daughter Susannah to be paid at my decease the sum of ten pounds in property out of my personal estate to be valued. Item I also order and allow the division of my personal estate as above mentioned to be made and done by two responsible men chosen for that purpose, and in case my wife Elizabeth should die during her widowhood then and at that time my personal estate to be divided as aforesaid between my children that is now living with me in the same mode above mentioned. Item- At the death or marriage of my wife Elizabeth I give and bequeath all my lands to be equally divided between my three sons namely William, John, and Charles, their heirs and assigns for ever to have and to hold the said lands and testaments. Item- I do hereby order and appoint my well beloved wife Elizabeth executrix (footnoted); and also my beloved son William my Executor (footnote d) to this last will and testament signed and sealed in the presence of Wm McCullock, George Petty, John Darbrow Charles Thompson his mark, X (with an x ) Proved by law William McCulloch or MCGulick or McGuligh on this 31 day of March before me the Thos Brandon (Court of Ordinary) Recorded 31 of March (note: this copy does not show a "year’ previous typing we had showed 1795. It does not show the will book or page either as previous typed copy from SC. That info was probably assumed from other records.) Page 98 back side of will, The Will and Testament of Chas Thompson decd Probate before Thos Brandon Ordinary on the bottom it reads: Charles Thompson will recorded? in Book A, page 10? By Jus Woodson Clerk for Thos Brandon Ordinary (end of will) Thus, we know that shortly before his death that Charles Thompson (#2) had four children and a living wife, Elizabeth, Susannah, William, John and Charles. Susannah was already married so she may have been over 20 years old and possibly the oldest child. Charles was aged 20 years plus six months at that time based on the known date of birth for Charles. The sons in the will were listed not in alphabetical order but as William, John, and Charles. They were apparently still living with the family. I speculate that William--the will executor, was the oldest son, followed by John, and the last born was Charles. Susannah may have been born about 1770, William about 1772, John about 1773. Charles was born in 30 June 1774. End Updated section 11 September 2001 Seaborn J. Thompson Seaborn, son of Charles, moved with his family to Georgia about 1806. On 19 April 1832 he married Jane Briden Moreland in Troup County. She was born in Georgia about 1810. Her father was Joseph T. Moreland. Seaborn owned a general store, a hotel, and a tan-yard. He was an estate broker, slave broker, bookbinder, and a shoe and boot jobber. Seaborn was a partner with William W. Snow, James Aikin, and Minor Harris in the W. W. Snow and Co. Stage Coach line which operated between Greenville, Georgia which is east of LaGrange, and Franklin County, Alabama. He was weathly. Seaborn was the sheriff of Troup County for two terms. His first term was 1838 through 1839. His second term was 1842 through 1843. Several documents bear his title of Sheriff. He kept his ear close to politics, and operated out of LaGrange, the county seat. He had two partners: Daniel Evans and Samuel Reid. These gentlemen cooperated in land transactions with Seaborn. Seaborn wasn't a farmer as business better suited his temperament. He was active in local politics. His closest friend was Edward Young Hill, Superior Court Judge in Troup County. Seaborn attended most estate sales in Troup County. He purchased estates, equipment, businesses, and slaves. Below are some of the estate sales he attended. Haralson, Jonathan; 1 December 1832: His will was witnesses by Samuel Thompson in Greene County. Sold were the estate and seventeen slaves. Samuel and Jonathan were friends and moved to Troup County at about the same time. Manning, John B.; 17 January 1837: This estate was purchased by William P. Thompson who we once thought was Seaborn's brother. This is probably not so, but his real brother William H. Thompson did in fact live in Troup County Geaoria from about 1835 to 1845. Brown, Robert C.; 24 May 1834: Purchased by Seaborn and others. Sixteen slaves were sold. Daniel, Josiah; 7 January 1834: The estate sold with six slaves. Rogers, Henry; 34 March 1837: The estate sold with a number of slaves. Walker, Green B.; 17 January 1839: The estate sold with one slave. Note that Samuel married Nancy Walker, the sister of Green. Chivers, Henry T.; 1 April 1840: The estate sold with one slave. Kendrick, John W.; 15 November 1837: The estate and thirty-four slaves sold. O'Neal, James; 23 January 1850: An 'S. J.' Thompson was listed twice as being present. Those two may have been Seaborn and Samuel Thompson. Perkins, Henry; 25 November 1837: This estate included houses and land in several counties. Purcell, David; 14 May 1846: David Purcell manufactured shoes and boots. Seaborn produced leather and purchased Purcell's estate for that reason. Rogers, Collin; 14 May 1846: The estate and slaves sold. While Seaborn was present at these estate sales, he may have acted as an agent for others including his relatives, the Smith's, his friend Edward Hill, and his partners. After 1850, no record of Seaborn has been found in Troup County Georgia. His children either moved to Mississippi, Texas, went to war, or married. On 30 April 1841, Seaborn signed an oath limiting distribution
of alcohol to slaves of free persons of African descent. It read thus: (Typed as
found with errors.) Deed, April 1832: Deed, October 1832: Deed, March 1833: Deed abstract, September 1833: Deed, December 1838: Thus, Seaborn Thompson was a business pioneer and settler of LaGrange as evidenced by deeds recorded. He was only twenty-five years of age when the first purchases occurred. He made his first transaction in 1832 before he was married. This was soon after he left his father's house and only six years after the county was established. Money was difficult to obtain in 1832. A hundred dollars was a fortune. Sufficient amounts to purchase entire farms and township properties required backing. Seaborn obtained the money to start his businesses from his father, Samuel, who also bought and sold property, and later by mortgaging his slaves. The 1851 tax records show Seaborn and his father, Samuel, each owned seven slaves and valuable real estate. Seaborn was a shrewd investor after he was established in the community. It's noteworthy that Seaborn purchased several properties in a short period of time. He may have borrowed money from the wealthy Smith family to whom he was friends or related through marriage. Seaborn could have been an agent for others as well. He lived near his friend, Judge Edward Hill, who may not have wanted his dealings made public. Seaborn's wealth surely carried over to his children for they purchased farms in Texas, presumably with funds from the swollen purse of Seaborn. The children of Seaborn and Jane were: Frances Louise, 1829; Mary Ann, 1833; William T., 1835; John N., 1837; Julia C.; Charles W., 1841; and Edward Young Hill Thompson, 1845. See group sheets for details. With the number of William Thompson's living in Troup County at that time, it's difficult to correctly identify them. Edward Young Hill Thompson On 2 May 1845, Jane Briden Thompson delivered a child she named Edward Young Hill Thompson. That wasn't a name selected at random. The Honorable Edward Young Hill, a family friend, was born in Abbeville District, South Carolina in 1821. After receiving an education, he moved to Jasper County. Edward ran for Governor of Georgia in 1840 but was defeated by George W. Towns. Edward Young Hill married Annabella P. Dawson 12 December 1827 in Jasper County, Georgia. He had three brothers and seven sisters. His parents were Joshua and Nancy Collier Hill. Edward's youngest brother was Senator Joshua Hill who ran for governor in 1863 but was defeated by Joe Brown. Edward Hill died 20 November 1860. Seaborn named his son after Edward Hill as a show of esteem and friendship. Edward Thompson left Georgia for Mississippi after 1850. He went under the supervision of his older brother, Charles W. Thompson. In 1850, Edward was just five years old. On 6 March 1862, Edward joined the Confederate Army, Company 'D' Third Mississippi Infantry at Scottsville, Scott County Mississippi. He held the rank of Private. He served until the close of the war when his unit surrendered in Marshal, Texas. The account that follows is an abridgement from "Military History of Mississippi" concerning the Third Infantry Regiment, mostly copied verbatim from that source. It's impossible to know in which battles Edward, Charles, and John fought as units were often separated or assigned to other duties or locations. The 3rd Infantry Regiment was organized in the spring of 1861 at Enterprise, Mississippi with men form Hancock, Newton, Hines, Yazoo, Harrison, Copiah, Jackson and Sunflower counties. After serving at Biloxi, the unit was assigned to General L. Herbert's and Featherston's Brigade, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, and was active around Vicksburg. It continued to serve under General Featherston in the Atlantic Campaign and in Tennessee and North Carolina. This regiment totaled 575 men in February 1863. It surrendered with the army of Tennessee. (See the war record of Allen Wood later in this story.) Company 'D', Chunkey Heroes, of Newton County, mustered into
State service at Pass Christian 5 September 1861. On 20 May 1862, General Lovell sent the Third to reinforce General Smith at Vicksburg. They fortified Sugar Loaf Hill and remained under heavy bombardment. In January 1863, with Smith and Lee at Vicksburg, the Third was stationed at Snyder's Mill on the Yazoo. The name 'Vicksburg' was inscribed on it's battle flag. At the battle of Baker's Creek on 16 May 1863, Featherston's
Brigade was in line at a raging battle on the Raymond road. They were ordered to
support Bowen and marched two miles in double time. They were attacked on the
flank and rear and were forced to withdraw, but they did not withdraw until
ordered by General Loring and were praised for their gallant fighting against
superior numbers of Federal troops. Edward had a friend named D. W. Buie (pronounced like Bowie). Buie testified that Edward and he saw action against the Union Army in Northern Louisiana and on raids along the Mississippi River while serving in different units. Buie later moved to Glen Cove, Texas and remained Edward's confidant until Edward's death. After the war, Charles and brother Edward moved through Louisiana where Charles took a wife. In 1867, they moved to Wood County, Texas. In 1874, Edward moved to Miller County, Arkansas and married Martha A. Smith. He moved to Glen Cove, Coleman County, Texas before 1880. After Martha died, he married Mary Ett KOONE GRAHAM. The children born into his Thompson family are shown below. Martha A. Smith was born 12 December 1856 in Texas. She died 1
January 1886 in Glen Cove. Her children were born in Glen Cove as listed: Mary Ett Koone was born 6 October 1864 in Van Wert, Van Wert
County, Ohio. She died 16 February 1941. She married Edward Thompson 27 March
1890. Her Children by Edward were born in Glen Cove thus: Piecing together what we know about Edward's travels, his route to Coleman County was approximately as follows: Georgia--------1845 Mr. E. Y. Thompson, intimately known as Uncle Ned Thompson, a
pioneer citizen of Coleman county died Monday at 1:30 p.m., January 22, 1923, at
the family home ten miles west of Coleman. He was seventy-eight years of age.
Death was caused by influenza and heart affection. 200 acres of land of the W. W. Wallingford Survey No. 692 Part of Edward's will: First: I give and bequeath to my loving wife, Mrs. M. E. Thompson, all property, real and personal and mixed of which I may die seized and possessed, for and during her natural life, with the remainder to my children and their descendants to share and share alike; That is to say: to (1) H. F. Thompson, my son, one seventh interest in the remainder; daughter, (2) Leo Beaver wife of Oscar Beaver, one seventh; the above named children are the children of my first wife: (3) H. G. Thompson, one seventh; to (4) J. N. Thompson, one seventh; to (5) Earnie Fenton, wife of High Fenton, one seventh, the said (3) H. G. Thompson and (4) J. N. Thompson each being my son by my present wife, Mrs. M. E. Thompson; it is my intention by this will to vest in my wife, M. E. Thompson, my entire interest in all property owned by me at death, both individually and community property, and that she, my said wife, M. E. Thompson, shall treat our estate as fully covered by this will, and that she, my said wife, shall take under this will and not assert any independent right or rights to said estate, but is to have the full use and benefit of all our estate during her lifetime, and the residue or balance of my estate at her death to go to the children above named and their descendants. I hereby constitute name and appoint my son, H. F. Thompson, my
sole executor of this will, and direct that he be not required to give bond, as
such executor, and that the county court of Coleman County do not take any
action in the administration on my estate except to probate this will and
approve and inventory and appraisement of my estate:" ... That statement still left confusion, but additional information from censuses 1880 to 1910, birth records, death records, and marriage records identified them as previously stated in this study except to note Leo Beaver and Leo Futrell were the same person of Leo E. Thompson. Martha A. Thompson died seven days after giving birth to Angie. Martha's parent's are not known at this writing, but neither she, nor her parents, were in Miller County, Arkansas in either 1870 or 1880. She and her family were probably in Texas in both census years living near Arkansas. Mary Ett Koone first married Graham before 1890. Mary's father was Edward Koone. Her mother was Melsina Salison. She was married to Edward Thompson by W. T. Melugun, M.G. when she was twenty-six. Edward was forty-five. Edward's last child was born when he was fifty-one. Mary's obituary read as follows: Funeral Held at Glen Cove for Mrs. E. Y. Thompson Seaborn Jones Thompson Seaborn was named for his grandfather, Seaborn J. (Jones) Thompson. Seaborn had large bones and a heavy frame. His complexion was fair, and he had light brown hair. His physical strength was impressive. Seaborn J. and Seaborn Jones Thompson both named a child Edward Young Thompson. Leo THOMPSON Beaver also named a son Edward Young (Beaver). Many early families named children after their grandparents. Seaborn departed his parent's home in 1903 in Glen Cove. He married Tennessee Blanch Wood 25 October 1903 in Coleman. On 25 December 1904 they had their first child, Neal L. Thompson in Coleman County, Texas. Neal married Alice____. Neal was a veteran of World War II and had a military funeral in San Bernadino, California. Alice Thompson moved moved to Florida because of her allergies. Seaborn's next child was Monte C. Thompson, nicknamed Maude. Monte was born 27 December 1905 in Glen Cove. Maude was seventy-two when he died in Las Alamos, San Miguel County, New Mexico. He was a veteran of World War II. His wife's name isn't known. Seaborn had other descendants living near him in San Miguel County. Mitchie Givens, Seaborn's granddaughter lived in Las Vegas New Mexico. Seaborn's third child was born in Lee County, Texas probably in Lexington. He was Edward Young Thompson who was born 30 October 1908. He apparently never married. He worked in a saw-mill in Otero County until 1939. Edward served in World War II. Edward died in March 1975 in Semi, Ventura County, California. Seaborn's fourth child was Elaine Thompson who was born in Lee County in 20 January 1911. She married Francis Lyons. She died in the 1980's in Redlands, California. Seaborn's fifth child was Zellah Thompson. She married Bob Pender. She died in a nursing home about 1990 near Concord, California. She was named after her aunt, Zilla Wood. Seaborn's sixth child was Idelle Thompson who was born about 1916 in Lee County. She married Van Jones. She died in Austin, Texas about 1989. Seaborn and Tennie's seventh child was Florice Mozelle Thompson. Florice was born in Lexington, Lee County, Texas on 14 September 1918. She married Barak G. T. Barnum 13 June 1934 in Alamogordo, Otero County, New Mexico. Florice was the only living child of Seaborn and Tennie in 2001. Seaborn's eighth child was Charles G. Thompson who was born 22 September 1920 in Glen Cove, Texas. Charles served in World War II. Charles spent his life in Veteran's Hospitals until he died 2 June 1992 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was buried in the Otero County Cemetery which is located within the city's cemetery fence. He was married briefly, but he had no children. Seaborn's ninth child was Claudine Thompson who was born 10 September 1922 in Glen Cove. She married Lewis Carney, and died near Clear Lakes, Shasta County, California in the 1980's. While in Lee County, Seaborn owned several properties. In the 1910 Federal census, Seaborn was enumerated in two different locations on different days. That's unusual. The information was slightly different as if given by different people. I assume one location was at his farm and one at his home. The following abstracted Deeds were recorded in Lee County which
indicated his length of stay in Lee County. Deed: Deed: Seaborn owned land after 1908 in Lee County and sold his last held property in 1919. His original purchase of land wasn't found in Lee County records. Land records in Coleman County weren't researched. About 1916, Seaborn was involved in an accident in Lee County. He suffered a nervous and physical breakdown. He was taken to Georgetown by his brother, Frank, for treatment, but he never fully recovered. He moved back to Glen Cove in 1919. Florice remembered they lived in a grand two-story home in Glen Cove. Her grandmother, Sarah Jane Wood, lived upstairs for a short while. When Seaborn's father died, Florice said Seaborn, Seab, and Tennessee, Tennie, went to the funeral in a covered black buggy pulled by a black horse. Immediately thereafter, Seaborn moved his family to Alamogordo, New Mexico. His children cried, because they loved their grand, two story house in Texas. Seaborn was a street sweeper in Alamogordo which was a job provided due to his disability. He later made trips to Coleman County to visit his friends and relatives, but his health and wealth declined. He was admitted to the state hospital in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico on 1 January 1934. Seaborn sank into deep depression and died on 16 April 1945 after he learned of Tennie's death. The newspaper said Seaborn's children planned to move his remains to Alamogordo for burial; However, he was buried in the NMIA State cemetery on the property of St. Anthony's Hospital of Las Vegas, New Mexico. That hospital is now named North Eastern. Idelle made funeral arrangements for both Seaborn and his wife, Tennie. No evidence was found that any descendant of Seaborn Jones Thompson now carries the surname of Thompson. Thus, his THOMPSON line is extinguished. Tennessee Blanch Wood Tennessee Wood wasn't born in Tennessee, but her roots were there. Her date of birth according to a family member was 5 May 1878. Her death certificate stated her date of birth as 7 May 1879, as reported by her daughter, Idelle. Her correct date of birth was probably 7 May 1877 in Fannin County, Texas. Her parents were Allen Wood and Sarah Jane Netherton who were married in Cocke County, Tennessee on 9 July 1864. A brief family group is shown below. The Tennessee children were probably born in Cocke County according to a written statement by W. H. McMillan of Cocke County, dated 27 March 1900. Allen Wood was born in Cocke County, Tennessee 7 September 1841. 1910 Coleman Census Justice Precinct 6 Family # 149 Ashby Wood 1838 TN Allen volunteered to serve in the Confederate Army in October 1862 at Sweetwater, Cocke County Tennessee. He served until 1865. He was assigned to 'I' Company, 60th Tennessee Infantry Regiment. The following military record was abstracted and or copied from Fiche # 6046966. Colonels--John H. Crawford On 15 September 1863, The Inspector General stated that those captured at Big Black River were in Northern prisons. Men from the 60th were presumed to be in parole camps at Jonesboro, Tennessee in the spring of 1864. On 31 December 1863, Major James A. Rhea of the 60th was reported as part of the 2nd East Tennessee Brigade. Forty-eight men were present. On 10 November 1864, the 60th, 61st, and 62nd Regiments were reported as regiments in Vaughn's Brigade. The 60th was then under Colonel Gregg. No further report was found of the 60th Regiment. When the Confederate Army surrendered, Vaughn's Brigade was in Western Virginia. Part of that Brigade crossed into North Carolina and served as part of President Jefferson Davis's escort from Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington, Georgia. It's this compiler's belief based on the marriage date of Allen that he was captured at Big Black River and paroled in Tennessee in the spring of 1864. Note that both Allen Wood's unit and Edward Thompson's unit saw action at Vicksburg. Thus, the two grandfathers of Florice Thompson came together at Vicksburg although they were from different states. This seems beyond the possibility of chance. Tennessee's mother, Sarah Jane lived with her son, Oscar, in Coleman County after the death of her husband, Allen. Later she lived with her daughter, Gardie or J. R. Brooks, in Tulia, Texas which is in Swisher County. On September 10, 1934, Sarah Wood traveled to Lovington, Lea County, New Mexico to visit her son Oscar Wood. Eighteen days later, at the age of 92, Sarah died of Bronchitis. Dyotte known as 'Dot,' her grandson and son of Oscar, was the informant listed on the death certificate. Unfortunately, he answered all of the vital questions about his grandmother's life with, "I don't know." Sarah's family is reproduced below from the files of the Ancestral File, Copyright; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all rights reserved, 1987. 1-- Henry NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1740 Prince William, Virginia Enoch Netherton 71 TN Green Berry Netherton, half brother of Sarah, lived in Coleman, Texas during the same time as Sarah Jane NETHERTON Wood. The Ancestral File listed the following family for Enoch: Father--Enoch Netherton Born about 1789 North Carolina When Sarah died, Tennie was living in Alamogordo, New Mexico in a nice home with green lawns and a white picket fence. Once a middle class woman, her assets dwindled. After her last son departed to fight in World War II, Tennie traveled to Long Beach, California to live with her daughter, Idelle. Idelle lived on West Seaside Blvd. Tennie lived with Idelle until 25 January 1945 when she entered the Seaside Memorial Hospital with chest pain. She underwent a heart operation on 2 February 1945. She died 19 February 1945. Tennessee was buried in Westminster Memorial Park in Orange County on 19 February 1945. Refined and conservative in nature, Tennie left only one possession to her children: a French, cherry-wood chest which contained her last prized possessions, papers, family bible, and diary. Florice Mozelle Thompson took charge of the treasure and placed it in a storage room in Carrizozo, New Mexico. In 1948, the chest burned with all it's contents. Tennie desired that her secrets be passed to her grandchildren and their grandchildren. Does she weep the loss in her heavenly place? Our only cherished property is our family history. Wealth and youth quickly fade, but family history is forever. Living Fibers of life are passed from father to grandchild and great grandchild endlessly through time. Florice Mozelle Thompson Florice remembered that her mother told her that she was part Irish and part French. Her Thompson blood was probably Scottish. I cannot know if her mother, Tennessee, was part French. Florice was the strongest woman I've ever known. Her strength shines in her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and it shall shine in thousands of years to follow. Her physical strength was equal to most men. Her mental vitality will light the way for her descendents. Florice faced many hardships in life. During this, she remained the kind and gentle mother we envision from reading children's stories. Florice Mozelle Thompson married Barak G. T. Barnum on 13 June 1934 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. 11/13/1913 B. G. T. Barnum Another Look Child Child: Frances Louise Thompson married Henry Maier ( Meor on 1850 Troup County Census) on 26 April 1849. Frances was a child from a previous marriage of Seaborn #1 to Frances Louisa Smith Lady. A court record stated she was the granddaughter of George Smith, deceased, 11/3/1834. George Smith probably lived in Morgan County Georgia. Child: Mary Ann Thompson possibly married William Tranor in
Carroll County, Mississippi 10 June 1855. Child Charles was listed as a pioneer of Coleman County in 1875. Thus, he arrived before 1875 but after 1870. Charles and Edward visited Coleman about 1867, then departed only to return. When Charles arrived in Coleman County, Buffalo were hunted in a place called Buffalo. Wild horses roamed through Santa Anna Gap. Indian raids tormented settlers who were mostly ranchers at that time. Charles married three times: first, to Sarah A. Parker; next, he married a Coleman County lady, name unknown; third, he married Emma F. Quinn. Charles appeared on a Texas census for the first time in Wood County in 1870, Town of Winnsboro, Wood County, Precinct #4, family # 110: Thompson, C. W. 25 Farmer Georgia In 1880, the Coleman County census, Precinct #8 E.D. 44 is shown
below, family # 115. In 1900, Charles Thompson had the following family. He lived in
Coleman and ran a cotton gin. Sallie Quinn married Warren L. Thayer in 1900. Warren sold real estate and insurance. It's believed that Sallie had two cousins in Coleman. 1--James W. Quinn, born 1884. 2--Charley Quinn, born 1890. James and Charley were born in Texas; their fathers were born in Kansas; their mothers were born in Texas; and their wives were born in Louisiana. They lived one house apart. Child: Ella M. Wood married Albert A. Dunn 2 December 1900 in Precinct # 4. They had a child named Thomas Dunn in 1902. Child: Rufus Wood married Mattie Sewell nee Addison on 3 May 1903 by J. M. Summers, J. P. Precinct # 4. J. M. Summers also performed the marriage for Tennie Wood and Seaborn Thompson. Child Family #233 Coleman In 1900 all of Sarah Jane Wood's children lived in Coleman. Oscar moved his family to Lovington, Lea County, New Mexico after 1900. Gardie moved to Swisher County, Texas. Tennie moved to New Mexico. A 1920 photograph of Nancy HAMILTON Wood revealed a healthy farm girl who was strikingly beautiful. The 1920 Lea County, New Mexico census showed our Wood families
thus: At the time Oscar died, James, Elmer, and Willie WOOD Scott, lived in Oscuro, Lincoln County, New Mexico. Mineola WOOD Spires and Jonnie WOOD Rogers lived in Post, Garza County, Texas. A child, Nancy WOOD Newton, died in Lovington in 1993. Her father was Oscar Wood according to a Hamilton relative. Child: Elmer S. Wood also moved to New Mexico. He was a rancher and a miner. He settled in White Oaks where he died 8 July 1965. He operated a ranch four and a half miles east of White Oaks. He served in the army during World War I, Pvt. Company B, 134 Infantry. Willie Mae Wood was also buried at White Oaks. She was born in 1913 and died in 1965. She was his wife. Cais Hamilton was the brother of Nancy Hamilton. Cais stood for Caswell Hamilton. He and Nancy came from a family of nine brothers and sisters. Only five lived to adulthood. They were Willie Hamilton, Tom Hamilton, Nancy Hamilton, Lizzie Hamilton, and Caswell. Their father was J. R. Hamilton. Their mother's name isn't known. She died after giving birth to her ninth child. J. R.'s second wife was Nancy Ann Sanders, married 26 January 1886. She was born 16 September 1864 in Tennessee. J. R. was born 7 July 1849 in Missouri. J. R.'s parents were C.S.A. Captain Aaron Hamilton and Elizabeth Lay. Nancy's parents were James Henry Sanders and Mahalie Evans. J. R. settled near Coleman in the small town of Eola before 1900. Their children are listed next: Robert H. Hamilton 23 April 1887 They encountered hardship in New Mexico from hostile ranchers who threatened the "nesters" to the blizzard of 1918, in which they lost their milk cows and horses. After the blizzard, a peddler and his barefoot son were found frozen to death in a field. Before dying, the child removed his knit cap and placed it on one frozen foot. The Hamilton family would have starved following the blizzard, but the same ranchers who threatened them before, gave them flour, milk cows, and sides of beef. Child He had no children but adopted a child, Sarah Frank Thompson. Frank probably was not illiterate. He signed his name with an X , but Frank wasn't witless, for he was a successful businessman in Georgetown. On many older documents an "X" meant his mark or signature, not meaning a person was illiterate. He owned the Troy Dry Cleaners of Georgetown, 125 acres of land in Coleman County, rental property in Coleman, the mineral rights to previously owned property in Coleman, and a home in Georgetown. It's also known that Frank nursed Seaborn Jones Thompson, his ailing brother, in 1916. Frank died 17 August 1928 in Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas. His THOMPSON line is extinguished. Child Child Child Uncle Nuge was well-liked in Coleman. He served in WW I in the 218th Military Police Co. Florice said he loved to play with children. Nuge died of a stroke while milking early in the morning. Mary Alice was the first child of Nuge and was born 29 April 1921 in Coleman. She married Richard R. Wiley 28 July 1945 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His second child was Ernie Imogene Thompson. She was born 27 April 1925. She married Ervin 1--McMillon, 2--T. P. Linnney, and 3--Alvin Lichnousky. John's third child was Margerie Nell Thompson. Marge was born 19 September 1931. Marge married George V. Oney 12 August 1955. Child The children of Leo E. THOMPSON FUTRELL BEAVER are shown below. She lived in Floresville of Williamson County in 1910 and West Rock in 1920. Later she moved to Florence, Palo Pinto County, Texas. Roy Alvin Futrell 26 Dec 1899 in Coleman Child Earnie married Hiram Fenton 16 November 1914. Hiram was born 13 January 1894 and died 1 April 1963. Both were buried in Coleman Cemetery. Earnie's other children were Maggie Ellen Fenton, born 25 October 1917. Maggie died in 1918. Blanch Agnes Fenton, born 15 July 1920. She married Melvin Armstrong. Their children were Reta Joyce, Mickey Lynn, and Jimmy Wayne. Child: Hiram Frank Fenton, Jr. was born 29 July 1922. Junior died 4 April 1990. He married 1--Miss Duggins and 2--Loretta Keeny in 1949. Hiram Frank Jr. was the sheriff of Coleman County. Ernest Eugene Fenton, son of Hiram F. Fenton, Jr., was born 7 October 1925 and married Billie White. Her children were Dorothy and Diane. Diane married Bob Graham September 21, 1994. Bob's relation to Mary Ett Koone Graham Thompson isn't known. Oleta Pauline Fenton was born 11 September 1927 and married C. O. Morgan, Jr. Her children were Donnie, Charles, and Becky. Oleta Fenton married Olin Smith 22 February 1969. Juanita Fenton was born 22 December 1929 and married Lavell Jones and had children Debra Kay and Brenda Sue. Billie Rex Fenton was born 18 September 1936 and married Joann Wolford and had children Karla Ann and Billy Shane. The Futrell Family: Friends and Relatives This brief Futrell section concludes this section. They were friends and cousins of the Thompson families of Coleman County. This data doesn't agree with other published genealogical data about these Futrells. Additional Futrell work is needed, but it was beyond the limited scope of this writing. The Futrell family of Coleman originated in Arkansas. The 1900
Coleman County census Precinct 6, E.D. 23 Page 217 follows: 1910 Coleman Precinct 6, Family 150, 29 April 1910: Notice the repeating error in Leo's census data. Her father wasn't born in Texas. Her mother wasn't born in Louisiana. In 1920 in Precinct 6, a Lillian Smith, aged 20, lived in Edward's home. Recall his first wife was Martha A. Smith. These Futrell relatives also appeared nearby. Futrell, F. E. 51 AR TN AR Part Two After This addendum adds information to and corrects errors in the booklet Florice Mozelle Thompson which was written in 1994--six years prior. Note that Seaborn J. Thompson and Seaborn Jones Thompson were different persons. Seaborn J. was the grandfather of Seaborn Jones Thompson. The various persons who were named Charles Thompson mentioned herein include their middle names to set them apart. The Smith and Thompson Connection From 1820 to about 1920, the SMITH and THOMPSON families were closely allied. The exact line of the SMITH families of Georgia, and later in Louisiana, has not been satisfactorily determined due to the common name of SMITH. However, from the Troup County Historical Society, Forrest Clark Johnson III, County Historian, discovered this important note: Seaborn J. Thompson: "11-3-1834 appt. grdn of his minor dau. Frances Louisa Thompson, qv, who has property from the will of her great grandfather George Smith~~~~~, bond $800, sec.s Nathan P. Browning and Daniel Evans all qv." After receiving that memo, my father, fancied that Seaborn had a daughter by a marriage previous to Jane Briden Moreland’s. He calculated Seaborn J. Thompson married between 1825 and 1827 near Walton, Putman or Morgan County Georgia. Seaborn married Jane B. Moreland in 1832 in Troup County. Seaborn J. and Samuel Thompson moved to Troup County about the same time. (They were not relatives however.) Who could have been Seaborn's first wife? She must have died near Morgan County under a Thompson name before 1830, being born about 1808. The will of George Smith, mentioned above, in Wilkes County, answered some questions. Some punctuation was added for clarity. George may have lived in Morgan and Wilkes County and others as early as 1770. The Will of George Smith Jim Burton, Probate Judge, Wilkes County, 23 East Court Street, Rm 422,
Washington, GA: pages 365, 366, 367, 368, and 369. ITEM 2nd. I give and bequeath unto my son George Blakey Smith the balance of the tract of land now in my occupancy and bequeath to my wife Mary Smith in Item 1st also the following Negroes Vez: Lightfoot, Charles, Laura, and her three children Sam Anderson, and Rose and Nancy, a girl, and forty barrels of corn, five sacks of fodder and one of oats, five head of sheep one half of the plantation tools and his clothes, bed, bedstead and farm land, also three cows and calves, one yearling, also one bay mare by the name of Snap and her colt Terry and one other Iron Gray filly by the name of Foly, also the best yoke of oxen, cart, and yoke and reins. It is my desire that the trustees hereafter named would keep the above Negroes on the farm that I leave to my son George Blakey Smith and work the same the property contained in the Item. I wish to be understood as independent by my son George Blakey Smith my debts of just to be paid out of that remainder of my Estate as hereafter denoted. I constitute and appoint Stephen G. Burnley and Micajah Beddell my true and faithful friends trustees and testamental guardians of my son George Blakey Smith requesting he may be raised in the family of Stephen G. Burnley and Micajah Bedell and trained up to respectfully as they may think best, at any rate to have a good English Education. If Stephen G. Burnley and Micajah Bedell should remove to the new Counties and think it George Blakey Smith's advantage to make sale of his land and purchase him another tract of land in the new counties, they are at liberty to do so. Item 3. I give and bequeath unto my grandson Daniel Roberts son of my daughter Amelia Roberts formerly Amelia Smith one Negro boy named Cazeheak? Item 4 I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth J. Smith wife of Joel T. Smith died, one Negro girl named Shelly as her own individual property. Item 5th. I give to my grandsons as follows vez: to George Smith son of Joel T. Smith, fifty dollars; to Henry R. Smith, twenty five dollars; to George Sanford twenty-five dollars; to the three last named for the purpose of affording them in their education. Item 6 It is my particular wish that the above specified legacies be punctually paid to the several legacies named by my Executor or Executors hereafter nominated and appointed. The remainder of my personal property, Negroes excepted, I wish sold and out of the proceeds all of my just debts, if any, be equally divided between M. Burnley wife of Stephen G. Burnley, the children of my deceased son Joel T. Smith including my great granddaughter Frances Louisa Thompson and the children of my daughter Frances Sanford wife of James Sanford. Item 7th I wish my two old Negro women Gady and Jenny to reside, if they wish, with my children and be supported by them without any labor on their part unless voluntary. Item 8th The remainder of my Negroes not divided it is my wish may be divided into three equal lots as nearly as practical to be drawn for by my daughter Margaret M. Burnley wife of Stephen G. Burnley the children of my deceased son Joel T. Smith including my great granddaughter Frances Louisa Thompson, and the children of my daughter Frances Sanford wife of James Sanford. Item 9 And lastly I hereby appoint my trusted friend Stephen G. Burnley,
Andrew Culing and Micajah Bedell Executor to this my last will and testament
hereby annulling all others by me heretofore made and I set forth publicly and
declare this testament as my last will and testament. Georgia, Wilkes County} Personally appeared in open court Joseph W. Robinson,
Mark J. Lane and John C Dyrin the subscribing witnesses the written will who
being present say that they saw the testator sign and hand him a acknowledge the
amended Instrument of writing to be his last will and testament and at the time
of his own doing he was of sound and despairing mind and memory and that they
served as witnesses is his presence at his request--and in presence of each
other. Note: *High Yaller or Yeller or Yellow referred to a person of mixed race. Yeller was considered a inpolite word in the South. The new counties mentioned in the will may refer to Troup County organized in 1832 from Indian Lands, also to various counties like Morgan and Walton. Seaborn and his family were in Troup County before 1840. The following Thompson/Smith information was written by my father in an
attempt to understand how Frances was a great grandchild of George Smith: George Smith(1st wife) = Frances Burnley It's confounding that on the 1840 Troup County Georgia census our Seaborn J. Thompson had one girl aged 5 to 10 years. That is paradoxical since he also had a girl named Mary Ann born in 1833 by his second wife. The census only listed one girl of that age group when it should have listed two young girls, Frances Louisa and Mary Ann. The confusion created by the records appear to complex to unravel. The 1830 Walton County census apparently listed Charles Thompson with Seaborn J. still in the household. Therefore, Seaborn was already widowed by 1830. The 1820 Morgan County Georgia census showed a George Smith living next door to Charles Thompson. George, apparently was related to the older George Smith. He left property to Frances Louisa Thompson in his will in 1831. He did NOT leave it to her mother or father, because they were deceased. He did not specify the names of the parents of Frances in the will which suggests they were deceased at that time i.e. before 1831. That is why my father also speculated that Seaborn may have actually adopted Frances Louisa from his sister, Louisa Thompson, a reasonable assumption, but invalid. Charles Thompson was not found enumerated on any 1810 or earlier Georgia census. The 1810 Georgia census was destroyed. The county of Morgan was not created until 1818. Apparently, Charles lived in the Walton/Morgan County area before 1818. The 1820 Morgan County census is shown below with Charles Thompson living next door to George Smith. Census: males females Negroes slaves and free: The above census indicates George Smith had one son aged 16 to 26. Charles Thompson had one daughter aged 16 to 26 (probably Louisa). Their marriage would explain how George Senior's great grandchild--Frances Louisa Thompson was adopted by Seaborn J., and was stated as a daughter of Seaborn according to the court order in Troup County. It would explain why she was living in Seaborn's family in 1850 but not prior to that time. What appears obvious in genealogy is often false. The George Smith above was not the George Smith who left a will in Wilkes County Georgia. He presumably was a relative, a cousin most likely, by the same first name. However, the SMITH and THOMPSON families possibly associated before 1800 in North Carolina. The 1830 Walton County Georgia census had these two entries which appeared
together: William Smith, above, married a lady who fits our Louisa Thompson in age and location, and they had one child who fits our Frances Louisa Smith who was apparently adopted into the Seaborn J. Thompson family. Neighbor's children often married in the rural 1800's. The census entry was merely a coincidence. A faded document dated 1 January 1932 stated a Sarah G. Smith deceased, left money to E. Smith, J. G. Roberts, James Sanford, George Smith, George B. Smith, Elizabeth Smith, and children of Joel Smith and others. Sarah was the wife of George Smith before his marriage to Mary Menzier. Further, a return (settlement of a will) dated 26 February 1835 of George Smith paid money to E. Smith, Mary Smith, Nancy Smith, E. J. Smith, Henry and Amelia Smith children of Margaret Smith, L. L. Burnley, Micajah Bedell and others, and: "Cash Pd Seaborn J. Thompson in full of Francis (Sic) L. Thompson Legacy $197.28," dated 7 January 1835. That entry did not state that Frances L. Thompson was a daughter of Seaborn Thompson. That information was found in the Court of Ordinary. Additional information might be found in the files of other courts--Inferior Court and Superior Court. You may have found the new riddle in the genealogy of Frances Louisa. That riddle was solved with the discovery of the Joel T. Smith Bible. The Joel Smith Bible The Joel family Bible was inherited by Margaret Smith. Who passed it to her son, who passed it to his son, thence to his son's wife, and later to the present owner Mrs. C. A. Kendrick of Winters, Texas. It stated in part: (possibly deceased at this writing-2001) Joel T. Smith born 16 October 1787, married Elizabeth J. Bedell born 24 September 1794. Their children were Francis Smith born 19 April 1811; George Smith born 24 May 1812; Nancy Smith born 13 October 1813; Martha Smith born 15 may 1815; Amelia R. Smith born 26 July 1819; Maria Smith born 6 December 1820; Margaret Smith born 17 September 1822; Frances L. Thompson, daughter of Seaborn and Francis Thompson born 2 March 1828. The Bible recorded Joel T. Smith died 8 March 1823; Frances Thompson daughter of J. T. and E. J. Smith died 14 May 1828; Elizabeth J. Smith died 26 Dec 1871. Marriages recorded were: Joel T. Smith married Elisabeth J. Bedell 22 April 1810; Seaborn J. Thompson married Frances Smith 2 November 1826; Andrew Huling married Martha R. Smith 8 July 1830; Micajah Bedell married Nancy Smith 18 October 1831; George Smith married Nancy Wilburn 8 July 1835. Joel Smith made a will in Wilkes County Georgia two months before his death. His will stated "... proceeds be equally divided among my eight children Frances, George, Nancy, Martha, Henry, Amelia, Maria and Margaret." Frances, fifteen years and seven months old, married Seaborn Thompson two years later. Seaborn was only twenty years old. The Smith Bible information was provided by Emma Reeves of Nacogdoches, Texas, aged ninety-five in 1994. Other information was taken from her book, "Keahey Clansman". Without her help, the riddle of Frances Louisa Thompson would still torment my father. Frances Louisa Thompson, daughter of Seaborn, was living in the home of her grandparents with Seaborn in 1830. A widowed man could not raise an infant in 1830 by himself. We have not found the cemetery of Frances Smith Thompson, nor do we know where she and Seaborn were married, but it was probably in Morgan County or Wilkes County. Those questions may be answered one day. We suspect George Smith and Charles Thompson Sr. knew one another when they lived in North Carolina. That will get our attention in the coming years. Troup County Georgia A narrative was written in the book Biographical and Historical Memoirs of NW Louisiana, pub. 1890; Southern Publishing Co., 1890, Nashville and Chicago. That passage clarified some family relationships between Samuel Reid (Reed) and Seaborn J. Thompson of Troup County who lived in Georgia from 1832 to about 1851. Not only were Reid and Thompson business associates in the slave brokerage and mortgage business, but they were in-laws through their Moreland relatives. These families knew each other before moving to Troup County as they lived variously in Greene, Wilkes, Putnam, and Morgan Counties. Following is page 438 typed as found in the above mentioned book. "Hon. William F. Moreland, planter, Homer, La. No name is justly entitled to a more enviable place in the history of Claiborne Parish than the one that heads this sketch, for it is borne by a gentleman who has been usefully and honorably identified with the interests of this parish and with its advancement in every worthy particular. He was born in Putnam County, GA., September 26, 1816, and although past the age usually allotted to a man, he is in possession of a competency fully sufficient to warrant him in passing the remainder of his days in peace and comfort. He was the seventh in a family of eleven children, who are named as follows: Joseph died in Claiborne Parish in 1852), Ann (married Samuel Reed, of Troup County, Ga. where she died), Elizabeth T. (became the wife of Thomas Hightower, of Claiborne Parish, and is now deceased), Martha (became the wife of Charnold Hightower, of Monroe County Ga. and died about 1828), Sarah (became the wife of Henry West and died in Troup County, Ga., and died in Troup County, GA), Susan (married Thomas Bustin and died in Troup County, Ga.), Isaac (died in Houston, Tex.), Jane B. (married Seburn Thompson and died in Mississippi), Mary B. (married John C. Henderson, of Putnam County, Ga. and died in Macon County, Ala.), and Amelia (married Thomas C. Miller and died in La Grange, Ga.). The father of these children, Isaac Moreland, was born and reared in Dinwiddie County, VA., and was a son of Thomas Moreland, who owned the land where a portion of Petersburg now stands. The Moreland family were originally from England. The mother of the above mentioned children, Nancy (Turner) Moreland, was born in Dinwiddie County, Va., and was a classmate of Gen. Winfield Scott's in his early educational career. Experience has been Mr. Moreland's school, and that he has made the most of it can not be questioned. He was thrown upon his own resources practically, taking care of his own affairs at the age of fourteen, and came to Claiborne Parish in 1853, locating where he now lives. He was first married in 1839 to Miss Susan L. Ferrell, daughter of Bennett Ferrell, of Jackson County, Fla. She died in Macon County, Ala., in 1849. In January, 1852, Mr. Moreland was married to Miss Elizabeth White, daughter of James White of Sumter County, Ga., and unto this union were born six children: Sidney T. (now a resident of Lexington, Va., and professor of physics in Washington and Lee University of that place), Isaac N. (a resident of Claiborne Parish), William W. (married and residing on the old home place), F. Kate (at home), Ida S. (also at home) and Lelia M. (now Mrs. James G. Meadows, of Tennessee). Mr. Moreland has been a conspicuous man in the interests of his parish, and was elected to the Legislature in 1850, serving four years. After the war he was re-elected to the House and served until the reconstruction. He was again elected to that position in 1874 and served one term. In 1879 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention, and since that time he has declined office of any kind. He was for many years an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South since 1840. He is progressive in his ideas and tendencies, and has been a representative man in the community." Several Moreland families moved to Claiborne Parish from Georgia before and after 1850. Seaborn J. Thompson moved to Scottsville, Claiborne Parish about 1851. During the trip, his wife Jane Briden (Moreland) Thompson died in Mississippi, location unknown at this time. He left his daughter, Julia, and possibly his son John in Scottsville, and he returned to Mississippi to build railroads with his sons Charles W. Thompson and Edward Young Hill Thompson. Information from selected censuses that trace Seaborn's family appear below. 1840 Georgia Troup County Charles Thompson and Charles Thompson Charles Thompson was born in North Carolina in 1774. He lived in the area of present-day Morgan County Georgia about 1805/1810. He was a man of wealth and owned a number of slaves. Several free "Colored" people lived on his farm. His male children were also wealthy, possibly from his generous hand. At a very late age, near the end of his life, Charles moved across the South from Georgia to Louisiana. His move to Louisiana appears bizarre without having further facts about his motive. A large part of his family made the move as well: Virgil, Charles, Robert, Seaborn, John, Margaret and Mary. The father of Charles was Charles of North Carolina or Scotland or England. The names Charles, John, Jmes, Thomas and William are ever present in our Thompson family. Each generation since Charles had another Charles in their family including my father's name. A will in North or South Carolina or Georgia may reveal his parent's name which we strongly suspect was Thomas or Joseph or William. In 1820, there was only one Charles Thompson recorded in the state of Georgia on the Federal Census. He appeared on the Morgan County census. Charles moved from Morgan to Walton County, just next door before 1830. In 1830, there were two Charles Thompson's in the state of Georgia according to the census. One was in Walton County and one was in Morgan County. We believe that fact could not reasonably be accounted for by chance. The young Charles Thompson of Morgan County was--possibly, the nephew of Charles of Walton County. Further, young Charles may be the son of Thomas P. Thompson who may have been the son of Joseph. Thomas, Thomas P., Charles (nephew of Charles), and Joseph lived near each other in Morgan County in 1830. The preceding conclusions are speculations. The path Charles took can be traced with a degree of accuracy by using deed records. We know he was born in North Carolina in 1774. He moved south before 1810. He married either in South Carolina or in the Indian Lands of Georgia about 1804. He had a large family in Georgia. He was in Morgan County Georgia after its creation in 1818 as proved by a deed reprinted following: Georgia--This indenture made the nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty in the forty-forth year of the Independence of the United States of America, between John Clark of the county of Baldwin of the one part and Charles Thompson of the county of Morgan of the other part, witnesseth that the said John Clark in consideration of the sum of four hundred dollars in hand, paid at and before the sealing of and deling of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, confirmed, sold, alined, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, convey and confirm unto the said Charles Thompson his heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of land situated, lying and being in the county of Morgan in said state containing one hundred and sixty acres and one half more or less acres, the same being the fraction known and distinguished in the general plan of the Twentieth District formerly Baldwin now Morgan County, by the number three hundred and fifty one, to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with all and singular, the rights, the members and appurtenances thereof whatsoever to the said tract of land being, belonging or any wise appertaining with the remainder and unnamed reversions and revisions, issues, rents and profits thereof to the only possession, use, benefit and behoof of him the said Charles Thompson his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, one fifteenth of same the said John Clark for himself his heirs, executors and administrator the said bargained tract of land unto the said Charles Thompson and his heirs, executors and administrators and assign against the said John Clark and his heirs executors and administrators shall warrant the said John Clark and his heirs, executors and administrators shall warrant and forever defend by virtue of these presents, in receipt whereof, the said John Clark hath hereunto set his hand and affected his seal the day and year per above written in the presence of John Clark. The words "and all and every other person or persons" being first erased and it being understood between the parties that the said John Clark does not warrant the land against any claim which the state may have thereunto for its sake. Recorded 21 February 1820, John Nesbet, Clk The father of Margaret Thompson (Clark) was William Clark. We believe that William Clark traveled from South Carolina to the Indian Lands of Georgia with Charles and his wife. In 1820, this entry was recorded on the Walton County census. William Clark males females Both William and his wife were over the age of forty-five according to the census. He may have been born about 1775, about the same time Charles Thompson was born. It is noted that one William Clark sold his land to William Ray 17 February 1822 in Morgan County. That was within months of Charles leaving Morgan County for Walton County. Charles Thompson purchased tracts of land in the neighboring county of Walton on 30 December 1823, 16 January 1828, and 2 June 1829. He sold his Walton County properties on 7 September 1846. He moved to Claiborne Parish Louisiana soon after that sale. It is interesting that Charles purchased that property from Thurman Harris and sold it twenty years later to James Harris. The records show that Wiley Thornton, a friend of Charles, sold his Walton County property in 1845. He may have moved to Claiborne Parish and wrote to Charles saying, "Come on out, the fishing is great." Thereafter, Charles sold his property and hauled his family to Louisiana in wagons. He lived near Wiley. Charles died about November 1851 in Claiborne Parish Louisiana. Secession hearings were held on his estate to divide his property and settle his debts. Below are some of those papers typed as closely as legible. Minors of C. Thompson Petition for tutorship filed December 2, 1851 signed WT Cleveland Dy(Deputy) Clk Dist Court-State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne--To the Honorable the Clerk of the District Court of said parish and state. The petition of Margaret Clark a resident of said parish and state with respect represents to your Honor that she is the mother and natural tutor of Robert E. Thompson and Joseph Lafayette Thompson minor children issue of the marriage between her and Charles Thompson deceased. Wherefore she prays to be confirmed and qualified as natural tutor of said minors and that an under tutor for said minors be appointed. She swears that said minors have no property except the interest they have in the Estate and Secession of their father Charles Thompson dec'd and that said Secession is unsettled and it will be impossible to ascertain their share until the same is settled. She prays for general relief. Signed, Andrew Lawson Atty for petitioner. Order State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne. It is ordered that the prayer of the foregoing petition be granted that Margaret Clark widow of Charles Thompson late of said parish and state be confirmed as natural tutor of her minor children issue of her marriage with said Charles Thompson deceased, to wit. Robert E. Thompson and Joseph Lafayette Thompson, provided she takes the oath required by law. It is further ordered that John C. Milner be appointed under tutor for said minors provided he takes the oath required under law. Signed on this 23rd day December AD 1851. Signed CC Coper Clk Dist Court. Oath of tutor filed Dec 29 1851 signed WC Coper Clk Dist Court-State of Louisiana, Parish of Claiborne. I the undersigned do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me by law as natural tutor of my minor children issue of my marriage with Charles Thompson deceased to wit, Robert E. Thompson and Joseph Lafayette Thompson according to the best of my knowledge and abilities. So help me God. Signed Margaret Thompson Sworn to and witnessed before me this 27th day of Dec AD 1851. Signed AC Barber Justice of the Peace. Oath of under Tutor Filed Dec 29, 1851, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-I the undersigned do solemnly swear that I will perform all the incumbent on me by law of under tutor for Robert E and Joseph Lafayette Thompson minors issue of the marriage between Charles Thompson late of the parish of Claiborne dec'd and Margaret Clark widow? to the best of my knowledge and duties so help me God. Signed John Milner Sworn to and signed before me this 27th day of Dec AD 1851. Signed AC Baker Justice of the peace. Letters of Tutorship, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne District Court-Whereas Margaret Clark widow of Charles Thompson Dec'd has been confirmed natural tutor of her minor children Robert E. Thompson and Joseph Lafayette Thompson issue of her marriage with said Charles Thompson of said parish and state dec'd and taken oath as prescribed under law. Now therefore this said Margaret Clark widow of Charles Thompson dec'd is hereby fully authorized and empowered to do and preform all and singular the duties incumbent in her in said capacity. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed the seal of my office this 29th day of December A.D. 1851. Signed CC Capy? Clerk Letters of under tutor, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne District
Court-Whereas John C. Wilner has been appointed under tutor for Robert E. and
Joseph Lafayette Thompson minors issue of the marriage between Margaret Clark
and Charles Thompson of said parish and state and taken oath as prescribed by
law. Now Therefore the said John C. Wilner is hereby fully authorized and
empowered to do and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on him in said
capacity. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of my office this 29th day of December A.D. 1851. Signed WC Capers Clerk. Secession of C Thompson for adm filed Dec 2, 1851 WT Cleveland Dy Clk of Dist Court, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-To the Honorable the Clerk of the District Court of said parish and State. The petitioner of Virgil V. Thompson of said parish and state, with respect represents unto your Honor that Charles Thompson his father also resident of said parish and state departed this life leaving a considerable estate and secession in this parish that your petitioner is an heir at law of said secession that there is no administrator of said estate that a part of the heirs an present in the state and some of them are absent from this state that there are two minors heirs that this mother and natural tutorship is present in the state. Petitioner represents that it is necessary that there be an administration upon said secession. That hears? me of the heirs of said deceased is entitled to the administration of said estate. Now therefore he prays to be appointed administrator of said estate and secession that an inventory of the same be made according to law and for general relief Signed Andrew Lawson petitioner's atty Order, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne. It is ordered that proper notice of the filing of the forgoing petition be given according to law. It is further ordered that an inventory and appraisement of all the property belonging to the estate and secession of Charles Thompson late of the parish of Claiborne Dec'd be made according to law by the recording of any Notary Public of said parish and state. Ordered? and signed this 10th day of December AD 1851 WC Cleveland Clk Dist Court. Order, State of Louisiana parish of Claiborne-It is ordered that N L Currier ESQ be appointed the attorney for absent heirs of Charles Thompson dec'd. Sworn and signed this 10th day of Dec AD 1851 WC Capers? Clk Dist Court. (absent heirs did not live in the Parish) Order, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-Due notice of the proper filing of the within petition having been given according to law and no opposition having been given made it is therefore ordered that the prayer of the same be granted that Virgil V. Thompson be appointed administrator of the estate and secession of Charles Thompson late of the parish of Claiborne secession provided he gives bond with good security and takes the oath as required by law. Sworn and signed this 29th day of December AD 1851 signed WC Capers Clk Dist Court. Bond Adm filed Dec 29, 1851-Know all men by these presents that we Virgil V. Thompson as principal and John C. Blackman and John C. Thompson as security are held and firmly bound unto W C Caper Clk Dist Court in and for the parish of Claiborne Louisiana unto his secession in office for the relief and benefit of the legal heirs and representatives of Charles Thompson deceased, whereas the above guardian Virgil V. Thompson has been appointed by the District Court of the parish of Claiborne, administrator of the secession of Charles Thompson late of Parish of Claiborne State of Louisiana. therefore in the completion of the above obligation is such that of the said Virgil Thompson shall will and faithfully discharge and perform all the duties of said appointment according to law, then the above obligation to be null and void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue signed VV Thompson John C Blackman, JC Thompson. Order of adm, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-I the undersigned do solemnly swear forever that I will faithfully and impartial discharge and preform all the duties incumbent on me by law as administrator of the secession of Charles Thompson of the parish of Claiborne deceased according to the best of my knowledge and abilities so help me God. VV Thompson given to and subscribed before me these 29th day of Dec AD 1851 WC Capers Clk Dist Court. Letter of Admin, State of Louisiana parish of Claiborne District Court-Whereas Virgil V. Thompson has been appointed administrator of the estate and secession of Charles Thompson of said parish and state deceased and given bond and security and taken oath as prescribed by law. Know therefore, the said Virgil V. Thompson is hereby fully authorized and empowered to do and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on him in said capacity. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of my office this 29th day of Dec AD 1851. WC Capers Clk. Petition for sale of property of secession in filed Jan 2 1851 WC Capers Clk Dist Court, State of Louisiana parish of Claiborne-To the honorable the clerk of the District Court of said parish and state. The petition of Virgil V. Thompson administrator of the estate and secession of Charles Thompson late of said parish and state dec'd with respect represents unto your honor that said estate is considerably in |