1860 Census, Sumter Co., SC; Mayesville; Dwelling 427 list Riply Copeland, age 67, farmer; wife, Anna, 60 & the following: Martha Copeland, 37; Robert, 19; Eliza A., 17; Martha Brewer (?), 79.1870 Census, Sumter Co., SC; Mt. Clio; Mayesville; Dwelling 293 list Riplin Copelin, age 78 & Anna, 73; living with them is their dau., Susan Donald, 33 & her children: Nichols, 14 & Hannah M., 11.
1880 Census, Sumter Co., SC; Mt. Clio; Dwelling 29; ED: 119, p. 4 list Riply Copeland, age, 87; wife, Anna, 83 & following: Susan Daniels, 42, daughter; Nicholas W., 24, grandson; Fanny M, 20, granddughter & ? Copeland, 18, grandson.
Source: "S.C. Genealogical Society" Vol. 1, Chart 419, compiled by Mrs. Malcolm Baker of Sumter, S.C.; also Chart 434, compiled by Mrs. Johnsie Smith Elmore of Sumter, S.C. Nancy married Ripley Copeland, Jr. of Lee Co., S.C. Nancy was great grandmother of Johnsie Smith Elmore.
The information on Ripley's parents and children, other than Daniel & Mary Ann, is from a descendant, Mr. Leonard Boykin of Camden, SC, in a letter to Dorothy Alexander, dated Dec. 5, 1980.
56. William Ervin Copeland-3291
Moved to AL; served in AL Regiment of Confederate Army.
Moved to MS; served in MS Regiment of Confederate Army.
See sister, Lidia's will, she refers to sister, Mary Daniels & niece, Louiza Daniels.1850 Census, Sumter Dist., SC; Dwelling 906 list Hopkins Daniels, age 50; wife, Mary, 48 & 7 children: Rebecca, 26; Eugenia, 19; Martha, 18; Emma, 15; Sarah, 13; Erastus, 10 & Teressa, 5.
1860 Census, Sumter Dist., SC; Mayesville; Dwelling 448 list Hopkins Daniels, age 60, farmer; wife, Mary, 58 - shows Mary to own $3000. real estate and $1000. personal property; 2 children: Edmund, 20 & Theresa H., 15.
[WHT: Charles W. Farmer, a descendant, of Mayesville, SC sent me the following information on the descendants of Hopkins Daniel & Mary Christmas in Jan. 1998. Will Bundle 145 Package 15, Probated Mar. 3, 1862, Sumter Co., SC.]
SC County Records, Vol. 1, p. 55: p. 106-107: S.C., Lexington Dist.: partition of land by heirs of Jeremiah Gist alias Kish; Arron Christmas & wife are mentioned as heirs; June 1, 1840.1850 Census, Orangeburg Co., SC; Orange, Dwelling 141, p. 318 list Arron Christmas, age 47, born in NC; Elizabeth age 37; children: Soloman P. age 12; Lydia age 9; Elzy age 7; Eldridge P. age 5; Elizabeth age 2; Evilina age 2 month; Elizabeth & children born in SC; Aug. 9.
[WHT comments: Caleb is an interesting person and has been a difficult one to track. Over the years, Jeb Benedict & Marlene C. McLean, descendants, Eddie Jones and myself have spent a lot of time trying to determine his locations and families. If our research is correct, a large number of the SC Christmas families descend from Caleb, as well as some in GA and FL.]Caleb married Temperance Prescott and had 5-6 children; the marriage had problems and Caleb began living with another woman, Epsey. Based on age of children, from census information, Caleb had two families at the same time; later he would have a third wife, Jane Benefield.
I have not found any SC land records for Caleb so I assume he was working the farm with his father, Nathan until about 1827 when he moved to Orangeburg Co., SC. Census information shows him in GA in 1840 & FL in 1850-1860, so he moved to GA in the 1830's and on to FL in late 1840's. As new land became available, I guess he moved to the area with hopes of doing better. There is probably a land record (not found) for him in Hamilton Co., FL, as 3 of his sons moved to Hamilton Co. between 1850 - 1860; Caleb & Jane moved to Alachua Co., FL and purchased land in 1855.
A Nov. 1999 note from Marlene C. McLean says she found a land sale reference; dated May 9, 1816, Salem Co., SC on Meadows Branch near Long Branch bounded by land lately sold by Israel G. Mathis to Benjamin Prescott and Caleb Christmas - DD, 377.
The following petition states Caleb & Temperance were married in 1818; based on census records he would have been 19 & Temperance 18; however, Caleb's age varies greatly from census to census. In Nathan's estate papers are some other petitions by Temperance, which state Robert is 17 or about and Jane is 15 or about; date is Sept., 1834. It appears they had a child very soon after marriage or before. Based on the ages (from census) of Caleb & Temperance's children & the ages of Caleb & Epsey's children, he probably left Temperance about 1826-7.
Temperance filed for Alimony in 1832 and Caleb's children received all or part of his inheritance from his father's estate.
It appears that most, if not all, of Caleb's children by Temperance Prescott stayed in SC and many of the Christmas' in SC today descend from this family.
The following records are in the Sumter Co., SC Courthouse and SC Archives; copies are in my files; however, I have not transcribed all of the records.
Sumter Co., SC Conveyance Book F, p. 433.
Know all men by these presents that I Nathan Christmas of the State of South Carolina and Sumter District in consideration of my natural love and affection which I have and bear unto my Grand Children Abigail, Robert and Jane Christmas and also for other good causes and considerations, I have given, granted and confirmed and by these presents do give , grant and confirm unto the said children Abigail, Robert and Jane Christmas all and singular the property there in mentioned to wit, five head of cattle, ten head of hogs, bed, bedstead and Furniture with household and kitchen furniture to have and to hold and enjoy all and singular the said goods and chattels and personal estate aforesaid unto the said Abigail, Robert and Jane Christmas.[WHT: the document continues with repetitive legal phases; it was signed by Nathan Christmas, by mark, on October 6, 1820; Recorded October 10, 1820 in Sumter District, SC. Wit: Thomas Marshall & A. D. Foxworth. These are the children of Nathan's son, Caleb & Temperance Prescott]
"Sumter Co., SC Equity Rolls" Roll 470: Bill for Alimony, Relief & CA. 26 Sept 1832 Christmas, Temperance, Robert, William, Caleb, James, Abagail Jane by Benjamin J. Prescott
vs Caleb Christmas & Daniel McLeod, Administrator of Nathan Christmas Caleb Christmas intermarried with Temperance in 1818, minors listed above are their children. Caleb left Sumter with another woman, his father, Nathan died 1831.[WHT: The following was transcribed by John Benedict]
State of South Carolina: Sumter District : In EquityTo the Honorable Henry W. [Devareaux] and John Johnston Chancellors of said State Humbly complaining sheweth unto you she your oratrix Temperance Christmas, who swore her oath first, Benjamin J.Prescott, and your orators Robert, William, Caleb, and James, and your oratrices Abigail and Jane Christmas.
The said Robert, William, Caleb, James, Abigail & Jane (being infants under the age of twenty one years) sae by their best friend, the said Benjamin J. Prescott, That some time in the Year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and eighteen, Caleb Christmas intermarried with your oratrix Temperance, and had by her in wedlock the following children, to wit, your orators and oratrices Abigail, Robert, William, Caleb, Jane, & James.
That during the whole time the said Caleb remained with your oratrix the said Temperance, she conducted herself as a good, loving, kind and attentive wife to him, devoting herself to his interest, and doing every thing in her power to administer to his happiness.
That some time in the Year of our Lord [blank in original] the said Caleb began to treat her in an unworthy manner, at first harsh & rude, then oppressive and servile, beating and chiding her, & as she verily believes and now so charges violating his marriage vow by adulterous crimes [& sin].
That although he continued so to beat her, she still faithfully conducted herself as a good and devoted wife should do, and the said Caleb doing all that a man could to render a wife unhappy and unattached.
That in the year (blank in original] he finally deserted and abandoned her and her children, taking up with a woman of bad character, living with her in a state of adultery, removing with her far beyond the said district of Sumter, and as she verily believes, having so understood, now living in same terms with the said woman.
That he left your orators and oratrices, his wife & children destitute of all means of support save the personal exertions of said Temperance, in a state of penury and want, and dependent on the charity of the world, and since he so deserted and abandoned them, has not even addressed them a single line.
And your orators and oratrices further show unto your Honors that since the abandonment & desertion of said Caleb, your oratrix Temperance with the exception of what she has received from charity has entirely supported herself and children by the labor of her own hands with the aid of such of her children whose years would allow them to assist her.
That they are still in a destitute situation, that some time in this year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one Nathan Christmas the father of the said Caleb departed this life intestate, leaving real & personal estate. That Daniel McLeod administered upon the estate of said Nathan.
That the said Caleb as one of the heirs at law of said Nathan is entitled to a distributive share of his estate and that your said orators and oratrices being in the forlorn and destitute situation before created, called upon the said Daniel to deliver and pay to them and to their use that distributive share of the estate of said Nathan to which by the laws of the land the said Caleb is entitled.
And they well hoped he would have complied with such reasonable request as in Equity and good conscience he was bound to do.
But now so it is May it please Your Honors that the said Caleb confederating and combining with persons unknown to your orators and oratrices, (but whose names when ascertained they pray may be inserted herein as parties, with words apt & sufficient to charge them with the premises) in order to oppress and ruin your orators and oratrices has altogether neglected and does still neglect to provide any means for their support & maintenance and the said Daniel refuses to pay over and deliver to them the distributive share of the estate of the said Nathan to which said Caleb is entitled only & by order and under the authority of your Honorable court.
In tender consideration whereof, and for inasmuch as your orators and oratrices are remediless in the premises at law and alienable only in equity where matters of this nature are properly fasserted]
To the end therefore that the said Caleb and Daniel may file here direct and perfect answer, make upon their [report as] [administrators], to all and singular this matter and [then] as herein above [illegible] as fully as if here repeated and they thereby as [illegible) [be] interrogated [illegible) especially that said Caleb may state whether from a short period after his marriage he did not treat his said wife Temperance in a harsh, servile, oppressive, [and demeaning] manner --whether he did not beat & abuse her, whether he did not desert & abandon her & her children, and leave the said district with a woman with whom he lived, and upon [account very] lately, still lives in a state of adultery, whether since he has so deserted & abandoned them that he has provided anything and what for their support --That said Daniel may state whether he is not the administrator of the Estate of Nathan Christmas --whether the said Nathan did not depart this life without leaving a will --whether said Caleb is not the son of said Nathan, and as such entitled to a distributive share of his estate.
That said Daniel may account for his administration of estate of said Nathan, and that whatever share the said Caleb may be found entitled to, may be paid over to your orators and oratrices by said Daniel for their support and maintenance of your oratrix the said Temperance his wife and be also [compelled] to maintain your orators and oratrices his children and that both these purposes by the order or degree of your Honors, the fund in the hands of said Daniel may be apprised and appropriated, and that your orators and oratrices may have said order and such relief in the premises as the nature of the case may seem to require, and to your Honors shall seem meet. -- May it please your Honors to grant to your orators and oratrices a writ of subpoena ad Respondendum as to be directed to said Caleb and Daniel, issuing out of your Honorable court thereby commanding, requiring them and [directing] them, at a certain day & under a certain penalty therein to be indicated to be and appear before your Honors in this Honorable court, then and there to answer all and singular the premises, [hand] and to perform and abide [by] such order, which may order therein as to your Honors shall seem meet, and your orators and oratrices will ever pray, [etc.,] for.
[Signed]F.J. Moses [illegible]
SC Archives, Wills, Bundle 22, Package 7. ============================================================ Bill: Temperance Christmas et al by next ?_____ vs Caleb Christmas
In this case after legal publication as to one defendant, said ______ of a suit to ?________ acceptable by the other, an order pro ?_______ has been taken against the defendant.
A brief of the bill accompanying the decree, and forms part of it.
After hearing the bill read, it making a proper and sufficient case for the aid and relief of this commission. It is ordered & decreed that Daniel McLeod do account before the Commissioner as admin. of Nathan Christmas, and that he do pay over to the person authorized to receive the same for the minor children of Caleb Christmas parties ?_____ complainants in this cause for their maintenance & support the share and interest to which the said Caleb is entitled in the estate of the said Nathan Christmas after first paying the cost and charges of the bill of the proceeding therein. February 20 1834.
Sumter Co., SC Roll 470-10, p. 562-564 ============================================================
To William Potts Junr. Esquire Ordinary for Sumter district. The petition of Robert Christmas about seventeen years old or thereabouts Jane Christmas about fifteen years old or therea- bouts and William Presscott their--------- Uncle for ---- William Christmas, Caleb Christmas and -------James Christmas under the age of fourteen years Sheweth that the Court of Equity has divided their Fathers part or Share of the Estate of Nathan Christmas deed shall be vested in the said Robert Christmas, Jane Christmas and William Christmas, Caleb Christmas and James Christmas Minors further Sheweth that they have no one to take charge of them and their property therefore prayeth that their Uncle William Presscott may be Appointed their Guardian and the said William Presscott is willing to take upon himself the Guardianship of said Robert Christmas and Jane Christmas Minors Wm Christmas, Caleb Christmas & James Christmas Minors. 15 day of September A D 1834 Sumter bills. Robert Christmas /s/ Jane Christmas /s/ Wm. Prescot /s/The parties appearing in Court and the said Robert Christmas and Jane Christmas did make choice of William Presscot their Uncle as their Guardian and the said William Prescot have Accepted of the Appointment of Guardian of the said Robert Christmas and Jane Christmas, William Christmas Caleb Christmas and James Christmas Minors. Therefore the Court Appointed the said William Prescot Guardian for the said Robert Christmas and Jane Christmas William Christmas Caleb Christmas and James Christmas Minors done in Open Court on the fifteenth day of September A D 1834.
William Potts Junr /s/ Ordy S. D.[WHT: Sumter Co., SC Equity Roll # 470; Petition for Alimony by Temperance, wife of Caleb, show these to be children of Nathan's son Caleb; also it indicates Temperance last name could be Prescott.]
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[WHT: The following is some census information on Temperance, Caleb and his families:]
1820 Census: Sumter Dist., SC, p. 105. Calee Christmas [Caleb?] 1 male under 10; 1 male between 16 and 26; 2 females under 10; 1 female between 16 and 26; On page 105A of the census is a very large number of the Nathan Christmas family. It is believed that the Caleb Christmas on page 105 is the eldest child of Nathan Christmas, page 105A.
1830 Census: Caleb Christmas Orangeburg Co., SC, p. 039, Orange P 2 males under 5; 1 male 10-15; 1 male 30-40; 1 female under 5; 1 female 20-30. [WHT: I think this is Caleb with his second wife, Epsey.]
Lanpk Christmas Sumter p. 089 Sumter D. [Tempy Christmas, this is Caleb's family with Temperance] 1 male under 5; 2 males 5-10; 1 male 10-15; 1 female 5-10; 1 female 15-20; 1 female 20-30.
1840 SC Census: Tempy Christmass Darlington " 007 [wife of Caleb] 1 male under 5 [Thomas?]; 1 male 10-15; 1 male 15-20; 1 female 5-10; 1 female 30-40.
1840 Census, Dooly Co., GA, 3rd District, p. 99 list: Caleb Christmas; 1 male to 5 (Briant), 1 male 5-10 (Nathan), 1 male 10-15 (Caleb, Jr. # 2), 1 male 15-20 (Henry, date range off), 1 male 20-30 (unknown), 1 male 40-50 (Caleb, Sr.), 1 female 10-15 (maybe Mary Anne, date range off), 1 female 40-50 (Essie).
1845 Dooly Co., GA Indexes to Seven States Census Reports for Counties in GA, 1838-1948, P. 16; Caleb Christmas - Free White Persons, 7; Free White Males, 2, ages 6-16; Free White Females, 1, ages 6-15. (MCM)
1850 SC Census, Sumter Dist., SC, p. 397; Timfy Christmas, age 50 & Thomas Christmas, 13. They live at dwelling # 1418 & a Thomas Christmas, age 14 is living with A. D. Foxworth & wife, Silvey Christmas Foxworth, dau. of Nathan, died 1831, at dwelling # 1416. This Thomas Christmas in both households could be the same person and a son of Caleb or probably someone else - think he died in Civil War.
1860 Census, Sumter Co., SC, p. 181; Temperance Christmas, age 62 is living by herself.
1850 Dooly Co., GA census Epsy (Caleb's 2nd wife) was living in dwelling # #929, Nathan Christmas, (Caleb's brother) age 43 and Saphronia Christmas, age 42 with their children were in house #925. Charles A. Spradley, 38, b. SC and his family in house #882. Eliza A. (Christmas) Spradley, widow, b. SC house #732, next house to her is Absolom Christmas, 45, b. SC and Epsey, 64. These people are all Caleb's brothers, sisters and in-laws, except Absolum, who is his cousin.
ESSIE (Epsey-Epsy) CHRISTMAS, head of household, was born in SC about 1798, Children: Henry, 23 yrs.; Caleb, 21 yrs.; & Nathan, 16 yrs., all born in SC and Briant (Littly Bryan), 13 yrs., born in Ga. [Caleb's second family - dates of children's birth indicates he moved to GA between 1834 and 1837; he has left this family & is in Hamilton Co., FL.]
1850 Census, Hamilton Co., FL; roll # 58, page 229 B, 1st District, 22; Dwelling 82, family 82 is : Caleb Christmas, 40, SC, laboror, Jane Christmas, 23, NC, neither can read nor write, Hardy E. Benefield, age 5, b. in GA & James L. Benefield, age 12 , b. in GA. [Caleb, son of Nathan & Celia; his age is not correct.]
1860 Census, Hamilton Co., Jasper, FL 16 June 1860, roll 107, page 576: Dwelling 112, family, 112: Caleb Christmas, 35, b. Georgia, farmer; Martha Christmas, 25, b. GA; Bryant Christmas, 22, b. Ga.; Henry Christmas, 30, b. Ga.; James Christmas 12, b. Ga. [WHT: this is Caleb, Jr. # 2; Martha is probably his wife; Henry & Bryant are his brothers; no idea about James, ages are off from 1850 census.]
1860 Census, Alachua Co., FL; Newmansville PO; 17th District, Page 61, Dwelling 459, Family # 471: Caleb Christmas, 55, b. SC, farmer, $100 & $386; Jane Christmas, 27 b. NC; Hardy Benefield, 17, b. Ga. [WHT: This is Caleb, Sr. with his 3rd. wife.]
1870 Census, Hamilton Co., FL, Jasper Post Office, page 60B: Henry Christmas, age 41, works on farm and living with Thomas Baker, 37 & wife, Frances, 32 with their three children: James, 10; Julia, 8 & Lawrence, 6. [WHT: Marlene Mclean thinks the age for Henry is 24, it appears to be 41 to me]
1880 Census, Hamilton Co., FL, Dwelling # 58: Henry, age 56, widow, farm worker, is listed in household of Wm. Touchstone, 27; wife, Cinda, 23 & family
1885 Hamilton Co., FL, State census, 2nd Dist., Dwelling # 141 is a C. Christmas, 50, b. SC; Wife, C., b. SC & brother H. Christmas, 60 Invalid. [WHT: think this is probably Caleb (see 1860 census above) with wife, maybe 2nd wife, with brother, Henry living with them.]
Also in the 1885 Hamilton Co., FL is James Christmas, age 50, b. GA; wife, A., 38, b. SC with son Wm., b. FL & daughter, Hattie, b. FL.
1900 Hamilton Co., FL census: James Christmas, age 44, b. Oct. 1855; Kitty Ann, 20?, b. Jan. 1856; son, Wm., 20, b. Jan. 1880 & Lizzie, 8, b. Mar 1892.[This & previous two census abstracts were sent by Marlene C. McLean.]
We have Caleb in Hamilton Co., FL in 1850 with Jane, age 23, born in NC; 1860 Caleb 55 with Jane, age 27, b. in NC, in Alachua Co., FL; Helen Perry's found a marriage certificate (copy in file) for Caleb and Jane Benefield, dated June 14, 1850 in Hamilton Co., FL; Jane is wife # 3.
Caleb Christmas purchased 38.94 acres of land on May 1, 1855 in Alachua Co., FL; Eddie Jones sent information on this purchase. Later, a copy of the original record was found on the Internet. US Govt. Land Records, Certificate # 2114: Patentee Name: Christmas, Caleb; Accession Number: FL0370__.409; State: Florida; Volume: 370; Page: 409; Document Number: 2114; Land Office: Newmansville; Aliquot Part Reference: NENW; Section Number: 34; Township: 8 South; Range: 18 East; Meridian/Survey Area: Tallahassee Meridian Act/Treaty Authorizing Sale: Sale-Cash Entries; Date Signed: May 1, 1855; Acreage: 38.94. The document on file at the BLM contains a signature.
1850 Census, Sumter Dist., SC; Dwelling # 1418, p. 397 list Timfy Christmas, age 50 & Thomas Christmas, 13.
[WHT: I do not think Thomas is a child of Caleb & Temperance; he died in the Civil War: Christmas, Thomas H. , Co. B 7th SC Inf. , died of wounds received at Drury’s Bluff , Va. , 1-1-1864. The Roll of the Dead, SC Troops shows his DOD as Sept. 6, 1864. Buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Grave 6, Row J, Division F. ]
1870 Census, Hamilton Co., FL; Jasper PO; Dwelling 2; p. 120, list Henry Christmas, age 41, born GA, works on farm and living with Thomas Baker, 37 & wife, Frances, 32, born GA, with their three children: James, 10; Julia, 8 & Lawrence, 6.1880 Census, Hamilton Co., FL; Precinct 2; Dwelling # 58 list Henry Christmas, age 56, widow, farm worker, living in in household of Wm. Touchstone, 27; wife, Cinda, 23 & family.
[WHT: Living with brother, Caleb in 1885 FL State Census.]
[WHT: The church is located near Mayesville in Sumter Co., SC, just off hwy. # 76. Her name is spelled Sylvia in her father's legal documents.]Another source: "S.C. Genealogical Society," Vol. II, chart 130; compiled by J. B. Tindal, Jr. of Sumter, SC.
1850 Census, Sumter Co., SC; Dwelling 1436; p. 398; NTL; M432 list 859 A. D. Foxworth age 62; wife, Silvey, age 50; Martha J. age 17; Henry G. age 14; Ezekie Norton age 18; Saml Jenkins age 36; Mary M. Jenkins age 22; Margaret A. Hatfield age 28; Robert M. Jenkins age 1; Family & Dwelling # 1436. Ezekie, Mary M. & Margaret A. might be daughters of A. D. & Silvey. A Thomas Christmas, age 14 living with them.
1870 Census, Sumter Co., SC; Swimming Pen Township; Dwelling # 288 list Alexander D Foxworth, age 81; Sylvia, 75; living with them is Henry D. McKain, 25, farm laborer & Nora Almonds, 14. Dwelling # 283 is son, Daniel.
Information on children from "S.C. Historical Magazine" Vol. 61, p.60. He is mentioned several times, along with wife, Silvia, in will of Nathan Christmas, d.1831, Sumter Co., SC.
Sumter Co., SC Courthouse in Book QQ, p. 417: Daniel A. Foxworth, administrator of estate of Thomas White, deceased, sales 400 acres to Samuel A. Collins; property is located on Black River, bounded on the N. by the lands of J. R. McLeod and on the W. by lands of Thomas S___?1870 Census, Sumter Co., SC, Swimming Pen Township; Dwelling # 283; Daniel A. Foxworth, age 51, farmer; wife, Sarah A., 48; living with them is Margaret Jones, 60; Josephus Moore, 16; John Boyce, 7 & Nathaniel Talbert, 10.
1870 Census, Sumter Co., SC, Bishopville, Dwelling # 193 list Martha Moore, age 44 with son, Wm. H., 9; also listed and living with them is Sarah Cook, 40 & Robert F. Cook, 10. [WHT: I'm not sure this is the same person.]
1850 Census, Sumter Dist., SC; Dwelling 1449, list Jane, age 48 & husband, Daniel McLeod, 56, planter, ownes $6000.00 real estate, with the following children: Thomas D., 17; Martha C., 15; Henry, 13; Robert W., 9; Nathan S., 6 & Elizabeth, 1 or 10.In dwelling 1447 is Roger G. McLeod, age 82 and family. Dwelling 1446 is Robert McLeod, age 40 and family.
Headstone refers to Jane being in the 60th year of life.
He was the administrator of Nathan Christmas' will; a buyer at estate sale of Harmon Mayo, Dec. 23, 1839, Dooly Co., GA. Rembert Meth. Church is located on SC 37, E of S. Hwy. 441; the church dates to 1790. There is several other McLeods in the cemetery that could be their children.
100. Henry McLeod-11701
[WHT: I'm not sure the following Henry is a son of Daniel McLeod.]
1880 Census, Sumter Co., SC; Providence; Dwelling 152; ED: 121, p. 15 list Henry McLeod, age 42, farmer, father born in Scotland, mother in SC; wife, Harriett R., 40 & 7 children: Evalina, 15; William B., 13; Henry A., 10; Mary L., 8; Harriett K., 6; D Cleland, 4 & Robert, 1. also living in the household is Evalina Ballard, 81, mother-in-law & Laura Richardson, 77, aunt.
1830 United States Federal Census: Name: Thomas Marchal [Thomas Marshal]
Home in 1830: Sumter, South Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 81840 United States Federal Census: Name: Thos Marshall; Township: District 3
County: Dooly; State: Georgia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1
Total - All Persons (Free White, Free Colored, Slaves): 11
[WHT: Assume Celie died before 1860.]1860 Census, Barbour Co., AL; Eastern Division; PO Eufaula; Dwelling 852, Family 875 list Thos Marshall, age 61, born in SC, mechanic & Catharine O., 17, born in GA. Same dwelling, family 874 is Reubin E. Brown, age 33; wife, Hester, 33, both born in GA & family in AL. [WHT: In Celia Baker Christmas McCoy's 1861 will & estate papers, she makes reference to "Hester & Reuben Brown, g-children."]
1870 Census, Barbour Co., AL; Township 11 Range 29; PO Eufaula; Dwelling 892 list Thos Marshall, age 71, born in SC, carpenter; also in the household is Drusilla, 61, black, born in NC, keeping house.
1840 Census, Dooly Co., GA, 3rd District, p. 100 list: Nathan Christmas. 2 males 5-10;1 male 30-40; 2 females under 5 & 1 female 30-40.1850 Census, Dooly Co., GA, 24th District; Dwelling 925 list Nathan Christmas, age 43, farmer, ownes $1200.00, born in SC' wife, Suphronia, 42, born in SC & following children: Jermiah J., 16; Daniel J., 14; Nomy E., 12; Mary J., 3 & Nathan, 8 mo. Also living with them is Rebecca Baker, 18. All children and Rebecca Baker born in GA. Living in Dwelling 922 is Loan Brown and family; his daughter, Martha would marry Nathan's son, Daniel J.
1860 Census, Dooly Co., GA; Vienna; Dwelling 367 list Nathan Christmas, age 53, farmer, born in SC; S. A. (f) 53, born in SC; M. J. (Mary Jane) 14 & N. J. (probably James Nathan) 10, both born in GA.
1880 Census, Dooly Co., GA; District 6; Dwelling 137 Vol. 7, ED 90, p.14 & 15, list Nathan, age 73, wife Mary A., 39 & 8 children: Laura A. S., 16; Wm. T.,14; Roxy A., 13; Nedam J., 10; Charles, 7; Madison, 5; Lizzie, 3 & Silva, 5 mo. Also living with them is S. J. Dillard, age 64, mother of Mary.
Nathan Christmas, with a son named Nathan who was 8 months old, is listed in the 1850 GA census. This Nathan Christmas was born in Sumter Co., SC on Sept. 4, 1806 and was the son of Nathaniel (son of John) He died on Feb. 6, 1883 in Dooly Co., Ga.
[WHT: Directions to his grave & graves of some of his children, given to me by Eddie Jones, are as follows: Locations are in Dooly Co., GA.]
"The Christmas/Cason cemetery is the small one with about 13 graves. Exit from I-75 at exit #36 stay on the east side of I-75. There is a small gas station on the SE corner of the I-75 & exit 36 road. At the foot of the short hill is a small house and a larger house on the left side of the road. Turn off the road near the small house and larger house. The graves are behind the small house. Total distance from the I-75 over-past is only about 400 yards. This is where Nathan and his second wife Mary Dillard is buried. The big house was built on the site of Nathan's old house; the road is called the Vienna to Pitts road. (State road 215)
[WHT: From Melissa Evans, who visited the cemetery in May, 2003: There were only 12 or 13 graves. But the directions were great, except for the Exit Number is now 109. They changed a couple of years ago.]
Go back on I-75 heading north, to the next exit, #37, drive east 3 miles watching on your left, you will be running alongside a narrow strip of pecan trees. The pecan orchard is broken by Lane cemetery. There are three entrances, the center is marked with a sign. Start in the SW corner, you will see a lot of Christmas and Sangster slabs and headstones. No matter which name you see in there, it is mostly somehow related to me. There are three Nathan Christmas buried there, "do we ever see no end to Nathan's? All through the cemetery is Christmas, Sangster, Howard, Jones, Hutto. That land between exit 36 and 37 and west about another two miles west of the cemetery was worked mostly by the Sangsters, Howards and Christmas families. Go one mile further east of Lane cemetery to the first two story white house on the right. This is one of the Sangster houses that is one hundred years old and still in good shape. This road continues on to Hawkinsville, thus called the Vienna to Hawkinsville road (State road 27).
Hawkensville Dispatch: Mr. Nathan Christmas an old citizen of Dooly county, died very suddenly at his home near Vienna on Tuesday, 6th inst., of heart disease. (article written Thursday, 8 Feb 1883)
Some children, marriages & dates are from the book by Watts Powell, "History of Dooly Co., GA," Vol III.
[WHT: The following Christmas Bible information was sent to me by Howard W. Christmas; the Bible is dated 1869 and was sent to H. W. Christmas by E. B. Williams of Valdosta, GA.]
BIRTHS: Nathan Christmas, Sept. 4, 1806; Mary A. C. Christmas, Dec. 15, 1939; Laura Ann Sopharonia Christmas, Jan. 20, 1864; William Thomas Christmas, Nov. 28, 1865; Roxann Christmas, Mar. 9, 1868; Needham J. Christmas, May 2, 1870; Charles Christmas, Jul. 16, 1872; Madison Christmas, Oct. 17, 1874; Eliza Leona Christmas, Feb 20, 1877; Lelsie (Leslie or Lessie) Christmas, Jan. 4, 1880.
DEATHS: Tommie Christmas, March 24, 1942; Charles Christmas, July 9, 1933; Eliza Morris, Feb 1918; Nathan Christmas, Feb. 6, 1883; Roxy A. Conner, Mar. 12, 1887; Cozzie Cason, July 6, 1904; Mary Ann Catherine Christmas, Jan. 12, 1913; Eddie Lee Cason, Oct. 18, 1918; Charlie Maxwell, Dec. 3, 1918; Walter Bennett Cason, Jan. 17, 1930; Bennett Ashley Cason, Jan. 31, 1925; James Melvin Cason, Dec. 20, 1916; Davie Cason, July 11, 1934; Laura Ann Sopharonia Cason, Jan. 25, 1957; Gordy Cason, May 20, 1964.
MISC (BIRTHS) Benet Ashley Cason, Oct. 22, 1864; Laura A. S. Christmas, Jan. 20, 1864; Mildred Mabel Coppedge, Nov. 8, 1891; Tina Bertha Coppedge, Apr. 29, 1894; Charlie Maxwell Cason, Mar. 17, 1915; James Melvin Cason, Apr. 1, 1915; Evelyn Marjorie Cason, Mar. 4, 1913; W. James Whitous Cason, Nov. 2, 1866.
MARRIAGES: Nathan Christmas and Mary Ann Dillard, Mar. 15, 1863; Bennett Cason and Laura Christmas, Dec. 21, 1884; Eddie Lee Cason and Tina Bertha Coppedge, Oct. 1, 1911; Dovie B. Cason and Mildred Mabel Coppedge, July 1, 1911; Henry Gordie Cason and Katie Lee Coppedge, June 2, 1917; Nettie Mae Cason and James Homer Simmons, Oct. 4, 1930; James Buford Cason and Irma Caldwell, Oct. 26, 1940.
[WHT: Following reference from Sandra Bush Oliver, a descendant:]
1873 - Nathan made deeds to: Daniel J. CHRISTMAS and his wife Martha C.; James N. CHRISTMAS and wife Lucy A.; Mary Jane and husband James M. HOWARD, Naomi Bailey, dau.; Mary A. CHRISTMAS [wife of Nathan] and her five children: Mary A.S.; William T.; Roxan A.; Nedon J.; and Charles. [1. Hist. & Gen. Collections, Dooly County, by Watts Powell]
[WHT: None of us have been able to confirm the last name of Clifton as provided by HWC. The research of Tom Lloyd, descendant, has provided us with the death certificate of Daniel John Christmas, which shows Sophronia last name as Norton. This information was given by Daniel's wife, Martha.]Tom also has a later record, family history notes written by Martha Elizabeth Christmas, granddaughter of Daniel J. Christmas and great-granddaughter of Nathan. She gave her grandpa Christmas' mother's name as " ? Norton Christmas". She wrote:
"My Grandpa Christmas was born in Dooly Co. near Vienna, Ga., his parents were Nathan and ? Norton Christmas. He had 2 brothers Jerry and Jim, 3 half-brothers Needham, Charles, & Madison, 3 sisters, Sophronia, Sylvia, and ? Grandpa was born Dec 8, 1835 and died April 6, 1924. He and Grandma both are buried in Liberty Cemetery in Wilcox Co -- near Rochelle [Ga]. Grandma was born June 15, 1840, and died Aug. 22 or 23, 1934."
Tom also points out that there is one "Daniel Norton" living in Sumter District, South Carolina about the time Sophronie was born. Further, a Norton residence is shown on the 1824 Mills Atlas of Sumter District, just a short distance down the road from the Christmas homestead.
It's worth noting that Nathan and Sophronie named their son "Daniel." We can also point to the middle name of Tom's grandfather, Randall *Norton* Christmas.
Nathan's mother, Celia Baker, provides for a granddaughter, Elekiz (Eliza - Elizabeth) Norton in her 1861 estate settlement. I think this Eliza is the daughter of Silvia Christmas and Daniel Foxworth.
[WHT: Although we have no absolute proof, Tom Lloyd, Eddie Jones, Jeb Benedict & myself feel we should show Norton as Sophronia surname, until it is proved differently.]
Mary Ann Catherine Dillard-813
[WHT: Mary A. & daughter, Silvia, are listed as living with daughter, Laura & family in 1900 census.]
22. Jeremiah Richard Christmas-424
[WHT: J. R., his mother Celia, and several of Nathan's other children were in Houston/Dooly Co. GA in 1834. The information on his first marriage to Naomi was given me by Howard Christmas; I have no other info on this marriage.]Houston Co., GA, Deed Book G: Pg. 41-42; Jeremiah Christmas, Houston Co., purchases from John M. Warren, Dooly Co., Lot # 336 in the 13th District, 15 acres; dated Dec. 22, 1834; Wit: Allen P. Spradly, William Henderson.
Pg. 42; Jeremiah Christmas purchases from Thomas Barron, both of Houston Co., Lot # 335 in the 13th District, 202 1/2 acres; dated Sep. 15, 1834; Wit: Nathan Christmas, John Smith.Houston Co., GA, Deed Book H: Pg. 188; Celia Christmas of Dooly Co., GA sales 4 slaves to J. R. Christmas, Dec. 22, 1840.
3rd. marriage to Melissa Downing recorded in Dooly Co., GA. Marriage Bonds and Returns, Books B & E.
1850 Census, Houston Co., GA; Henderson; Dwelling 456 list Jeremiah Christmas, age 41, farmer, born in SC; wife, Rebecca, 31, born in GA & 9 children: Julia, 18; Jane, 16; Thomas, 13; Cely, 12; Jeremiah, 10; Geomy, 10; Mary, 6; Sidney, 5 & John, 3; also, F. F. Robinson, age 24, farmer, born in SC is living with them. Family # 457 is his sister, Mary, her husband Allen P. Spradley and seven children.
1860 Census, Houston Co., GA; 13th Dist.; Family/Dwelling # 165; list J. R., wife, Rebacca and 7 of their children: Thomas N., 22; Celia E., 20; J. R., 18; Naoma, 18; Mary M., 16; J. S., 15 & John W., 12. Jeremiah's sister Mary Spradley & family is Family # 168.
1870 Census, Houston Co., GA; Perry; Dwelling 132 - Family 137; list Jeremiah Christmas, age 62; wife, Rebecca, 60; farmer; RE Value $4000. born in SC. Same dwelling, family 138 is son, John W. age 22, farmer, and wife, Martha, 21; both born in GA.
1880 Census, Houston Co., GA; Hendersons; Dwelling 116, ED: 33, p. 11 list Jerry Christmas, age 71 & wife, Malissa, age 39, born in GA.
Hawkensville Dispatch Vol. 17, #24, Thursday morning, 14 Jun 1883: From the Dooly Vindicator: Mr. Jerry Christmas died at his home near Snow Springs last week. He had been confined to bed eight or ten months, affected with bronchitis and the weight of years. He was a prominent citizen of Dooly, and occupied a high place in the estimation of his friends. He was about eighty years of age.
Source: S.C. Archives, S.UC-1, Roll 3.
Marriage Book date of marriage is 1848; think marriage date is earlier.
Thomas Christmas served as a private in the Confederate Army, Company E, 3rd Georgia Infantry; enlisted April 26, 1961 - Houston Co., GA.
Houston Co., GA. Will dated May 17, 1886; Rec. Oct. 4, 1886. She mentions property owned in Dooly Co., GA; daus: Ella E. Lockam & Martha J. ?; sons: George, John & Charles Downing.
1850 Census, Houston Co., GA; Henderson; Dwelling 457 list Allen P. Spradley, age 44, farmer, born in SC; wife, Mary, 38, born in SC & 7 children: looks like Jane (should be Mary) 14; Lenora, 13; John, 10; Lawson, 9; Susan, 7; Martha, 5 & Caroline, 2. [WHT: All the children listed as born in GA. This indicates they were in GA by 1836.]1860 Census, Houston Co., GA; 13th Dist.; Dwelling 168, list A. P. Spradley, age 56, born in SC; wife, Mary L, age 46, and 5 of their children: Lawson McDonald, 18; Susanna R., 16; Martha E., 13; Caroline L., 11 and Roxey C., 8. In dwelling # 165 is Mary's brother, Jeremiah Christmas.
24. Elizabeth A. Christmas-488
1850 Census, Dooly Co., GA; 24th District; Dwelling 793; p. 282 list Eliza A. Spradley, age 32, born in SC & 5 children: Celia L., 13; Sylvia J., 11; Mary L. 9; William H., 6 & James P., 3. [WHT: she lives next to Absolom Christmas Jr. & family.]Dooly Co., GA, Estate Books A & B, contain several records, from 1849 to 1852, regarding James Spradley's estate; Henry M. Christmas was adm.
1860 Census, Dooly Co., GA; Millwood; Dwelling 240 list E. A. Spradley, age 43, farmer, born in SC; G. C. Clifton, 33, farm laborer & 4 Spradley children: S. J. (F) 20; M. L. (F) 18; W. H. (M) 15 & J. P. (M) 12.
1870 Census, Dooly Co., GA; Drayton PO; Dwelling 2003; p. 235 list Gabriel Clifton, age 46, farmer, born in NC; wife, Eliza A., 53 and a daughter, Marina, 4.
[WHT: note following information regarding Marina. According to information from Ernest S. Ingram, B.B. died in 1862. He originally thought Joseph Lee Herring, B.B.'s first cousin, was the father of Morena, but Civil War records show he could not have been the father. Celia married Richard Hudson in Sept. 1865, and Morena was born in October. Gabriel & Elizabeth raised Morena after her mother remarried; Gabriel died about 1906 and willed all of his assets to Rena (Morena Herring) Barron.]1880 Census, Dooly Co., GA; District 3; Dwelling 236; ED: 20, p. 217 list Gabriel Clifton, 55, farmer; wife, Louisa (should be Eliza) 62 and Louisa Herring, 14, g-daughter.
[WHT: Received from Ernest & Mozelle Ingram, Aug. - Nov. 2000:]
We have several hundred pages of material. Elizabeth A Christmas Spradley Clifton died 1890 and is buried in Horne cemetery in woods behind the truck stop about 1 mile south of Unadilla, Dooly Co., GA; just off Collins Rd. in a patch of Magnolia trees. She has a very nice headstone big white marble. She married Gabriel Clifton in 1866 after Nathan died in the 1840s.Her daughter Celia Married B. B. Herring in 1857; he died in Civil War, then she married Richard Hudson. I have all her children, one of which was Morena Herring (my wife's grandmother) married John Thomas Barron and they had 12 children. After coming to Dooly Co. Cellia Baker Christmas married John McCoy, they are buried in Fullerton cemetery Pinehurst, Dooly Co., Ga. I haven't had time to list it all so far. Will try to get it up and send it to you.
Ernest also gave me the full names of their 5 children, and marriage & descendants for Celia Louanna Spradley.
[WHT: Received Aug. 20, 2004: Herb, That cemetery in Pinehurst is Fullington. My best friend's g-grandparent's were Fullingtons. She & I and our husband's spent one Saturday trying to find the cemetery. She kept telling us that it was it a certain place, but there were nothing but an overgrown spot in a cotton field, where she remember it was, when she was a young girl. Finally, someone spotted a headstone and we put on our snake chaps and started looking. The cemetery is gone..It is completely grown over. Some headstones are still there, but don't know how many. My friend is trying to get help, to clear it this winter. Dayle Ransom]
145. William Henry Spradley-10536
[WHT: I do not know the following records found on Ancestry.com are for this William Henry.]
U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865
about William H. Spradley
Name: William H. Spradley
Side: Confederate
Regiment State/Origin: Georgia
Regiment Name: 18 Georgia Infantry
Regiment Name Expanded: 18th Regiment, Georgia Infantry
Company: I
Rank In: Private
Rank In Expanded: Private
Rank Out: Private
Rank Out Expanded: Private
Film Number: M226 roll 57U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles
about William H Spradley
Name: William H Spradley
Residence: Dooly County, Georgia
Enlistment Date: 22 Jun 1861
Rank at enlistment: Private
State Served: Georgia
Service Record: Enlisted in Company I, Georgia 18th Infantry Regiment on 22 Jun 1861.
Sources: Roster of Confederate Soldiers of Georgia 1861-1865
1850 Census, 24th District, Dooly Co., GA, roll #68 page #271, Dwelling # 632; Henry M. Christmas, 27, b. SC, had $700 valued in real estate, he could read and write; wife, Mary A., 26, Sarah C., 5, Samatha J., 3, the latter three all born in GA.1860 Census, Henry Co., AL; Rowville, Beat # 5; Abbeville PO; Dwelling 1396 list Henry M. Christarnus age 36, farmer, born in SC, owns over $9000. in real and personal property; wife, Mary, 34, born in GA & 3 children: Sarah, 16; Samantha, 12 & John 10, all children born in GA. [WHT: per Ancestry.com - thanks to Mark Oates]
[WHT: cannot find after 1860 census. Howard W. Christmas' information states he died in 1864 in Henry Co., AL; I will use that as Henry's death date until proven wrong. Below is a Civil War record; not sure if it is the same Henry.]
U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 - Online
Name: Henry M. Christmas; Side: Confederate; Regiment State/Origin: Alabama; Regiment Name: 6 Alabama Cavalry; Regiment Name Expanded: 6th Regiment, Alabama Cavalry
COMPANY: D; Rank Out Expanded: Private; Film Number: M374 roll 9[WHT: Received Oct. 27, 2006 from Mark Lee Oates, a descendant
Subject: Sarah Crawford Christmas
Dear Sir,
My name is Mark Oates and Sarah Crawford Christmas (daughter of Henry M - b.1823 d.1864? and Mary A) is my ggrandmother. She married John Charles Oates (b.4/1/1822 d.6/7/1889) on 6/7/1863 in Henry Alabama and moved first Florida, then to Gonzales Co, Texas, arriving in 1876. She died 10/12/1920 in San Angelo, Tom Green Co., Texas.John Charles Oates was the son of Stephen (b. 1787 d. Aug 1835 in Sampson Co., North Carolina) and Elizabeth Shipp (b. 12/26/1789 Wake, North Carolina d. 12/6/1866 Henry Co., Alabama). He is buried in Gonzales, Texas.
Stephen's Line is f: James/Mary Ann Wyatt, gf: James/Sarah Clayton, [ggf: Joseph/Elizabeth Wyatt, gggf: James/Elizabeth Eivens nee Perry who arrived in North Carolina from Barbados, where he went following the English civil war (he was a loyalist)] these are still fuzzy.
Back to John Charles Oates. Family rumor is he had to flee Florida as he believed he had killed a man in Hamilton, Fl. Further, when he got to Texas his brother-in-law - John Christmas - was killed in a bar room brawl. I have not found any information about this Christmas so it may be just stories.
I appreciate the work diligence you show in your web site, and think the information is top-notch. I am working on computerizing my families from work done by older generations on each side. If you'd like the information, let me know.
[WHT: Received Oct. 28, 2006 from Mark Lee Oates, a descendant.]
Must be the weather, moon and stars, or something. But I found a record in the 1860 Census for Rowville, Henry, AL.
Henry M Christarnus 36 SC
Mary 34 Ga
Sarah 16 Ga
Samantha 12 Ga
John 10 Ga
I believe the census spelling is wrong and this is my gggfather and the missing John I mentioned before. [WHT: I agree.]
1880 Census, Madison Co., TX; Sub Division # 2; Dwelling 316; ED: 99, p. 36 list John A Christmas, age 29, farmer, born in GA, parents in SC. Also living in household are several black laborers, born in TX.[WHT: Received from Mark Oates on Jan. 19, 2007.]
I found more information on John A Christmas. In the 1880 Texas Census for Madison Co, Texas, the following: Pg 36 Christmas, John A 29 Georgia (With other people in residence as servants/farm Hands.)John Charles and Sarah Crawford are on pg 12 of the census, which is consistent with my aunt's notes, they settled in Madison Co, before moving to Gonzales.
Attached is a cemetery list for Madisonville City Cemetery, Madison Co., Texas.
It lists: CHRISTMAS, J.A. 22 Jul 1850-11 Dec 1880
"Assassinated in Madison County"
I think this confirms that the stories are true. John came to Texas with Sarah and John C. Oates, and was killed here. Whether is was a bar room brawl or not we'll leave to future investigations. Madison Co is not far from Houston, so I may try to go up and see if any
newspaper articles or other evidence exists.
Take Care,
Mark
The history & genealogy of our Christmas family continues to grow, with the addition of many new families and allied surnames. If you find errors in these pages or have additions, please write Herbert Turner at the Christmas Home Page; the corrections & additions will be made; thank you.
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