[WHT: This is an assumption on my part that Elizabeth is the daughter of Nathan & Catherine, it is based on following:]"Marion District School Record [1849-1864] & Miscellaneous Voting List" By Margaret Altman, P. 101. list John W. & William as children of John Ammons receiving free school; July 1858.
1850 Census, Marion Co., SC; Dwelling # 1296; listed as Almonds; John Ammons, age 30; Elizabeth, age 25; John, age 3 & William age 6 mo; her father, Nathan & family are Family # 1291.
1860 Census, Marion Co., SC, Dwelling # 287: John Ammons, age 31, a carpenter; Elizabeth, 31; J. W., 12; W. L., 10 & A. H., 2; children are all males. [WHT: It is possible the William in 1850 census, and what I read as W. L. in 1860 is actually W. T., and is William Thompson Ammons.]
1870 Census, Marion Co., SC; Marion; Dwelling # 310; list John Ammons, age 49; Elizabeth, 44 & 3 children: John W., 24; Robert A. H., 12 & Emmer P., 6.
1880 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea [WHT: no dwelling #, this is the census enumerator that started over with new numbers each day] John Ammons, age 59; Elizabeth, 54; Emma, 17 & Willa J., 12. Hamelton, age 22, and wife, Mary, age 38 lives next door.
She is living with her son, Robert in the 1900-10 census - see his notes.
[WHT: The 1830 & 40 census makes reference to Nathan having an older daughter; she was 5-10 years of age in 1830 & 15-20 in 1840. In Jariet's will, he mentions his sisters and/or their children as well as the children of his brother, William; Elizabeth Ammons and her children are mentioned. The census records for 1860-80 list the children with Elizabeth & John Ammons as parents. However, Thompson, who I show as a child, is not listed in any of the census, but is listed in Jariet's will.]
Elizabeth is buried at Catfish Creek Baptist Church, her headstone refers to her as wife of John Ammons; buried next to her is sister, Mary Jane Lane. I could not find a headstone for John.]
[WHT: According to family information, William and Mary left Marion Co., SC and moved to Williamsburg Co. at the end of the 1840's. They settled in the Kingstree/Murrays Ferry area; he was listed as a laborer in the 1850 Census. William is listed as a farmer in the 1860 Census of Williamsburg Co.]1850 Census, Williamsburg Co., SC; Williams Township, page 146, dwelling 430; listed as William Christman, age 20; wife, Mary, age 23 and two children: Frances, age 2 and Jane, age 1.
1860 Census, Williamsburg Co., SC, page 329, dwelling 465, Murray Ferry P. O. list William G. Christmas is 32 years of age and is a farmer; wife, Mary is 34; Children: F. C. (Frances), age 11; J. E. (Jane) age 10; W. A. (William Anderson), age 8; J. F.(Jessie?), age 6; J. D.(Jimmie Dodge?), age 4; I. R., age 3 and G. W. (George), age 1.
Also living in the Murray's Ferry area were the following Christmas: Jerry Ellis Christmas & son, Jesse; see census below:
1860 Census: J. A. W. Christmas; Williamsburg Co., SC; Dwelling 585; p. 337; Murrays Ferry P.O. list J. A. W., age 19; M. A., age 28, female; also living at this residence is John McKinsey and family. Dwelling # 585.
1860 Census: J. E. Christmas; Williamsburg Co., SC; Dwelling 584; p. 337 Murrays Ferry P.O. list J. E., age 49; Mary, age 34; Z. E., age 7, female; W. age 4, male; J. E., age 2. J. E. lives next door to J.A.W. above. Dwelling # 584.
[WHT: I visited S.C. Archives on February 9, 1994;]
Reviewed Civil War records of W. G. Christmas, sometimes referred to as W. J.; comments as follows: William G. joined the Williamsburg Riflemen, later the 15th South Carolina Infantry (Regiment), Company G on September 16, 1961. He joined at Williamsburg District, S.C., listed as 30 years of age; he was mustered in by Captain Joseph Benson "J.B." Chandler; Period of time -"for and during the war." Capt. Chandler resigned and Capt. James McCutchen was in command during the battle period of this company. This company help defend Charleston/Fort Sumter and later fought in Virginia. Several pay records of William G. were found from 1861 to 1863. His company fought in several battles in and around Richmond, VA during 1862. He was admitted to the General Hospital No. 18, Richmond, Va. on January 23, 1863 with Typhoid Fever; he died on January 24, 1863 at the hospital; certificate number 849.The following are some of his Confederate Archives records in the SC Archives: Chapter 6, file # 114, page 57; Chap. 1, file # 28, alph; Chap. 10, file # 10, p. 40; Chap. 6, file # 217 1/2, p. 54; Chap. 6, file # 155, p. 261. Another man, J. J.(E.) Barrineau, is mention in W. G.'s file ?? He died, same hospital, on Jan. 29, 1863 of typhoid fever. Confederate Archives; Chap. 6, file # 155, p. 280. It also appears William G. was sometimes referred to as William J. [I think the J.J. or E. Barrineau is James E. with Co. I, 4th SC Cavalry; ref: "The Call to Arms" by Smith, p. 15.]
[WHT visited the Virginia Archives in Richmond on June 8-10, 1994;]
Found the burial site of W. G. Christmas; his name is misspelled, W. G. Crismas in burial information, but was in 15th Regiment, SC, and died of typhoid fever on Jan. 24, 1863. He is buried, with two others in the plot, in Oakwood Cemetery, Richmond, Va. along with 16,000 other Confederate soldiers. No names are on most of the graves; he is buried in grave # 1, Row C, Division E; also buried in Oakwood is his youngest brother, John.General Hospital # 18, where he died, was Greaner's Factory Hospital located at # 9 N. 22nd St. between Main St. & Franklin; supposed to be occupied by Smith Moving & Storage; we could not find it.
[WHT: Some books confused a William Christmas (son of Caleb) from Kershaw Co. (Wateree area,) and William G. Christmas. The following is information about a William Christmas, who also spells his last name with a u - Christmus, NOT William G. Christmas.
At the start of the Civil War, William Christmas joined the "Wateree Mounted Rifles, Company K, 7th Cavalry, (Kershaw Co.) with Colonel Haskell in command; William was a private; "Historic Camden, Nineteenth Century" by Kirkland and Kennedy, p. 467. On Sept. 14, 1863 this William Christmas joined or was volunteered, into "Company C, 4th Regiment, S.C. State Troops with Capt. Haile in charge; he was a private. This company performed guard duty as part of the reserves; probably never went into battled; was composed of old men, furloughed & discharged soldiers because of physical infirmity or wounds. A William Christmas is listed in the 1870 Census, Wateree Township, Kershaw Co., SC; I think this is that person, probably the son of Caleb, son of Nathan who d. 1831 in Sumter Dist., SC]
From a book by Danny H. Smith, "The Call To Arms," William G. is listed as a soldier in the Confederate Army, a member of the Williamsburg Companies (troops from Williamsburg Co., S.C.) These were the first troops to defend Fort Sumter. This book mentions these soldiers march in snow with no shoes, ate dried corn, going without water, enduring many hardships and disease such as mumps, measles, typhoid fever were common. This book states William died from disease in 1864.
In another book, "History of Williamsburg" by Boddie, on page 409 is the following paragraph: "in hospitals, camps, in kindly homes of Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and North Carolina, these soldiers of Williamsburg died of disease during 1864." William G. Christmas is listed as one of the soldiers.
[WHT comments: I do not know where the above books came up with the 1864 date of death, maybe the probate records. However, his Civil War record is clear as to date of death, January 24, 1863, where and reason. It could have been a slowness in notification, inability to read or error on notice. His brother, Jarrot was also in Civil War and stationed at Richmond; he went to Kingstree, after Mary died in late 1860's and brought William's children back to Marion Co. Jessie, George & Dodge were living with Jarrot according to 1870 Census.]
Information about William's military unit, copied from the following web page, http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.htm
15th Regiment, South Carolina Infantry 15th Infantry Regiment completed its organization in September, 1861, at Lightwoodknot Springs, near Columbia, South Carolina. Its members were raised in the counties of Richland, Union, Lexington, Kershaw, Fairfield, and Williamsburg. After serving on James Island, the unit moved to Virginia and was assigned to General Drayton's, Kershaw's, Kennedy's, and Conner's Brigade. The 15th participated in the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from Second Manassas to Gettysburg, then fought with Longstreet at Chickamauga and Knoxville. It returned to Virginia, saw action at The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, and later was involved in Early's Shenandoah Valley operations and the North Carolina Campaign. This regiment sustained 24 casualties at Second Manassas, 110 at Sharpsburg, 55 out of 404 at Fredericksburg, 54 at Chancellorsville, and 137 of the 448 at Gettysburg. It reported 3 killed and 11 wounded at Knoxville and had 1 wounded at Bentonville. On March 23, 1865, it contained 162 men and surrendered on April 26. The field officers were Colonels John B. Davis, William D. De Saussure, and Joseph F. Gist; Lieutenant Colonels Richard Anderson and Frederick S. Lewie; and Major William M. Gist.
"Williamsburg Co. Probate Records, 1806-ca 1900 and Notes from other Miscellaneous Sources" by Elaine Y. Eaddy, on page 29 & 30 is the following: "Christmas, William G. The petition of B. G. F. Lambert for letters of adm. states that Wm. Christmas died 1864 and that the heirs have requested that he administer on the estate. 20 July 1866. Sur. for Lambert's bond: James Owens and W. A. Owens. W. A. Owens, J. R. Baxley and W. G. Carter."
[WHT: I have found no actual records of Nathan being William's father. However, based on Census & family information, Robert "Bob" Christmas' 1968 letter and the will of J. C. "Jariet" Christmas, I feel William G. is his son; his middle name was probably George, named after his grandfather. Also, Robert "Bob" Christmas' 1968 letter mentions only 5 children of William, leaving out Jane and I. E. or R. ]
[WHT: an assumption she died about 1866-1868, when siblings of her dead husband, took the children back to Marion Co., SC about this time. Robert "Bob" Christmas' 1968 letter mentions Mary death, and the children being returned to Marion Co. They are listed in 1870 Marion Co., SC census, and living with siblings of their father.]
[WHT: I got the name Jane from 1850 Williamsburg Co., SC Census. I cannot find anything about her after the 1860 census. It is possible she married, and remain in Williamsburg Co.; she would have been in her mid to late teens when her mother died. See Census info for her father.]
838. I. R. Christmas-4961
Name could be I.E, hard to read. [WHT: No other information on the I. E. or R., age 3, listed in the 1860 census, has been found. He is not listed in the 1870 Marion Co. Census, in any of William's siblings households; I assume he died before 1870.]
[WHT: Her grave is covered with brick and was badly deteriorated when I last visited in Oct. 1998.]Marion Co., SC Deed Book CC, p. 34: James Lane, Sen. sales 20 acres to Teletha Christmas, bounded by lands of Elitha Bathays, James Bupes & James Lane. Dated Feb. 18, 1869; Rec. April 12, 1869.
The 1850 Census spells her name as Telatha and she is 25 years of age; her headstone spells it Telaitha.
I cannot find her in 1860 Census.
1870 Census, Marion Co., S.C. Family # 181 list Teleitha Christmas, age 39; she is keeping house, has a 17 year old son named William; this is probably William Anderson Christmas, son of her brother, William G.
1880 Census, Marion Co., SC; Moody; Family # 75; ED: 98, p. 9 list James C. Lane, age 64, (Jeremiah on family information); wife, Teletha Lane, age 46. Also listed is Peter McLellan, 16, grandson and William Christmas, age 10 and George Christmas, age 18. I believe George is the son of William G. Christmas, who was living with Jarrot, Telatha's brother, in 1870 Census. William might be Telaitha's son; he is buried next to her at Sardis. According to family information, she was called Aunt "T".
1900 Census, Marion Co., SC; Moody Township; Dwelling/Family # 109; ED: 80, p. 6B list Tabaltha Lane, age 65, widow and 2 boarders: Lizzie & Martha, ages 30 and 12, last name could be Calder.
In Marion Co., SC Deed Book QQ, p. 82-83, Teletha gives land to her nephew, James D. Christmas, son of her brother, William G. Christmas.
Marion Co., SC Deed Book SS, p. 596: Elizabeth Ellen Christmas sales to S. A. McMillian for $140.00, being part of the estate lands of Joseph Lane, lying public road from Latta to Berry Crossroads. Oct. 16, 1893. Wit. A. H. Brown & J. K. Norton. Rec. Oct. 17, 1793; Bk. E, p. 163.
Marion Co., SC Deed Book TT, p. 389: Teletha Lane to Elizabeth Ellen Christmas for her love and affections give for her life time and at her death to her heirs, 14 acres, bounded on the N. by lands of Teletha Lane, E. by S. P. Watson, W. by Jno B. Moore & James D. Christmas & S. by S. P. Watson, McMillan & Jno L. Lane. Dated Nov. 5, 1894. Wit: T. L. Bass, L. B. Bass & G. W. Christmas. Rec. Nov. 6, 1894 in Book E, p. 164. [WHT comments: the Elizabeth Ellen is probably the Ellen E. listed as dau. of Joseph Lane in 1880 Marion Co. census, Moody T-ship, Family # 71; listed as sisters are Carrie V., age 6 & Hattie, age 3. See below deed.]
Marion Co., SC Deed Book HHH, p. 302: Betty Christmas, S. E. Lane, Carrie V. Johnson, Heattie Heatchel & S. M. Lane sale to J. J. Bethea, 1 1/2 acres known as the land conveyed to Betty Christmas by Teletha Lane. Nov. 11, 1903. Rec. March 9, 1905 in Bk. G, p. 214.
[WHT: Is the Elizabeth Ellen Christmas/Betty Christmas the wife of Margaret's son Lewis Christmas?]Marion Co., SC Deed Book FFF, p. 296: Betty Christmas sales to L. E. Lane, 6 acres, it being her interest & claim as heir at law in the estate of Joanna Lane [WHT: her mother.] Jan. 11, 1904. Rec. March 18, 1904.
Talatha Christmas Lane's Will dated Jan. 11, 1909, Marion Co., SC; J. L. Coates was executor; wit: L. C. Watson, Hamilton Johnson & Enos C. Watson. For love & affection and in consideration of her taking care of me, Talatha Lane gave her entire estate to Talatha Baily; in the event Talatha Baily dies or is without heirs, then the estate goes to Talatha Wellington. Will probated March 1, 1909.
Buried beside Telaitha Christmas Lane.
Lucille Utley & Danny Smith, Marion Co. Probate Records, Vol. III, p. 244; Roll # 2265: Petition of D. F. Miles CCCP for letters of adm. shows that James C. Lane died May 1893.
236. Jariet (Jeremiah) C. Christmas-200
[WHT comments:] Sardis Baptist Church is located on the right side of Hwy. 501 from Latta toward Marion. Spelling of his name was taken from headstone. He is buried next to his sister, Telaitha. He was an earlier member of Catfish Creek Baptist Church; the following was sent in 1998 by email: I was just looking at the minutes of the Catfish Creek Baptist Church, Latta, Dillon, and noticed a J. C. Christmas and Nancy Christmas, both members in 1897.The 1850 Census list him as Jarrot, 11 years old (son of Nathan Christmas). I cannot find him in the 1860 Census.
1870 Census, Marion Co., SC; family # 211 spells his name as Garot Christmas, age 30. Others living in the household is Opapy Turner, 35 & her children: Asberry 16 yrs.; Mary 14 yrs.; Harris 8 yrs.; and Margaret 5 yrs. Also in the household is Jessie Christmas, 18 yrs.; George Christmas, 8 yrs.; and Dodge Christmas, 10 yrs. Jessie, George and Dodge are children of Wm. G. Christmas, brother of Jariet, who died in 1864.
Bob Christmas' 1968 letter stated Jeremiah went to Kingstree, Williamsburg Co., S.C. and brought William's kids back after their mother, Mary Foxworth, died in late 1860's.
1880 Census, Marion Co. SC, Legette; Dwelling # 201; ED: 93, p. 21 list Jarret C. Christmas 47 yrs., wife, Orphy 48 yrs. and children: Mary 16 yrs.; Margaret 13 yrs. [WHT: based on Frankie's 1915 Dower request, Jarret was not husband of Opry, but lived with her.]
1900 Census, Marion Co., SC; Legette; Dwelling # 240; list Jariet Christmas, b. Oct. 1835, widow, farmer; also living with him or on the property is Opry Turner, b. Dec. 1829, widow, had 10 children - 4 living, listed as cousin, farm laborer.
1910 Census, Marion Co., SC; Legette (no dwelling #) list Jarret Christmas, age 75 & wife, Franky, 82; shows both married for 55 years; Franky had 6 children - 5 living.
Jarrot was in the Confederate army during the Civil War. He joined the 8th Regiment, S.C. Infantry, Company H on May 22, 1861 at Florence, S.C.; he was enrolled by Maj. N. G. Evans, C.S.A. for a period of one year. The 8th Regiment was form on April 13, 1861 for a period of 12 months with 10 companies, A-K. It was reorganized for the war on May 13, 1862 with companies L & M being added. On April 9, 1865 the 8th was consolidated with the 3rd Regiment & 3rd Battalion & part of Blanchard's S.C. Reserves to form the new 3rd. Regiment, S.C. Infantry which was paroled at Greensboro, N.C. on May 2, 1865.
On May 13, 1862, he was re-enlisted by Capt. Duncan McIntyre near Richmond, Va. for 2 years or war. His pay record for July-Aug. 1863, states he is absent, due to being wounded and on furlough, July 10, 1863. He was absent on the Sept. & Aug. pay record with remarks as follows: Detached service 28 Oct. 1863 with Brig. Commissary.
[WHT: W. W. Sellers' Book - A History of Marion Co. on page 594 list Jarrott Christman died 1862 at Charlottesville, which is wrong. Jariet's younger brother, John died in Nov. 1862, and his older brother, William died in Jan. 1863.]He was admitted to the Wayside Hospital or General Hospital # 9, Richmond, Va. on July 20, 1863; admitted to Jackson Hospital, Richmond, Va. on Aug. 7, 1864; disease: dia F; furlough for 30 days. Jarrot was in Richmond when his brothers, William G. & John died.
Information about Jariet's military unit, copied from the following web page, http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.htm
8th Regiment, South Carolina Infantry 8th Infantry Regiment was organized at Marion, South Carolina, during the spring of 1861. Many of the men were from Darlington and Marion counties. The unit moved to Florence, then during the end of May was ordered to Virginia. It fought at First Manassas under General Bonham before being assigned to General Kershaw's, Kennedy's, and Conner's Brigade. The 8th was engaged in many conflicts from the Seven Days' Battles to Gettysburg, moved to Georgia with Longstreet, and was active at Chickamauga and Knoxville. Returning to Virginia, it participated in the battles at The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, then saw action in the Shenandoah Valley with Early. Later it was involved in the North Carolina Campaign. The regiment reported 5 killed and 23 wounded at First Manassas and in April, 1862, totaled 276 men. It lost 7 killed, 36 wounded, and 9 missing at Malvern Hill, 6 killed and 28 wounded out of 126 at Maryland Heights, 1 killed, 17 wouded, and 4 missing of the 71 at Sharpsburg, and 2 killed and 29 wounded at Fredericksburg. Of the 300 engaged at Gettysburg, thirty-three percent were disabled. On March 23, 1865, there were only 52 present for duty. The unit surrendered with the Army of Tennessee. Its commanders were Colonels Ellerbee B. C. Cash and John W. Henagan, Lieutenant Colonels Axalla J. Hoole and Eli T. Stackhouse, and Majors Thomas E. Lucas and D. M. McLeod.
Marion Co., SC Deed Book FF, p. 37-38: Henry James sales to Jaret Christmas of Marion Co. 59 acres bounded N. by a road leading from Marion Court House to Galivants Ferry, E. Reedy Creek Church lot & D.Legette, S. by lands of Flowers, W. by lands of Hugh Atkinson & Wm. Wilson as per plat made by Len Legette, DS on Nov. 14, 1854. Dated Feb. 27, 1872; Rec. May 6, 1872.
Marion Co., SC Deed Book RR, p. 692: J. T. Dozier sales 5 acres to Orpy Turner bounded on N. by lands of J. C. Christmas, E. by lands of J. T. Dozier, W. by Alex Smith occupied by Robert Smith and S. by J. T. Dozier, Jr. Dated Feb 25, 1892. Rec. Mar. 18, 1892.
Marion Co., SC Deed Book YY, p. 704: J. C. Christmas sales to E. R. Brown for $450.00, 59 acres bounded N. by a public Rd. from Marion Court House to Galivants Ferry, E. by M. D Bryan, S. by J. T. Dozier & W. by Allen Smith & N. P. Smith; also 29 additional acres. Dated Dec. 12, 1900. Signed by J. C. Christmas (no mark). Wit: J. W. Dozier & W. S. Foxworth. Rec. Sep. 13, 1900 in Bk. F or T, p. 134. [WHT: same property he purchased in 1872, plus 29 acres.]
Marion Co., SC Court of Probate, Gen. Index 1800-1920, Roll # 2889. Frankie Christmas, Plaintiff vs J. K. Lee, Defendant petitions the court that W. A. Christmas, executor of the last will and testament of J. C. Christmas; J. C. Christmas sold land to E. R. Brown and Brown to Lee; asks that W. A. Christmas defend title against claim of Dower interest. Dated Aug. 23, 1915.
Petition of Dower in Estate of J. C. Christmas; Frankie Christmas vs T. K. Lee. Dated Sept. 9, 1915. Stated that J. C. Christmas deeded to E. K. Brown, ref. Book YY, p. 705, Sept. 13, 1900.
Mrs. Frankie Christmas swore, I am the Widow of J. C. Christmas; my husband died sometime this year; I am lawfully married to him; I was married to him way back yonder; on 15 April - do not remember year; I know the land and I never sign away my dower. Signed by mark.
Court orders that Petitioner is entitled to dower in the lands as per Sept. 9, 1915 petition. Gets 1/3 of J. C. Christmas lands and assess the sum of money to be paid widow for the Lee land. Dated Dec.16, 1915.
According to Census, Jarrot could have been born in 1839, 1840, 1833 or 1835; however, his headstone shows date of birth as 1822. This could have been an error on part of family in placing date of birth as 1822. His death certificate, # 7197, show his parents to be Nathaniel & Kate Christmas, both born in Marion Co., SC; date of birth was 1833 and he was 82 years of age at death; information given by W. A. Christmas.
[WHT: Some family information gives his first name as Jeramiah. However no Census information shows this, but is referred to as Jeramiah in "Bob's" 1968 letter. His proper name could have been Jeremiah and Jariet/Jarrot was a nickname. See Jarrot's will under his father's message.]
[WHT comments:] I have spent considerable time trying to find out the parents of Arnetia Jackson, wife of William Anderson Christmas. From Joanna Christmas, the family reunions, and archives, I have a lot of information on the Christmas side, but very little on the Jackson side.[[The following are some possibilities:
We will start with Elias Jackson, who I feel is related to "old Edward Jackson." Edward brought his family from VA and settled in the Catfish Swamp/Reedy Creek area in late 1700's. Elias shows up in a couple probate records during the 1830's; in the 1840 census, but not listed in 1850-60; listed as Sirus in 1870 and Elias in 1880. He is mentioned in Marion Dist. school records in 1850's as step-father to two Price children; as husband of Miranda McKenzie Price, daughter of John "Jackie" McKenzie and widow of William Price, in 1860. He is not financially successful, as a couple probate records listed his notes as doubtful accounts.
Next we go to Frances "Frankie" who is listed as wife of Sirus/Elias Jackson in the 1870-1880 Census. According to Robert "Bob" Christmas, in his 1968 letter about the Christmas family, Jariet Christmas married Frankie Jackson and had one child named Movila; went off to Civil War and when he came home, Frankie had several children by someone else.
Jariet left and move to between Marion and Galivants Ferry. I think the Frankie Jackson, Uncle Bob referred to, is the Frankie married or living with Elias Jackson in the 1870-80 census.
Children listed for Elias, age 63 & Frankie, age 36, in the 1870 census: Marilla, age 12; Marnetta, age 8; James, age 6; Andrew, age 6 & Eli L., age 2. I think the Marilla, born 1858, is the Movila referred to in Bob Christmas' letter; the Marnetta, age 8, is Arnetta Jackson, wife of William Anderson Christmas. Elias is listed as age 70 in 1880 census and Frankie as age 40.
Let's continue on with Frankie and who I think are her parents. Remembering Bob's letter that Jariet had married her before the war and realizing people did not travel very much in those days, I checked the census for any Frances or Frankie that lived near the Christmas family in the 1850's. The Christmas family lived in dwelling # 1291 and Martin Turner & family in dwelling # 1268. Martin and his wife, Elizabeth had a daughter named Frances, age 12; the only Frances/Frankie in the area. In the 1860 census, which had a bunch of sorry census takers---another story-- Frances, age 25 is living with her parents and so is a young female, age 2, identified as M.; the next youngest child for Martin is age 11; I think this is Movila/Marilla, daughter of Jariet.
In the 1870 census Martin, age 54 & Betsy, age 52 are living alone. In the 1880 census, Martin, age 65 is living alone and Betsy Turner, blind, is living with William Anderson Christmas and Arnetta; Betsy is probably her grandmother & they are taking care of her while Martin is farming.
To make a long story short, it appears Frances "Frankie" might be the daughter of Martin & Betsy Turner; she had a child named Movila/Marilla by Jariet Christmas in 1858, whether they were married or not is a question we will never be able to answer; as she was living with her parents in 1860. Jariet goes off to the Civil War for four years; Frankie lives with Elias Jackson, who is married to Miranda McKenzie Price, Miranda probably dies in 1860's as a 1871 estate record for her father refers to her as deceased.
Elias was much older than Frankie and he died sometime after 1880. Frankie is listed as Frankie Jackson, wife of Jariet Christmas in 1910 Census; calls herself Frankie Christmas in lawsuit against the estate of Jariet in 1915; wants her dower interest in his estate; stated they were married "way back yonder on April 15---don't remember the year."
She won the lawsuit against William Anderson Christmas, as executor of Jariet's estate.
[WHT: Again, this is an ASSUMPTION, I have no proof that Frankie is the mother of Arnetia.]]
Her recently found death certificate list her as Frankie Christmas; parents as Martin W. Turner & Elizabeth Turner; Info given by William Christmas.
South Carolina Death Records, 1821-1955:
Name: Frankie Christmas; Death Date: 6 Jan 1916; Age at Death: 90 years; Born: 1826;
Gender: Female; Color: White; County of Death: Marion; Certificate Number: 025783.
1850 Census, shows Mary was born in 1832 and the 1860 Census shows a Mary, age 17, living with her parents [WHT: I think it is her sister, Maggie listed in 1860.]1860 Census, Marion Co., SC, Gum Swamp/Reedy Creek, Family # 1323 list Mary Calder, age 25 & 3 children: D. A., age 8; Catherine, 6 & Geo. R., age 3; John Calder is not listed.
1870 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea Township, Oak Grove P.O., Family # 44 list John Lane, age 34, farmer; wife, Mary, 30 with following children: John L., age 6; Mary, Jr., age 4 & Talapha, age 1; also living with them are her children, David & Catherine Calder, ages 16 & 13. Family # 41 is her sister, Druzilla & Peter Calder.
1880 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea; Dwelling # 15, listed as Osban S. Lane, age 48, farmer; wife, Mary, 45 & the following children: John L., 16; Marion, 14; Milton, 11; Herod, 8 & Josephne, 5. The live next to Mary's sister, Druzilla & family.
1900 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea Township, Dwelling # 132 list John O. Lane, age 60, farmer; wife, Mary J., age 61, which is wrong, older than these numbers. No info for how long married, but had 6 children and 6 living. If 6 is correct, we are missing 1 child. Also living with them is their daughter, Josephine Whittington, b. April 1875, husband, Clarence Whittington, b. Feb. 1877 & their dau., Jepee or Josey, b. Feb. 1899. Their son, John L. & family lives in dwelling # 133, and Mary's son by John Calder, David A. & family live in dwelling # 131.
1860 Census, Marion Co., SC; Catfish; Dwelling 1378 list a John Calder, age 28, living with his mother (I assume), age 55. [WHT: In dwelling 1379 is Wm. Calder, age 21, wife, Caroline, 18 & son, King, 1 mo.][WHT: From Linda Tarte DeRamus, a descendant:]
Yesterday (July 1998) I went to the SC Archives and got the military records for John W. Calder. He was in Co. H, 10th SC Infantry being mustered in on July 19, 1861. He is listed as being a "Teamster", which means he looked after the horses and drove the wagons than carried their supplies. On his Jan/Feb 1863 pay stub it says he was absent/sick at camp. On the Mar/Apr 1863 pay stub it says "Died March 24th, 1863 at Academy Hospital Chattanooga, Tenn". On the June 20th 1863 stub it says " John W. Calder, Pt. Co. H, 10 Regiment Inf. SC Name appears on a Register of Claims of Deceased Officers and Soldiers from SC which were filed for settlement on the Office of the Confederate States Auditor for the War Department. By whom presented. Mary E. Calder, Widow".[WHT: Received an email from Charlie Calder stating that the John W. Calder, mentioned above, was his gg-grandfather. He stated that John W. Calder married Mary Elizabeth Dewitt, and has the Bible record, not Mary Jane Christmas. Futher, this John W. Calder moved from Marion Co., SC to Williamsburg Co. - census records between 1850 and 1860. Also, In the "HISTORY OF WILLIAMSBURG", page 400, it says John W. Calder was one of the soldiers of Williamsburg who died of disease in 1863.]
[WHT: In the 1850 census, John W. Calder, age 20 & wife, Mary, 20 are listed in dwelling 549, and Mary Jane Christmas, age 18 is listed living with her parents. A John Calder, age 28, dwelling 1378, is listed in the 1860 census living with Nancy Calder, age 55. William Calder, age 21 & wife, Carolina with son King, 1 month live next door, and another Calder on the other side, could not make out name.]
1880 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea; Dwelling # 15, listed as Osban S. Lane, age 48; wife, Mary, 45 & the following children: John L., 16; Marion, 14; Milton, 11; Herod, 8 & Josephne, 51900 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea Township, Dwelling # 132 list John O. & wife, Mary J., ages 60 & 61, which is wrong, older than these numbers. No info for how long married, but had 6 children and 6 living. If 6 is correct, we are missing 1 child. Also living with them is their daughter, Josephine Whittington, b. April 1875, husband, Clarence Whittington, b. Feb. 1877 & their dau., Jepee or Josey, b. Feb. 1899. Their son, John L. & family lives in dwelling # 133, and Mary's son by John W. Calder, David A. & family live in dwelling # 131.
[WHT: The following Will was sent to me by Helen Lane Carmichael, who received it from Calvin and Ruth Harrison Lane.]
Will of John O. Lane recorded Nov. 7, 1918, Marion Co., SC; son John L. Lane named executor; mentions as heirs his 4 children: John L. Lane, Milton Lane, Herod T. Lane & Josephine Whittington; also made reference to providing headstones for himself and wife, Mary.
[WHT: W. W. Sellers' Book - A History of Marion Co. on page 393 mentions Osborne Lane as a son of Alexander; married a Christmas; lives near Mallory, on Little Reedy Creek.]
846. Marion Lane-215
[WHT comments:] Buried near his mother & father; headstone only has M. Lane; the other children of John & Mary are mentioned in Jariet Christmas 1913 will, but he is not; see Jariet's will under his g-father, Nathan Christmas, messages.
[WHT: The following is a Nathan found in the NC 1860-70 Census; age varies some. I have no proof, but think he is the son of Nathan & Catherine. Ida, the daughter of this Nathan, death certificate shows her father to have been born in Marion Co., SC. Ida's brother, Robert provided the death certificate information. Robert's death certificate states his parents are Nathaniel Christmas and Elizabeth Holloday.]1860 Census, Edgecombe Co., NC; Tarboro PO; Dwelling 779 list Nathan Christmas, age 24, born in SC, living with Noah Martins (sp), age 24 & ?(female) Martins, 22.
Nathan enlisted at Wilson Co., NC on May 27, 1861, Co. B, 2nd Regiment, NC State Troops as a Private; age given as 27 and born in SC; wounded at Chancellorsville.
Information about a Nathan/Nathaniel C.'s military unit, copied from the following web page, http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.htm
2nd Regiment, North Carolina Infantry 2nd Infantry Regiment State Troops was assembled at Garysburg, North Carolina, in May, 1861, with slightly more than 1,300 men. Its companies were recruited in the following counties: New Hanover, Wilson, Surry, Carteret, Duplin, Guilford, Sampson, Craven, Jones, and Pamlico. After serving in the Department of North Carolina the unit moved to Virginia where it was assigned to G. B. Anderson's, Ramseur's, and Cox's Brigade. It took an active part in the difficult campaigns of the army from the Seven Days' Battles to Cold Harbor, fought with Early in the Shenandoah Valley, and ended the war at Appomattox. The regiment sustained 116 casualties during the Seven Days' Battles, 50 at Sharpsburg, 21 at Fredericksburg, and 214 at Chancellorsville. Of the 243 engaged at Gettysburg, twenty-five percent were disabled, and there were 2 killed and 2 wounded at Bristoe. Only 6 officers and 48 men surrendered. The filed officers were Colonels William P. Bynum, John P. Cobb, William R. Cox, and Charles C. Tew, Lieutenant Colonel Walter S. Stallings; and Majors John Howard, Daniel W. Hurtt, and J. Turner Scales.
1870 Census; Wilson Co., NC, Black Creek Township; Dwelling # 8, p. 1 list Nathan C. Christmas, age 39 (15 years more than 1860), born in SC, retail grocer; wife, Elizabeth, 30 and following children: Ido, 5 & Robert, 3, born in NC; also living with them is Mary Holland, 60. [WHT: Mary Holland is probably Elizabeth's mother, as we have found her last name to be Holland.]
[WHT: Could not find in the 1880 census. Nathan has passed away before 1900, as his wife, Elizabeth is referred to as widow in below census.]
1900 Census, Durham Co., NC; Durham; Dwelling 71; ED: 31, p. 4B list Elizabeth Christmas, age 59, widow & daughter, Ida, 32, school teacher.
1910 Census, Durham Co., NC; Durham, Parrish 3; Dwelling 87; ED: 36, p. 5B list Elizabeth Christmas, age 68, widow & daughter, Ida, 40, bookkeeper.
1920 Census, Durham Co., NC; Durham; Dwelling 64; ED: 44, 4B list Elizabeth Christmas, age 77, widow & daughter, Ida, 48, insurance supervisor.
Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880 list a Nathan Christmas, Birth Date: 1836; Date of Death: Aft 1860 & as being born in South Carolina.
North Carolina Death Collection, 1908-2004: Name: Elizabet Christmas; Age: 86; Date of Birth: 1840; Date of Death: 7 Oct 1926; Death County: Durham; Death State: North Carolina; Source Vendor: NC State Archives. North Carolina Deaths, 1908-67.Maplewood Cemetery is located in Durham on Maplewood Avenue and bounded by Kent Street, Chapel Hill Road, and University Drive. The office is located at 1621 Duke University Road. Telephone: 919-560-4156.
850. Ida Christmas-15497
[WHT: Her death certificate shows she never married, was a school teacher, and her father was born in Marion Co., SC; informant was her brother, Robert. See census info under "notes" for her father.]North Carolina Death Certificates, 1909-1975:
Name: Miss Ida Christmas; Gender: Female; Race: White; Age: 57; Birth Date: abt 1865; Birth Place: Wilson, North Carolina, United States; Death Date: 9 Feb 1922; Death Location: Durham, Duplin; Spouse's Name: Single; Father's Name: Nathan Christmas; Mother's Name: Elizabeth Holland.
[WHT comments:] According to membership records of Antioch Baptist Church, started 1829, Drucilla Caldre was Baptized in July 1860, and dismissed to Catfish Baptist Church in March 1868, as was her husband, Peter Calder. Francis Christmas was also Baptized in Aug. 1860 - Excl. in Jan. 1861.1860 Census, Marion Co., SC, Dwelling # 1260; Peter, age 28 & Zilla, age 23.
1870 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea Township, list Peter Calder, age 45; wife, Drucilla, 34 & 4 children: Nathan, 12; Solon, 8; Chapman, 4 & Ida, 2.
1880 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea Township, dwelling # 14; list Peter, age 59; Druzilla, 42 & following children: Solon, 17; Chapman, 14; Ida, 11; Agnis, 9; Silas, 5; Croline, 3 & Arono T., 2. They are living next to her sister, Mary & husband, [John] Osban S. Lane.
1900 Census, Horry Co., SC; Dwelling # 119, Galivants Ferry, list Peter, age 69; wife, Drucilla, 60 and 4 children: Carry, 23; Doria, 18; Peter, 15 & Nancy, 12. Son, Solon lives in Dwelling 120.
[WHT visited Rehoboth Methodist Church on Nov. 12, 1991& March 28, 2004; It is located at corner of Nichols Highway and Barnhill Rd., (Highways 23 and 309) Galivants Ferry area. The headstone spells her name as Drewzilla, she is buried next to her husband, Peter Calder; several of her children and grandchildren are buried in this cemetery.]
[WHT: Some of this information was received from the late, Vennia Williams Grant of Marion, S.C., great granddaughter of Druzilla "Zilla" Christmas. Some of the descendants of Druzilla Christmas and Peter Calder was also provided by Mrs. Grant.]
852. Nathan Calder-1214
[WHT: Not listed in 1860 Census, so I assume he was born in late 1860/early 1861, and the 1870 age of 12 is wrong.]
855. Chapman Calder-1210
never married, killed.
1880 Census, Marion Co., SC; Bethea; Dwelling 14; ED: 85, p. 21 list a Maggie Christmas, age 40 with the following children: Telatha, age 16; John, 14, Roxie A.,11 and Bunyon, 8.1900 Census, Marion Co., SC; Moody; Dwelling 193; ED: 80, p 11A list Margaret Christmas, age 57, farm labor. Also living with her is daughter, Bettie Owens, age 39 and her 3 children, Martha, Elmore and Maggie.
Marion Co., SC Deed Book CCC, p. 30-31: Margaret Christmas to H. A. Bethea, a lot in the town of Latta. Sept. 5, 1904. Wit. Robert Bass & Robert F. Bethea. Rec. Oct. 6, 1904.
[WHT: She is not mentioned in brother, Jariet's May 14, 1913 will; assumed she died before that date.
A letter by Robert "Bob" Christmas, son of George W. Christmas, son of William G. Christmas, dated October 19, 1968 identifies Margaret's children as follows: Margaret didn't marrie but had 2 boys, John and Louis; 4 girls Telatha, Billie [Think this is Betty], Maggie & Roxy.
According to family info, the father of several of her children was John Hamer.]
1900 Census, Marion Co., SC; Manning; Dwelling 537; ED: 77, p. 29A list Roxana Christmas, White, b. July 1869, housekeeper, in the home of Alford Owens, age 35.
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.
Many Christmas descendants have provided their research & photos for these web pages, refer to our Researcher's Page for some of their names, lines and addresses.
Please note, this and all linked pages are protected by COPYRIGHT. Researchers that have shared information with me, maintain their own personal copyright to their shared material, and can do whatever they like with their material. You are welcome to use the material on these web pages, for your personal use only, provided "© 1997-2012 by W. Herbert Turner" is included. It cannot be used in any publications, digital media - CD/DVDs, web pages, etc. without written permission. If you share this material with other family members, you should inform them of the copyright.
Copyright © 1997-2012 by W. Herbert Turner