Thompson Family Short Story

Revised from the booklet titled
Florice Mozelle Thompson
Her Family 1772--1994

Return to Main Page or History Index
See individual Counties for more history


Written by Lisa and Charles Barnum 2000
Revised by Lisa and Charles  Barnum 2002

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.
Updated section 11 September 2001

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,
...Some of the others who where interested in the church [founded by Rev. Shubel Stearns who had come from Massachusetts in 1754 and founded a Baptist Church at Sandy Creek] were... Charles and Thomas Thompson. The names of these men are found on the Orange County [North Carolina] tax lists, as well as on early deeds in the county. Later these families sold their land in Orange County and went to South Carolina with rev. Philip Mulky and organized a church on the Broad River. From here they went to Fairforest and located on a fork of the Fairforest and Tyger Rivers where they established another Church. (David Benedict, "History of the Baptists," Vol. 2, p. 155; George W. Paschal, "History of the North Carolina Baptists," pp. 385-386; Leah Townsend, "South Carolina Baptists, 1670-1805," pp. 122-126.)

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.
During the conflict between Whigs and Tories that emerged during the American Revolution, some of the members scattered while the main body of the congregation moved further north on Fairforest Creek, close to Rocky Creek near the Ben BLACK estate. By 1794/1799, the Fairforest Baptist Church was located near Duck Pond. Some former members of the Fairforest Baptist Church who lived in the Tyger Creek / Padgett's Creek area formed the Church of Christ on Tyger River in 1784, which later became known as Padgett's Creek Baptist Church.

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
Son of Thomas

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)
D, 530: William Thompson, son and heir at law to the real estate of my father Charles Thompson deceased, for 100 pounds sterling to Tilman Bobo, tract of 150 acres granted to my grandfather  Thomas Thompson 14 August 1772 on north of Tyger River at Blackstocks ford adj. Charles Thompson , Absalom Langston, dated 10 Jan 1795. William Thomson (W) (LS), Wit: John Anderson (1), Samuel Coson (S) . Proved in Union County by the oath of John Anderson 12 June 1795 before John Martindale, J.P. recorded 10 March 1797. (end of 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:
Will notes of Charles Thompson Sr.
From micro film # 0255019
Starting on page 000096
Box 3 pkg 12 Est. of Charles Thompson
Ex. Elizabeth Thompson
Page 97 of film back of page reads:
C. Thompson His last will and testament 23 February 1795

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.)
Georgia, Troup County.} I do solomly swear that I will not, during the next succeeding months sell, barter, give, or furnish to any slave or slaves or Free person of Cullors any measure or quantity of Distilled Spirituous or Intoxicating Liquor without the verbal or written order of the owner Overseer or employer of such slave or slaves or without the like consent of the guardian of such free person of Cullors and I do further swear that I will not suffer or allow any other person to do so for me by my approbation knowledge or consent So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30 April 1841. Clerk W. H. Sims.
Several deeds were recorded in favor of Seaborn. Those reproduced here were copied verbatim from hand written documents. This compiler used his own judgment concerning illegible words. No effort was made to correct mistakes such as the misspelling of Seaborn.

Deed, April 1832:
Georgia, Troup County: This indenture made this the third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and of American Independence the fifty sixth. Be known James Calbourn James B. Simmons and Joel D. Newsom Justices for the Inferior Court and for said County of the one part, and Daniel Evans and Seaborn J. Thompson of the county of Troup and state aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the James Calbourn James B. Simmons and Joel D. Newsom for and in consideration of the sum Seventy four dollars and 33 cents by the said Evans and Thompson paid to the trustees of said county of Troup, at and before the sealing and deliening of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have by vested power residing in them as Justices aforesaid, bargained, sold, conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do bargain, sell, convey and confirm unto the said Evans and Thompson their heirs executors, administrators and assign all the tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the Town of Lagrange, and county and state aforesaid, and known and distinguished in the place of said town as lot number No.1 in tract D being the North third of said lot. The same being part of lot number one hundred and nine in the tenth district of the third section, Now Troup County, to have and to hold the said bargained forever, to the only proper and benefit and behoof of them the said Evans and Thompson, their heirs executers administrators and assign in fee simple forever and the said bargained provisions to the said Evans and Thompson their heirs and assign the said James Calbourn James B. Simmons and Joel Newsom Justices of aforesaid for themselves and heirs in office against the claims of all persons whatsoever warrants and signed in testimony whereof the said James Calbourn James B. Simmons and Joel D. Newsom have hereby set their hands and affix their seals as Justices of aforesaid and have caused the seal of the County to be thus affixed this day and year aforesaid. Signed and delivered in the presence of W. H. Sledge J. A. Calbourn; W. Celly J. B. Skinner; Joel D. Newsom;
Recorded 4th April 1832; N. Johnson, Clerk

Deed, October 1832:
State of Georgia, Troup County: This indenture made this the fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two between John Warren of the County of Troup and state aforesaid of the one part and Seaborn J. Thompson of the same place of the other part witnesseth that the said John Warren for and in consideration of the sum of eleven hundred and fifty eight dollars to him in hand paid by the said Seaborn J. Thompson at and before the sealing and aligning of these presents. The receipt whereof, is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained sold aliened and conveyed and by these presents doth grant bargain sell alien and convey unto the said Thompson his heirs and assigns, all that tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the sixth 6th district being in the community first aforesaid it being apart of lot number one hundred and ninety one acres more or less having such shape limits and boundary as follows. Beginning at the north west corner of said last land mentioned lot and running South 47 chains 60 links, to a red oak post the north west corner of Lot No. 114 in said district, thence, east 47 chains 30 links to said oak post, past the south west corner of lot no. (116) (117) 21 chains. Thence North 36 west 21 chains 50 links to a red oak corner. Thence north 9 chains 25 links to a stake corner. Thence west 37 chains 18 links to the beginning corner. Thence west 6 chains 16 links to the beginning corner. Excluding and reserving however land contained in said limits over two acres around and about the tan-yard now in the occupancy of James R. Law and also Samuel Reid sold to said James Law and John E. Gage and also on one square acre lying immediately west of and adjoining the lot now in the occupancy of James Chandler and contiguous to and lying upon the north line of said lot 116 and 109 in said district of heretofore sold by said John E. Gage the land aforesaid to hold the said bargained promises unto him the said Seaborn J. Thompson his heirs and members together with all and singular the rights members and appurtenances to the land in any manner belonging to him and their own proper use benefit to behold forever in fee simple. And the said John Warren for himself and hearts executors and administrators the said bargained promises unto the said Seaborn Thompson his heirs and sellers will warrant and defend forever the Right and Title thereof against themselves and against the claim of all other persons whatever. In witness whereof the said John Warren hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year above written signed sealed and aliened in the presence of William Doughtery John Warren; John Prather Recorded 21 January 1833; N. Johnson, Clerk

Deed, March 1833:
Georgia, Troup County: This indenture made the first day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty three between James R. Law of the one part and Samuel Reid and Seabron J. Thompson of the other part all of the County and state aforesaid witnesseth that the said James R. Law for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand two hundred dollars to him in hand paid at and before the sealing and aliening of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath bargained grants and sold and by these presents do bargain grant sell deed and convey unto the said Samuel Reid and Seabron J. Thompson their heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the County aforesaid, It being a part of lot No. (116) one hundred and sixteen in the sixth district containing two acres. Beginning on the northeast by road leading from Lagrange to Columbus and coming near said road at a hickory corner and running South 21 West Six chains and fifty links to said Road 2 Chains and twenty five links from beginning corner, to have and to hold said lot or parcel of Land unto the said Samuel Reid and Seabron J. Thompson their heirs and assigns together with all and singular the right members and appurtenances thereof to the same in any manner belonging to them and their own proper use benefit and behoof forever in fee simple, and the said James R. Law for himself his executors administrators heirs and assigns the said bargained premises unto Samuel Reid and Seabron J. Thompson his heirs and assign with warrants and forever defend the rights and title against themselves and against all other persons, whatsoever. In witness whereof the said James R. Law has hereunto set his hand and seal this day and year above. Witnessed signed and sealed in the presence of Hugh Estral. Evans L. Harris J. R. Law;
Recorded March 22nd 1833; N. Johnson, Clerk

Deed abstract, September 1833:
A nearly illegible deed discovered in favor of Seaborn J. Thompson, with partner Samuel Reid, and James Warring, seller, for property lying in the town of Lagrange (LaGrange) 18 September 1833 for $175.00. Recorded by N. Johnson, Clerk 20 September 1833.

Deed, December 1838:
Georgia, Troup County: This indenture made this twentieth day of December between John E. Morgan of the County of Troup and State aforesaid of the one part and Seaborn J. Thompson of the same County and same state of the other part witnesseth that the said John E. Morgan for and in consideration of the sum of twelve hundred dollars to him in hand paid at and before the sealing and deliening of these presents the receipt which is hereby acknowledged hath granted sold aliened conveyed and conferred and by these presents do grant bargain sell alien convey and confirm unto the said Seaborn J. Thompson by his hand and assigns all that tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the sixth district of Troup County and known and distinguished in the plan of said district as the North half of Lot number (81) Eighty one containing one hundred acres and a quarter acre. To have and to hold the said lot or parcel of land unto said Seaborn J. Thompson his heirs and assign with all and singular the appurtenances hereto belonging to his and their own proper use benefit and behoof forever in fee simple. And the said John E. Morgan for himself his heirs executers and administrators the said bargained premises unto the said Seaborn J. Thompson his heirs and assign will warrant and forever defends the right and title thereof against the claim of himself and against the claims of all persons whoever. In testimony whereof the said John E. Morgan hath herein set his hand and seal the day and year above written signed sealed and deliened. In presence of: December 14, 1838 J. E. MorganTerrell Beasley Recorded January 24, 1839; T. M. Beal R. F. Gehie, Clerk

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.
Captain--W. B. Johnson
First Lieutenant--William E. Thomas
Second Lieutenant--Charles H. Hughes
Third Lieutenant--Charles W. Thompson
This list of officers proved that Edward Thompson served under his older brother, Charles W. Thompson.
On 3 April 1862, seven companies of the Third were at Handsboro and three were at Pass Christian when the Federals landed 500 men at Biloxi. The Third attacked and repulsed the Federals. The Federals then landed 1,200 men at Pass Christian on 4 April and burned the camp and the stores. The companies of the Third retired to Gainesville. The Third afterward returned to Pass Christian. The flag of the Third was captured by the ninth Connecticut. In May 1862, the regiment was re-established at Tangipahoa, Louisiana.

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.
The Third was ordered to Jackson in February. They joined Polk's command at Demopolis, Alabama. On May 31, the Third charged the Federal line and suffered heavy losses near New Hope Church, Alabama. The Honor Roll, published 2 July 1864, stated The Third Mississippi Regiment of Infantry was gallant and meritorious while on picket duty on Kenesaw Mountain.
The Third was in the battle of Peachtree Creek, 20 July 1864. The unit was flanked on two sides suffering heavy losses.
In October 1864, Featherston's Brigade captured the Federal post at Big Shanty.
On 6 November the Army of the Mississippi crossed the Mississippi River and attacked a fleeing Federal army at Spring Hill on 20 November. The battle raged from four in the evening until after darkness. The color bearers of the Third planted their colors on the enemy's positions. They were wounded and captured with their colors.
On 9 December 1864 Featherston's Brigade had 1,208 men present with 781 ready for fighting. On 20 December, the Third reported 75 men present, 51 effective after they crossed the Mississippi guarding the rear of the retreat of Stewart's Corps. They were confronted by a large force of Federals and marched across snow in bare feet for forty-eight hours without rest. On 25 December 1864, Featherston's army at Sugar Creek checked the Federal pursuit and captured considerable men and horses.
In the Carolina campaign in the battle of Kinston 19 March 1865, the Third made a gallant charge suffering heavy losses near Bentonville. On 9 April the Third, Thirty-third and Fortieth Mississippi were consolidated as the Third under Col. James M. Stigler with 1,349 men. They suspended hostilities on the 26th of April 1865... End of verbatim and abridgement.

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:
1-Frank H. Thompson, also referred to as H. F. Thompson, was born 1876 Glen Cove, Texas.
2-Seaborn Jones Thompson, Seab, was born 10 February 1879, died 16 April 1845, married 25 October 1903 to Tennessee Blanch Wood.
3-James Jerome Thompson was born 9 November 1881, married 17 November 1907 to Perney R. Satterwhite.
4-Leo E. Thompson was born June 1883, married 1899 to James M. Futrell.
5-Angie Thompson was born 25 December 1885, died March 1886.

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:
6-Henry W. Grady Thompson was born February 1887. He married Grace Katherine Montgomery 9 April 1912.
7-Archa Ball (not Archibald) Thompson was born April 1890. He died March 1892.
8-John Nugent Thompson, Uncle Nuge, was born 30 July 1893. He died 3 March 1954. He married 11 March 1920 to Louisa JAMESON Davis.
9-Earnest Mattie Thompson, Ernie, was born 12 August 1896. She died 15 September 1966. She married 16 November 1914 to Hiram 'High' Fenton.

Piecing together what we know about Edward's travels, his route to Coleman County was approximately as follows:

Georgia--------1845
Alabama--------1854
Mississippi----1855
Marshal Co.TX--1865
Louisiana------1866
Coleman Co.TX--1867
Wood Co.TX-----1870
Arkansas-------1874
Coleman Co.TX--1876
Edward was a farmer until his death. He was well-known in Coleman County and was respected as a hard worker and honest man. His obituary read as transcribed:

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.
Mr. Thompson was born May 2, 1844 and had lived nearly a half century in Coleman county. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and five sons. All the children were present for the funeral except one son who missed train connections at Fort Worth.
Rev. C.W. Clark, Baptist minister of Coleman, conducted funeral services at the residence Tuesday. Interment was made in Glen Cove cemetery. His funeral was attended by a large concourse of friends who were deeply grieved over the loss of a dear fried and fellow-citizen.
On 8 October 1920 he recorded a will. It was written for him by T. H. Strong, a family friend. Edward was 72 at that time. His probate inventory revealed the following assets:

200 acres of land of the W. W. Wallingford Survey No. 692
Abstract No. 709. $10,000
3 head of horses 150
1 mule 50
7 head of cows 280
3 calves 20
Household possessions 400

Part of Edward's will:
"Know all men by these presents: that I, E. Y. Thompson, of the County of Coleman, and State of Texas, knowing the certainty of death, and desirous of disposing of all my earthly estate shall be distributed after my death, do by these presents make my last will and testament, hereby revoking and all other wills heretofore made by me.

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:" ...
(Numbering of children was added by compiler.)
The will left some confusion about the identity of his children. It only mentioned five children, but there were seven children in his family, Mrs. M. E. Thompson (Mary Ett) declared in a probate statement that Edward's children were: (1) H. F. Thompson; (2) S. J. Thompson; (3) J. J. Thompson; (4) Leo Beaver, and were the children of his first wife, Martha A. Smith. Children of Mary Ett Koone were: (5) H. G. Thompson; (6) J. N. Thompson; and (7) Earnie Fenton.

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
Last rites for Mrs. E.Y. Thompson, 76, who resided ten miles west of Coleman, were held at two o'clock Monday afternoon from the graveside in Glen Cove cemetery with the Rev. Pleas Todd officiating. Mrs. Thompson had resided in Coleman since 1885.
Mrs. Mary Ett Thompson was born October 6, 1864, at Van Worth, Ohio. She died at the family residence, ten miles west of Coleman, on February 16, 1941. She came to Coleman County in 1885.
She was a member on the Methodist Church, having united with that church at the age of 12. Survivors include: Four sons, Jim of Big Springs, Seab of New Mexico, Grady of Ashdown, Arkansas, and J. N. Thompson of Coleman; two daughters, Mrs. Leo Beaver of Florence, Texas, and Mrs. Earnie Fenton of Coleman, 38 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Her husband, the late E. Y. Thompson (uncle Ned), preceded her in death 18 years ago. He came to this county in 1867. Pallbearers included, Roy Futrell, Ollie Futrell, Edd Futrell, H. F. Fenton, R. C. Farmer, and O. D. Hector. Flower bearers included, Opal Reeves, Agnes Fenton, Louise Pauline Fenton, Juanita Fenton, Marjorie Nell Thompson, Mary Alice Thompson. Funeral arrangements were under the arrangements of J.E. Stevens Company.
The obituary didn't mention the existence of Frank H. Thompson (H. F. Thompson). He was deceased.

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:
The State of Texas, County of Coleman: Know all men by these presents: That we S. J. Thompson and wife T. B. Thompson, of the County of Coleman and State of Texas, sold land in consideration of the sum of Sixteen Hundred ($1600.00) Dollars, paid and secured by J. D. Gassiet as follows: ... said J. D. Gassiet to assume an outstanding Vendor's Lien note of $100.00 given by S. J. Thompson, July 24th, 1908 payable to Robert Morrison of Coleman County... containing 100 acres of land... Witness our hands at Valera, Texas, this 12th day of August A.D. 1908: S.J. Thompson; T.B. Thompson Note above: Valera is in Coleman County.

Deed:
State of Texas, County of Lee: In consideration of the sum of $100.00 paid by Bob Peebles, S.J. Thompson sold land as recorded in Vol. 30, page 185 in Deed records of Lee County. Witness my hand this the 1st day of March, A.D. 1919. S.J. Thompson; Lexington, Texas

Deed:
State of Texas, County of Lee: We, S.J. Thompson and T.B. Thompson sold for $1200.00 to J.W. Waters all land on the waters of the East Yegua River, two tracts as follows... as recorded Vol. 18, page 287 of the deeds record. Witness our hands at Lexington, Tex. this 3rd day of February, A.D. 1919. S.J. Thompson; T.B. Thompson

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.
sp-Sarah Jane Netherton was born in Tennessee 28 April 1843.
1-Oscar Wood was born in Tennessee May 1867.
2-Lana Wood was born in Tennessee in 1868.
3-C.C. Wood was born in Texas October 1871.
4-Ella M. Wood was born in Texas November 1873.
5-Tennessee Blanch Wood was born in Fannin Co., Texas on 7 May 1877.
6-Rufus Wood was born in October 1881 in Texas. Fannin or Coleman County.
7-Lucy B. Wood was born in Texas September 1881. Fannin or Coleman County.
8-Gardie Wood was born in Texas in 1884. Fannin or Coleman County.
Before 1887 Sarah moved her family to Coleman. Her husband died 28 February 1887 in Coleman. On the 1910 Coleman County census, Sarah Wood was living with her daughter Gardie as shown:

1910 Coleman Census Justice Precinct 6 Family # 149
Brooks, Hick 26 m.1 6yr MO MY MO Farmer
Gardie 25 m.1 6yr TX TN TN
Sarah 04 TX MO TX
Jarine 2/12 TX MO TX
Wood, Sarah 68 Wd TN TN S.C.
Allen Wood, father of Tennessee, was the son of Ashby Wood and Nancy Kelly of Tennessee. His family is shown below. All children were born in Cocke County, Tennessee, probably in Newport. See family group sheet for the second wife of Ashby and the other children.

Ashby Wood 1838 TN
Nancy Kelly 1838 TN
Allen Wood 07 Sep 1841 TN
Rhoda Wood 03 Sep 1843 TN
Lucy Wood 20 Mar 1847 TN
William Wood 1850 TN
Zilla Wood 1852 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
Lieutenant Colonels--Nathan Gregg
Major--James Alex Rhea
Organized 1 October 1862, mustered into service in Vicksburg. Served in East Tennessee and Western Virginia. 'I' Company was enrolled at Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee under Captain William A. Wash. The 60th was assigned to Brigadier General John C. Vaughn. They arrived in Jackson Mississippi in November 1862. On 26 December, the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou and Chickasaw Bluffs ensued at Vicksburg. The 60th held the Federal army. On 17 May 1863, the 60th Regiment surrendered to General S.G. Burbridge's 1st Brigade while defending a bridge on the Big Black River. Company 'I' was also captured. Those solders were later paroled.

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
sp-Elizabeth Born: [1742]
2-- Henry NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1765 Virginia
2-- Sarah NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1767 Virginia
2-- Elizabeth NETHERTON Born: 1 Feb 1773 Virginia
2-- John NETHERTON Born: 12 Oct 1774 Virginia
2-- William NETHERTON Born: [1780]
2-- Moses NETHERTON Born: 16 Oct 1781 Virginia
2-- Catherine NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1782 Virginia
2-- James NETHERTON Born: 18 Jan 1782 Virginia
2-- Enoch NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1789 North Carolina
sp-Mary Polly LEE Born: [1791]
3-- John NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1812 Tennessee
3-- James NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1813 Tennessee
3-- Moses NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1818 Tennessee
3-- Green Berry NETHERTON Born: 28 Jan 1828 Cocke, Tennessee
sp-Mary Born: [1830] Tennessee
sp-Elizabeth Born: ABOUT 1841 Tennessee
4-- Sarah Jane NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1858 Cocke, Tennessee
4-- Mary Coralee NETHERTON Born: 9 Jan 1859 Cocke, Tennessee
4-- Howard NETHERTON Born: 21 Aug 1861 Tennessee
sp-Hattie PERRY Born: 14 Mar 1867 Tennessee
5-- Infant Daughter NETHERTON Born: 9 Apr 1886 Glen Cove, Texas
5-- Maggie NETHERTON Born: 13 Aug 1887 Glen Cove, Coleman, Texas
5-- Jesse Jerome NETHERTON Born: 12 Jun 1889 Coleman, Texas
5-- Grace NETHERTON Born: 27 Aug 1890 Glen Cove, Coleman, Texas
5-- Mabel NETHERTON Born: 14 Feb 1892 Glen Cove, Coleman, Texas
5-- James Alonzo NETHERTON Born: 12 Jan 1894 Glen Cove, Texas
sp-Cassandra Elizabeth LOWRIE 13 Aug 1899 Henderson, Rusk, TX
5-- LIVING Born: LIVING
4-- Matilda M. NETHERTON Born: 25 Sep 1866 Cocke, Tennessee
4-- Alonzo NETHERTON Born: ABOUT 1876 Texas
sp-Jane Born: 30 Mar 1804 Tennessee
The 1860 Cocke County Census on 24 July, District #8, Township of Faylessburg, Household number 1087 displayed Enoch's family below. Note: The household of Allen Wood was number 1090. Thus, Sarah and Allen played together when they were children.

Enoch Netherton 71 TN
Jane 56 SC Married about 1856
Elizabeth Netherton 40 TN
Mary Brady Netherton 22 TN
Harding Netherton 20 TN
Sarah Jane Netherton 17 TN Grandmother of Florice
Alvie Netherton 04 TN
Caleb Netherton 01 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
Mother--Mary Polly Lee Married about 1812 Cocke, TN
John Netherton Born about 1812 TN
James Netherton Born about 1813 TN
Moses Netherton Born about 1818 TN
Green Berry Netherton Born 28 Jan 1828 Cocke, TN
Died 29 Jan 1915 Glen Cove, Coleman, TX
Married Mary abt 1849 TN
Married Elizabeth 1854 TN (estimate)
Your mind's eye can see that Allen Wood and his wife Sarah Jane Netherton arrived in Coleman the
same time as Green Berry Netherton. They were preceded by Edward Thompson and company. Were it not for that converging, I'd not be sitting here typing this for you. The odds that all of the occurrences in this tiny history occurred by chance are too large to calculate. Thus, I must conclude We are Each here by a Divine Directive.

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
My Mother

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
09/14/1918 Florice Mozelle Thompson

Another Look
Other Children

Child
REN: John N. (Nugent) Thompson, Edward Young Hill Thompson, Charles W. (William) Thompson, and Mary Ann Thompson departed Georgia before 1854. They passed through Alabama briefly and landed in Carroll County, Mississippi. A puzzlement exists as to why an established family would suddenly leave their home of twenty-five years.

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: John N. (Nugent) Thompson possibly married Mary E. Holman 10 September 1857 in Carroll County, Mississippi. John also served in the Civil War. His unit was Company A of the 30th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. John was killed 4 August 1864. He was buried in the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery of LaGrange, Georgia in the same city where he was born. Child
: William T. Thompson didn't follow the others for he was in Greene County Georgia in 1860 and single. He enlisted in the Confederate Army of Georgia 17 July 1861. He was discharged north of the Georgia state line 3 June 1862 possibly because of wounds received in action.

Child
REN: Charles, Edward, and John served from the state of Mississippi. The account of the war record was previously mentioned. After the Civil War, Charles and Edward Thompson remained together, but Charles took a shorter route to Coleman than did Edward.

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
S. A. 23 Alabama
L. R. 03 LA
Robt. 9/12 Texas, Born October 1879
#111:
Charles Bugg 05 LA
#112:
Thompson, E.Y. 23 Farmer Georgia
Charles was married in 1866 in Louisiana. A clue to his wife's maiden name lies in the child named Charles Bugg.

In 1880, the Coleman County census, Precinct #8 E.D. 44 is shown below, family # 115.
Thompson, Charles W. 37 Farmer GA
Sarah A. 32 AL
Lana R. 13 LA
Robt W. 11 TX
Ernest, Dau. 09 TX
Charles Bugg was no longer part of this family. Edward Thompson; however, lived up the road on Glen Cove Route. The 1910 census indicated Emma was Edward's third wife and were married in 1897. Charles said his father, Seaborn, was born in North Carolina. Retracing all of the censuses whereby Seaborn J. Thompson was listed, he was said to have been born At Sea, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

In 1900, Charles Thompson had the following family. He lived in Coleman and ran a cotton gin.
Charles W. Thompson Oct 1842 GA NC GA Ginner
Emma F. (Quinn) Feb 1869 KA VR VR His third wife.
Sallie M. Quinn Jan 1887 TX TX KA Step-child of Charles.
John W. Thompson Oct 1892 TX GA TX Son by his second wife.
Sarah F. Quinn Jun 1833 VR VR VR Mother-in-law.
Charles died 4 February 1922 in Coleman. He left a will, but it didn't mention his biological children. It read in part, typed as found with errors:
"In the event of the death of the said Emma F. Thompson, shall pass to and vest in fee simple in Sallie M. Thayer, my stepdaughter and the daughter of my said wife, Emma F. Thompson, to her the said Sallie M. Thayer in fee simpe to own use and dispose of as to her shall seem proper."

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:
Oscar Wood, son of Allen and Sarah, married Nancy Hamilton 16 September 1890 in Coleman. Their family consisted of these persons in 1900:

Family #233 Coleman
Oscar Wood May 1867 TN TN TN
Nancy Nov 1873 MO MO IL
Dyotte, Son, Jul 1893 TX TN MO James Dyotte Wood
Elmer May 1896 TX TN MO
Willie, Dau, Aug 1898 TX TN MO
C.C., Brother, Oct 1871 TX TN MO
Cais, Hamilton Jul 1882 TX MO IL

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:
Precinct # 8, Lovington
# 223 Oscar Wood 51 Tennessee Laborer
Nancy S. Wood 46 Missouri
Albert C. Wood 19 Texas
Mineola Wood 16 Texas
Jonnie M. Wood 12 Texas
AND
# 224 James D. Wood 26 Texas Laborer
Nora M. Wood 19 Texas
Loretta B. Wood 10/12 New Mexico
In March 1940, Oscar Wood died. Thus, he join his beloved mother, Sarah Wood. Oscar had a small farm of 160 acres near Lovington. He wasn't wealthy as he left only $50.00 to each of these persons: His wife, Nancy Wood; James Dyotte Wood; Elmer S. Wood; Willie Belle WOOD Scott; Albert C. Wood, Mineola WOOD Spires; and Jonnie WOOD Rogers. James Dyotte Wood had a great uncle named Dyatt or Dyott Wood. Albert was named for his great uncle. Jonnie Wood married Johnnie Rogers.

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
Alexander Hamilton 12 October 1888
George Martin Hamilton 18 January 1891
Price Hamilton 16 February 1892
Lue Tishie Hamilton 10 April 1895
Fannie Hamilton 20 August 1897
Annie Hamilton 20 August 1897
Wilbur Walter Hamilton 30 November 1899
Jennie Belle Hamilton 23 March 1902
Martha Bessie Hamilton 30 November 1904
Mollie Elizabeth 31 January 1907
Oscar Hamilton 29 June 1909
Oscar Hamilton was named for his brother-in-law Oscar Wood who married Nancy Hamilton. In January 1905 J. R. and his large family, including grandpa, grandma, Oscar and Nancy Wood, moved to New Mexico in covered wagons. Lue Tishie assumed the role of mother, because Nancy was in poor health. In September 1905, they settled in Knowles which is near Lovington, Lea County, New Mexico.

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:
Frank H. Thompson was the executor of Edward's will, reportedly living in Williamson County in 1920. Court documents prove he married Sallie E. Shaw. His brother-in-law was John Shaw who was the trustee of his estate.

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:
James Jerome Thompson married Carrie Lewis 17 January 1904. He married Perney Satterwhite 17 November 1907. James and his bride lived next door to James M. Futrell and family in Coleman in 1910. Later, he moved to Big Springs, Howard County, Texas, until after 1940.

Child:
Henry W. Grady Thompson married Grace Montgomery 9 April 1912 in Coleman. Henry moved to Strawn, Palo Pinto County, Texas by 1920. Roy Futrell lived with the Henry Thompson Family. Later, Henry moved to Ashdown, Arkansas and lived there for many years. Some of his children were Henry Grady Thompson, Jr. who was born 5 July 1913 in Mexia, Limestone County, Texas; Glennie Edith Thompson who was born 7 August 1916 in Coleman; Nugent Thompson was born in 7 August 1916 in Coleman County. Nugent's full name may have been John Nugent Thompson, after his uncle and great uncle.

Child:
John Nugent Thompson, son of Edward, was born 30 July 1893 in Coleman. He died 3 March 1954. He married Louisa Davis nee Jameson. He died 11 March 1920. Louisa was born 22 January 1893 and died 3 July 1984. They are buried beside one another in Coleman Cemetery. Louisa's first husband, Harley Davis, was killed by lightning in 1915. John's THOMPSON line is extinguished.

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:
Leo E. Thompson, daughter of Edward, married James M. Futrell in Coleman in 1899. Next, she married Oscar Marion Beaver 22 May 1913 in Coleman. Oscar was born 19 February 1876 in Weir, Williamson County, Texas. He died 4 July 1963 in Georgetown. After 1920, Oscar later married Mary Elizabeth Finney who was born 16 December 1879 in Burnet, Texas.

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
Ollie Lee Futrell 10 Jan 1904 in Coleman
Mary Futrell 1907 in Coleman
Jim Futrell 1909 in Coleman
Troy Edward Futrell 31 Oct 1910 in Coleman
Edward Young Beaver 19 Jan 1914 in Coleman
Myrtle Beaver 1918 in Williamson County

Child:
Earnest Mattie Thompson, daughter of Edward, married Henry Montgomery. Recall that Earnest's brother, Henry Grady married Grace Montgomery. Earnest had one daughter, Opal Inez Montgomery on 12 May 1914. Opal died 5 October 1981 and was buried in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Irvine, Texas. She married Oran Douglas Reeves who was born 12 March 1913.

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:
James M. Futrell Jan 1876 24 AR AR AR Farm Laborer
Leo E. (Thompson) Jun 1883 17 TX LA TX
Roy A. Futrell Dec 1899 5/12 TX AR TX
The reader is invited to identify an error reported in that census.
Coleman census continued:
Joseph M. Futrell Apr 1970 30 AR USA USA Farmer
Florence B. Futrell Oct 1878 21 TX MS MO
Myrtle R. Futrell Apr 1898 02 TX AR TX
AND:
William W. Futrell Nov 1845 54 MS USA USA Farmer
Louisa E. Futrell Dec 1844 55 AR IL IL
Charles M. Futrell Aug 1882 17 AR TN AR
Arkansas Futrell Sep 1884 15 AR TN AR
Notice the correspondence of names in the Thompson and Futrell children. These families lived in the same vicinity.

1910 Coleman Precinct 6, Family 150, 29 April 1910:
Futrell, Andrew H. 46 AR USA USA FARMER
Georgia 34 TX MS TX
Willie, Son 17 TX AR TX
Evie, Daughter 15 TX AR TX
Frank 13 TX AR TX
Andrew 07 TX AR TX
Ora 06 TX AR TX
Esel, Daughter 03 TX AR TX
Claude 11/12 TX AR TX
In Precinct 18 was a James J. and Perney R. Thompson and next door was the family of James F. Futrell, 12 May 1910.
Futrell, James 34 AR AR AR Farmer
Leo E. 26 TX LA TX
Roy A. 10 TX AR TX
Ollie L. 06 TX AR TX
Mary L. 03 TX AR TX
Futrell, Charles 26 AR AR AR Farmer
Nellie O. 21 MO AR USA
Edith E. 05/12 TX AR MO

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
Georgia 42 TX MS TX
Alsie Lee, Dau 21 TX AR TX
Andrew 17 TX AR TX
Ora 15 TX AR TX
Assel, Dau 13 TX AR TX
Jayet, Son 10 TX AR TX
Annel Lee, Dau 06 TX AR TX
Uesta 04 TX AR TX
Lavory, Dau 02 TX AR TX
Henderson, Nannie 72 TX US USA Mother-in-law
AND:
Futrell, J. W. 27 TX AR TX
Gronie 30 TX TN TX
A. Y. Futrell and Andrew H. Futrell were the same person. His actual name was Andrew Jackson Futrell according to the Ancestral File. The casual reader may appreciate the difficulty in Genealogy, because names and dates change from census to census depending on the enumerator and the nickname in use at that time. The 'correct' family of Andrew is presented below.
Andrew Jackson Futrell 1859 AR
Georgia Henderson 1868 TX
James William Futrell 1893 TX
Lottie Evelina Futrell 1895 TX
Frank Edward Futrell 1897 TX
Andrew Futrell 1903 TX
Ora Futrell 1905 TX
Estella Futrell 1907 TX
Claude Futrell 1909 TX
Anna Lee Futrell 1914 TX
Vesta Futrell 1916 TX
Lavina Futrell 1918 TX

Part Two After
The Joy of Genealogy
Our Duty to Update Records
by Lisa Barnum

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.
Georgia} In the name of God Amen
Wilkes Co.} I George Smith of the state and county aforesaid do make constitute and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following vez.
ITEM 1st: On account of the inconvenience and problems that females and orphans are sometimes exposed to after the death of the husband and father and that injury and waste not infrequently attends their property, it is my particular desire to secure and protect my beloved wife Mary Smith and my young son George Blakey Smith against all and every causality of like nature so far as it can be effected by my own precaution or through the kind agency of friends to this, and therefore, I relinquish unto my beloved wife Mary Smith all the interest which I may be entitled to by virtue of my intermarriage with her in the estate of her Father John Menzies (or Menzur) late of Rockingham County and the state of North Carolina died together with all claims which I may have to a certain yellow boy* named Jerry who was brought unto my possession by the aforesaid intermarriage under the Executor of the above named John Menzies giving a receipt for him to my Executor releasing my estate from responsibility. I further give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Smith out of our estate one Negro girl known in the family by Little Eliza, and one hundred dollars worth of household and kitchen furniture of her own selection at that approximate value and twenty five barrels of cane also the carriage, harness, and pair of horses that march the same, two cows and calves of her own selection and choice of two sows and pigs. I further give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Smith two hundred and seventy two acres of land whereon we now live including the dwelling house and all other outter houses, and the spring that we make use of, to be laid off to the north side of my land being or following vez: to the East--by the Northern part--of Charles Lylasso's land and Elbert Smith's land and to the north by land formerly belonging to the Estate of Cola Praydeco and up the branch that divides the land of Joel T. Smith died and myself--and thence on the line that runs onto the hickory X in the field at the Chaffen place on the said mentioned line so far as to include the above mentioned two hundred and twenty five acres of land and running in such from so as to include the aforesaid lines. Should my wife Mary Smith's relatives or any one of them or any other person or persons after my death produce any accounts or any other claim against her, it is my direction that in the account of their being sustained that there be paid out of the legacy duly bequeathed her and or relating to the land and the land and property given her in the ITEM 1, I desire that the same be delivered over to her by my Executor or Executors immediately after the probate of my wife and my property inventoried in order that she may be exempt from further commission with my Executor or Executors or either of them or others or the Court of Ordinary.

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.
IN witness hereof--I have here unto set my hand and affix my seal this first day of December 1831.
GEO SMITH seal; Signed Sealed and acknowledged by the testator as his last will and testament in presence: Joseph W. Robinson, Mark. Lane; John C. Dyrin

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.
Sworn to in open Court this 5th day of May 1834
Recorded 5th Sept 1834 Martin A Lane J W Robinson

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:
Frances Louise/Louisa Thompson was a great grandchild of George Smith.  She may not be a SMITH in surname if she descended from a daughter of George Smith. Seaborn J. Thompson was made guardian of his daughter, Frances Louise Thompson in Troup County, Georgia in 1834.

George Smith(1st wife) = Frances Burnley
George Smith(2nd wife) = Sarah Blakley
George Smith(3nd wife) = Mary Menzies
in Wilkes County GA before 1820, married after 1824
Mary's Father: John Menzies, of Rockingham County NC
1-1 Dau Amelia Smith = John G. Roberts
Married 6 May 1819 Wilkes, Georgia
Born about 1800
1-1-1 Grandson Daniel Roberts
Born after 1820
1-2 Son Joel T. Smith = Elizabeth J. Smith
Deceased before 1833 per his father's will
1-2-1 Great Granddaughter Born 1829 GA
Frances Louisa Thompson = Henry Maier or Meyer
married 26 April 1849 Troup County GA
In Seaborn's household in 1850, Troup County
1-2-2 Grandson George Smith
1-2-3 Grandson Henry R. Smith
1-3 Dau Frances Smith = James Sanford
Married 22 Nov 1820 Wilkes County GA
1-3-1 George Sanford--also spelled Sandford in the will
Born abt 1830 Wilkes County GA
1-4 Dau Margaret Smith = Stephen G. Burnley
Married before 1831
1-5 Son George Blakey Smith, Born 29 January 1824 in Wilkes County GA
My father continued: Seaborn's first wife would need to be about 16 or older in 1828 if he married a
Smith. Therefore, she would have been born about 1810 or earlier. Her parents would have been born about 1790 or earlier. Therefore, George Smith would have been married about 1770 or earlier. George would have been born about 1750 to 1860. His child George Blakey Smith was born in 1824. George would have been about 74 at that time. Seaborn's first wife apparently was younger than Amelia. The grandchild who married Seaborn must have been the daughter of Joel T. Smith. It doesn't seem possible George Smith had great grandchild aged 16 or over in 1828. My data is incomplete."

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:
Chas.Thompson 2,3,0,0,0,1 2,0,1,1,0 12,0,0,10,2,3,0,4,3,2
George Smith.. 2,2,0,1,0,1 2,1,0,1,0 7,0,0,06,4,0,0,0,3,0

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:
Smith males females
Joel  2,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0/1,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
Wm  0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0/1,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0

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
Moreland/Reed/Thompson

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
Seaborn J. Thompson
males under 5 = two WM and John Thompson
males 20 to 50 = one S.J. Thompson
females 5 to 10 = one Mary Ann Thompson
females 20 to 30 = one J. B. Moreland
Julia C. and Frances Louise were not on this census.
1850 26 August 1850 Georgia Troup County, Lagrange (LaGrange)
Sebron Thompson 44 GA
Jane B. 35 GA
Mary Ann 17 GA
William T. 15 GA
John N. 13 GA John Nugent?
Charles W. 09 GA
Edward Y. 05 GA
Living in the family of Seaborn were:
Henry Maier(Meyer) 38 Germany Cabinet Maker
Frances L. 21 Georgia (Thompson)
1860 27 June 1860 Mississippi Newton County Hickory TWP page 741
Sebron Thompson 55 GA Railroad Contractor $10,000/$39,980
Charles 16 GA
Edward 14 GA
1870 Louisiana Claiborne Scottsville (Lisbon) Ward #1 #226 pg 15
Thompson, S. J. 65 GA $1,600 $600
S. (Sallie) 28 GA (Thornton) (Corry) Thompson
A.N.--female 12 LA Children born before Civil War
S. A.--female 10 LA All were 'Corry' Children
I. Y./J. Y.--male 10 LA
E. Y.--female? 08 LA
#227--may not be related
Ingram?, A. 37 GA female
E.--female 14 AL
L. H.--female 03 LA
1870 Louisiana Claiborne Parish Scottsville Ward #1 #231
Nephew of Seaborn Charles Henry Thompson
Thompson, C. H. 27 GA $400 $3,000
E. J. 22 LA (E. J. Bush) m 24 Dec 1865
1860 Louisiana Claiborne Parish
E. D. Bugg 31 GA
J. C. 19 GA
1870
Claiborne Ward #2 # 231
Moreland, Wm 53 GA brother of Jane Briden MORELAND
Elizabeth 43 GA with six children not shown here
Bugg, Alva 03 LA nephew
1880 21 June Louisiana Ward #2 page 262 #296
Moreland, William 63 GA VA VA and family
Bugg, Charles S. 15 Nephew LA GA GA
Bugg, A. Bean 13 Nephew LA GA GA
1880 17 June Louisiana Ward #7 page 376 #267
Bugg, Eddie female 18 White LA GA GA (Edmond)
Louisiana 1900 Soundex B200 Bossier County LA Ward 5
Vol6,ED22,Sheet1,Line69
Alva B. Bugg born age 33 Feb 1867 in Louisiana
Lula M. age 31 Jan 1869 in Mississippi
1910 Soundex B200 Louisiana
Doctor A. B. Bugg age 43 Caddo County LA ED27,Sheet39
wife L.M. age 42 born in Texas
Doctor Bugg, son of Julia THOMPSON and E.D. BUGG, apparently had no children. Note inconsistent place of birth for Lula.
1870 Texas Wood County Winnsborro #110
Thompson,C. W. 25 GA
S. A. 23 AL
D. R. 03 LA
Robert 9/12 TX born in October
Bugg, Charles 05 LA nephew, son of Julia
Thompson,E.Y. 23 GA
1880 Texas Coleman County Coleman Pct #7 #171
Thompson, C. W. 37 GA GA GA
Sarah A. 32 AL GA AL
Zana 13 LA GA AL
Robert W. 11 TX GA AL
Ernest (female) 09 TX GA AL
1900 4th June Texas Coleman County Coleman #61
Thompson, Chas. W. Oct 1842 57 M3 GA NC GA
Emma F. Feb 1869 31 M3 (2/1)KS VA VA
Sallie M. Jan 1887 13 TX TX KS
Jme--son Oct 1892 7 TX GA TX
Quinn, Sarah F. Jun 1883 67 Wd VA VA VA
Mother-in-law
1910 Texas Coleman
Thayer, Warren L. 26 M1 MI NY OH
Thayer, Sallie 23 M1 0/0 TX TX KS
1910 Texas Coleman
Austin, Florence 21 Single (Thompson) TX TX LA
Gerald 16 TX TX LA
Harold 14 TX TX LA
Ivan 10 TX TX LA
1900 Texas Coleman
Montgomery, Rufus Jan 1862 38 M14 TX TN MS
Julia B. Jan 1872 28 M14 TX KY GA
Herlie E. Sep 1888 11 TX TX TX
Henry A. Jul 1891 08 TX TX TX
Grace m. (Thompson) Oct 1893 06 TX TX TX
James E. Oct 1896 06 TX TX TX
John A. Brother Nov 1896 30 TX TN MS
1920 Texas from Soundex
Pecos, Reeves, Texas 6th Street
V138 WD176 S5 L23
Robert W. Thompson White 50 born Texas
living with Mancer Wright, Nephew
1920 Texas from Soundex
Dallas, Dallas, Texas South Adams house # 536
V43 ED60 S24 L53
I. W. Thompson White 27 born Texas
Mamie R. wife 22 born TX
1850 26 September Alabama Chambers County 19th Dist #124
William F. Parker 32 GA
Drucilla 31 GA
John H. 10 GA
William M. 07 AL
Auguhus? E. 05 AL Augustus
Sarah A. 04 AL wife of Charles Thompson
Fady A. 03 AL
Joseph 01 AL
1870 Texas Wood County Winnsborro #141
Wm F. Parker 52 GA
Drusilla 52 GA
J. M. 20 AL
Thomas 19 AL
H. M. 19 AL
Emma 16 AL
James 10 AL
1870 Texas 1870 Wood County Winnsborro Pct#4 #104
Parker, J.H. 31 GA son of Wm F.
H. E. 25 AL
Sarah E. 09 LA not the wife of Charles Thompson
Wm H. 07 LA
John W. 05 LA
E. J. 04 LA
1900 5 June Texas Colman County Coleman pg 179 ED21 # 91
Austin, Thr. R. Jly 1857 42 M12 TX VR MO
Zana Jan 1867 33 M12(5/4)LA GA AR
Florence B. Nov 1888 11 TX TX LA
Gerald J. Spt 1893 06 TX TX LA
Harrell S. Dec 1895 04 TX TX LA
Ivan Apr 1899 01 TX TX LA
1870 Texas Wood County Quitman page 63 #21
Warren, James 52 GA
Mary 42 AL
Martha 13 TX
1880 25 June Texas Coleman County Pct # 1 page 520
Thompson, Edward Y. 35 GA SC GA
Martha A. 23 TX GA MS
Frank H. 04 TX GA TX
Jas H. 01 TX GA TX Seaborn Jones
1920 3 February Texas Brown County Brownwood Justice Pct #1 #316
Brown, Marcus L. 51 TX GA GA Physician
Ernest 47 TX GA GA Ernest Thompson
Gladys 20 TX TX TX
Mary 16 TX TX TX
Zana 09 TX TX TX
1880 26 June Texas Coleman County Pct #1
Thompson Edward Y. 35 GA SC GA
Notice SC birthplace for Seaborn J.
Martha A. 23 TX GA MS
Frank H. 04 TX GA TX
Jas H. 01 TX GA TX
1900 Texas Coleman County Page 220 #221
Thompson, Edward Y. H.May 1846 54 m17 GA GA GA marriage of '30' overwritten with a '17'
Mary E. Oct 1862 37 (5/3) OH OH OH
Sebern J. Nov 1879 20 TX GA LA
James J. Nov 1881 18 TX GA LA
Henry W. G. Feb 1887 13 TX GA OH
John N. Jly 1893 06 TX GA OH
Mattie E. Aug 1896 03 TX GA OH
1910 28 April Texas Coleman Justice Pct #6 #129
Thompson, Edward Y. 64 M19 GA GA GA
Mary 49 M19 OH OH OH
Nugent 16 TX GA OH John
Earnest female 13 TX GA OH Mattie
1920 19 January Texas Coleman County Justice Pct #6 #53
Thompson, E.Y. 74 /GA/ Atlantic Ocean Born at Sea Am. Cit./ GA
Mary 54 OH OH OH
J.N. 26 TX GA OH
Smith, Lillian 20 TX TX TX
1860 14 Aug Texas Wood County Springville Pct #6 Page 324 #474
James Warren 42 GA $3,330 $5,095
Mary 33 AL
Thas J. 10 TX
Jas B. 08 TX
Martha 04 TX
Manerva C. 01 TX
Martha Jennings 25 AL
1910 29 April Texas Lee County Justice Pct #4 #128
Thompson, Sebron J. 29 M1 7 TX GA USA
Tennie B. 29 M1 7 (3/3) TX USA USA
Neal L. 05 TX TX TX
Montie C. 03 TX TX TX
Edward Y. 01 TX TX TX
Seaborn was enumerated twice in 1910 above and next.
1910 9 May Texas Lee County Justice Pct #4 #191 West Yegua River
Thompson, Sebe J. 29 M1 6 TX AL AL
Tennie B. 28 M1 6 (3/3) TX TN TN
Neal 05 TX TX TX
Montie 04 TX TX TX
Edward 01 TX TX TX
1920 19 January Texas Coleman County Justice Pct #6 #54
Thompson, S.J. 40 TX GA TX
T. B. 42 TX TN TN
N. L. 15 TX TX TX
M.C. 14 TX TX TX
E.Y. 12 TX TX TX
Elaine 09 TX TX TX
Zella 07 TX TX TX
Idel 04 TX TX TX
Florice 01 TX TX TX
1910 12 May Texas Coleman County Justice Pct #3 #234
Thompson James J. 28 M2 2 TX USA USA
Pernnie K. (child died) 22 M2 2 (1/0) MS MS MS
1920 Texas from Soundex
Gerogetown, Williamson, Texas V171 ED 152 S3 L70
Thompson, James J. 38 White born Texas North Bushey Street
Oincilla 29 Texas--this was Ella Carpenter
Mary L. 3/12 Texas1920 Texas Soundex Georgetown, Williamson, Texas V171 ED162 S2 L32
Thompson, Frank H. 44 White South Bushey Street
House # 913; living with Eldridge Hodges, roomer
1920 18 February Texas Williamson County Justice Pct #4 West? #246
Beaver, Oscar 42 TX VR TX head
Leo (Thompson) 38 TX LA TX wife
Futrell, Roy Alvin 20 TX AR TX step-son
Ollie 17 TX AR TX step-son
Mary 13 TX AR TX step-dau
Lee 13 TX TX TX son
Jim 11 TX TX TX son
Edd (Troy) 09 TX AR TX step-son
E.Y. (Edward Young) 05 TX TX TX son
Myrti (Myrtle?) 02 TX TX TX daughter
1900 Texas Coleman County Pct #6 #48
James M. Futrell Jan 1876 24 M1 AR AR AR
Leo E. Jun 1883 17(1/1) TX LA TX
Roy A. Dec 1899 5/12 TX AR TX
1880 16 June Texas Fannin County page 398 #400
Wood, Allen 33 TN TN TN
S. J. 37(31?) TN TN TN
Osker 13 TN TN TN
Zana 11 TN TN TN
C. male 09 TN TN TN
E. M. female 05 TX TN TN
Tennessee 03 TX TN TN
Rufus 4/12 Oct TX TN TN
1900 13 June Texas
Justice Pct #1 not including Coleman City #105
Wood, Sarah J. Apr 1842 58 Wd 36 (9/8) TN VA SC
Ella M. Nov 1873 26 TX TN TN
Tennessee May 1877 23 TX TN TN
Rufus Oct 1879 20 TX TN TN
Lucy B. Spt 1881 18 TX TN TN
Gordie Jan 1884 16 TX TN TN
#233
Wood Oscar May 1867 33 M10 TN TN TN
Nancy Nov 1873 26 M10 (3/3) MO MO IL
Dyott Jly 1893 06 TX TN MO
Elmer May 1896 04 TX TN MO
Willie Aug 1899 01 TX TN MO
C.C. brother Oct 1871 28 TX TN TN
1920 18 February New Mexico Lea Lovington Pst #8 #233
Wood Oscar 51 TN TN TN
Nancy S. 46 MO MO MO
Albert C. 19 TX TN MO
Mineola 16 TX TN MO
Jonnie M. female 12 NM TN MO Johnnie
#324
Wood, James O.? 26 TX TN MO
Nora? M. 19 NM TX TX
Loretta B. 10/12 NM TX TX
1920 12 February Texas Palo Pinto County V135 ED209 S8 L22
Justice Pct #8 #173
Thompson, Grady H. 33 TX TX TX (Henry Grady)
Grace 23 TX TX TX
H. G. son 06 TX TX TX
Glennie 04 TX TX TX
Nugent son 02 TX TX TX
Futrell, Roy 20 TX TX TX nephew
1920 soundex T512 Texas Kent County, TX
Thompson, Charlie O. 39 TX
Robert H. dau 15 TX
Ida L. dau 12 TX
Blanche T. dau 09 TX
Ruth N. dau 07 TX
Charles O. Jr. son 03 TX
1910 16 February Texas Palo Pinto County Justice Pct #8 #49
Fenton, Hiram 25 NM GA GA
Ernie 22 TX TX TX (Mattie Thompson)
Opal 07 TX NM TX

Charles Thompson and Charles Thompson
Ancestors of Our Thompson Family

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
under 10- 0 0
10 to 16- 1 0
16 to 26- 1 0
26 to 45- 0 0
over 45- 1 1

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.
January 1854 I hereby certify the forgoing to be a true record.
HJ Cleveland dy of Dist Court.

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 indebted that it will be necessary to pay the debts to sell all the personal property belonging to said secession and the plantation and land whereon the deceased lived and a part of the slaves to pay the same whereupon petitioner prays your honor to grant him and order to sell the land personal property and as many of the slaves as will be sufficient to pay the debts. He prays that the cotton crop be sold for cash and that the land be sold for cash provided it brings its appraised value otherwise on a credit of twelve months purchases to give noted and good personal security with mortgage on the lands and slaves sold bearing eight percent interest from now until paid and that the heirs present have notice of this application and that the counsel for absent heirs have notice of this application and for general relief. A. Lawson atty for petitioner VV Thompson Anderson Orr William Neyland CJ Thompson.

Service, I hereby acknowledge service of the within petition and wave citation and time and concur with the prayer of the petitioner this Dec 24, Twenty fourth day of December 1851. JC Thompson Margaret H. Thompson for myself and two minor children R.E. and J.C. Thompson Anderson Orr, William Neyland. Jno. C. Wilner(Milner?) under tutor of Lafayette and Robert Thompson Chas J. Thompson Margaret Thompson.

Order, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-It is ordered that the prayer of the within petition be granted, that the plantation belonging to Charles Thompson deceased all the personal property and as any of the slaves belonging to said secession as will be sufficient to pay the debts of said secession be sold, that the cotton and corn be sold for cash that the land be sold as cash provided it brings its appraised value otherwise in a credit of twelve months purchases to give notice and good personal security with mortgage on the land and slaves sold, bearing eight percent interest from and until paid. This ordered? and signed on this 23? day of January AD 1852 WC Capers Clk Dist Court.

Statement of debts filed 25 May 1852 Dyner? C T Cleveland DY Clk Dist Court, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-To the Honorable the Judge of the seventeenth judicial District court in and for said parish and state. The petition of Virgil V. Thompson a resident of said parish and state and administrator of the estate of Charles Thompson late of said parish and state deceased, with respect represents to your Honor that the following is a list of the debts owned by said deceased which have been presented and allowed your petitioner was that a part of the debts of said dec'd and a part of them are debts due and owing by him as a partner in Community with his wife and now widow Margaret Clark all of which will be fully set forth herein. That said Margaret Clark has accepted the community existing between her and said deceased, to wit, Separate and individual debts due by said Charles Thompson dec'd.
A debt due to Virgil V. Thompson by note ? of ? 2,468.48
with 5 percent from 18th Nov 1851.
A debt due to Margaret Clark Principal 2,678.85
with 5 percent from the 18th Nov 1851
The following is a list of the debts owed in community with said Charles Thompson deceased and his
wife Margaret Clark to wit.
a debt due to Dr. JL Bush by ac 26.60
Dr. JC Wilner by ac 22.50
AandW L Spriars by ac 11.65
Klur? and Co by ac 12.25
Pratt Taylor and Co by ac 5.48
Nelson J Scott by ac 25.75
Samuel Miller and Co by ac 226.40
Dr McKeller by ac 40.00
Hightower by ac 20.00
|B Lawson by ac 30.00
C Kindall Carter by ac 30.00 with 5 % interest from 18th Nov 1851
FF Folger and Co by ac 45.00
with 5 % interest from 18th Nov 1851
C Frebron and Co by ac 449.28
with 5 % interest from 18th Nov 1851
Virgil V. Thompson by ac 20.00
with 5 % interest from 18th Nov 1851
John C. Thompson by ac 1,500.00
with 5 % interest from 18th Nov 1851
Your petitioner further advises that the aforesaid debts have been presented to your petitioner and acknowledged and allowed by him wherefore he presents them to your Honor and prays that they be ranked amongst the acknowledged debts of the said deceased, and prays your Honor to grant him an order authorizing him to pay them. He prays this state of debts be homologated and approved by your Honor. He prays for general relief. Signed Lawson and Fuller attys for petitioner.

Order, By reason of the application to have the aforementioned debts ranked amongst the acknowledged debts of Charles Thompson deceased and by reason of the application of the administration Virgil V. Thompson to be authorized to pay them and by reason of the law, It is ordered that said debts be ranked amongst the acknowledged debts of said Charles Thompson dec'd and his secession and that the administration be authorized to by them this done and signed in open court this 25th day of May AD 1851. Signed Chas A Bullard Judge 16th District.

Petition for homologation, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-I the Honorable the Judge of Clerk of the Seventeenth Judicial District in and for the parish and state aforesaid, The petition of Virgil V. Thompson Admn of the estate of Charles

Thompson deceased a resident of said parish and state with respect represents to your Honor that the following is a true and correct account of his administration of said estate. the estate and secession of Charles Thompson deceased in account with Virgil V. Thompson. The estate and secession of Charles Thompson To Virgil V. Thompson Admn

(all amount paid)
Virgil V. Thompson admn voucher No 1 2468.48
interest 5th Feb 1852 at 5% 25.86 2494.34
Margaret Clark voucher No 2 2678.85
interest 5% from 18th Nov 1851 27.68 2706.53
Dr J L Bush No 3 26.60
Dr J C Wilbur 4 22.50
AandW L Spears 5 16.65
Renk 7 Co 6 12.25
Pratt Taylor 7 5.48
Nelson Scott 8 25.75
C F Largent 9 226.40
Samuel Miller 10 41.05
Hytower?? 11 23.10
B Stevens 12 30.00
Kindall Carter 13 832.40
interest from 18th Nov 1851 8.89 841.35
F F Folger 14 45.00
interest .47 45.47other(see page 216 for details) 29.00
C Fullson 15 449.28
interest 4.70 453.98
V V Thompson 16 20.51
Aaron Day 25 3.75
John Thompson 17 1500.00
interest 15.75 1515.75
Wm C Capers 18
Harrison, editor of Claiborne Advocate 19.00
Administrator 2 1/2% of inventory $10277.50 256.93
Andrew Lawson 20 100.00
A C Hill 21 37.70
J J Wilard? 22 40.00
C J Thompson 23 27.38
B J Harrison 24 15.00
W C Capers Clk 27 58.60
$9075.26
The Estate of Secession of Charles Thompson
By amount of net proceeds of sales of cotton $1053.47
By net proceeds of separate property 6429.50
By whole amount that the community property sold in half which will belong to Margaret Clark 2725.00
By the following debts owed to Charles in Community property with Margaret Clark whole amount herein credited in half of which belongs to Margaret Clark
To amount collected from:
J C Bush 28.00
C J Thompson 33.98
T W Smith 11.40
W W Thornton 2.87
M Crow 17.77
by cash from deceased 1.00
J C Williams 7.50
from ? 215.64
William Neyland 7.35
$10,506.48
Total amount to debt reduction 9075.26
Add amount of Acct of VV Thompson omitted above $93.00
Total Bal to credit $157.22
Petitioner represents that the forgoing contains a true and correct account of his administration of the estate of Charles Thompson deceased leaving a balance in favor of the estate fifteen hundred and seventy four dollars and 22/100. He represents that said estate has and been fully administrated for and ? to pay the debts thereof acceding to the foregoing statement therefore he prays that the same be affirmed and homologated and that he be discharged from his administration of said estate. He prays for general relief as to this end that the heirs of the estate be cited to appear and answer hereto Margaret J. Neyland wife of William Neyland and her said husband, Charles J. Thompson, Mary Ann Orr, wife of Anderson Orr, and her said husband, John C. Thompson and Mrs. Margaret Thompson in person, and J. L. and Robb E Thompson through their natural tutor Mrs. Margaret Thompson all the foregoing residents of Claiborne Parish, and the absent heirs through Nath. S. Currier their attorney. He further prays for all other necessary orders. Signed VV Thompson by his attorney A Lawson and W B Egan.

Acknowledged service? of the forgoing petition and account and wave citation and time and copy of petition and account. July 9th 1852. signed Margaret J. Neyland, William Neyland, Chas J. Thompson, Mary Ann Orr, Anderson Orr, J. C. Thompson, Margaret Thompson natural tutor of for J. L. and R. E. Thompson, N. S. Currier Atty for absent heirs January 1854. I certify the foregoing to be a true record. W. L. Cleveland Dy Clk Dist Court

The absent heirs mentioned above referred to Seaborn and his sisters and brothers still living in Georgia. A son of Charles was Charles Jasper Thompson. After the wife of Charles Jasper Thompson died, hearings were held to approve the tutorship (similar to guardianship) of their children over to their father. In Louisiana, if one parent died, the surviving parent had to go to court to claim tutorship. It could be protested and tutorship assigned to another.

The preceding document is important because it stated no other male relatives lived nearby. Therefore, searching for Louisa Thompson in Claiborne Parish was unnecessary. That is, if a daughter were living nearby, her husband would be a son-in-law, and thus, the male relative. Only males were allowed to administer court issues at that time in LA. The other children of Charles Thompson probably remained in Georgia until the Civil War ended.

Charles Thompson appeared on these censuses:
1820 Morgan County Georgia page 384, names added by this compiler.
males:
under 10 William H. Thompson
under 10 Thomas B. Thompson
10 to 16 Seaborn J. Thompson
10 to 16 Hilliard J. Thompson
10 to 16 Thomas B. Thompson
over 45 Charles Thompson
females:
under 10 Martha A. Thompson
under 10 Mary A. Thompson
16 to 26 Louisa Thompson
26 to 45 Margaret (Clark) Thompson
1830 Walton County Georgia page 165, Names added by this compiler
males:
under 5 Charles J. Thompson
under 5 Virgil V. Thompson
5 to 10 William H. Thompson
10 to 15 Hilliard J. Thompson
10 to 15 Thomas B. Thompson
20 to 30 Seaborn J. Thompson
50 to 60 Charles Thompson
females:
under 5 Francis Louisa Thompson--dau of Seaborn and Frances
10 to 15 Mary Ann Thompson
15 to 20 Martha A. Thompson
30 to 40 Margaret (Clark) Thompson
1840 Walton County Georgia page 124, Names added by this compilermales:
5 to 10 Robert E. Thompson
5 to 10 Joseph L. Thompson
10 to 15 Charles J. Thompson
10 to 15 Virgil V. Thompson
15 to 20 John C. Thompson
20 to 30 William H. Thompson
20 to 30 Thomas B. Thompson
60 to 70 Charles Thompson
females:
10 to 15 Margaret J. Thompson
50 to 60 Margaret (Clark) Thompson
1850 Claiborne Parish Louisiana, page 96, #52
Charles Thompson 76 Planter $8,000 NC
Margaret 60 NC(error)
John 35 Overseer GA
Lafayette 19 GA(Joseph L.)
Robt C. 16 GA
John Galbreth 32 Teacher NC
1860 Claiborne Parish Louisiana, page 14 #199
Thompson, R.E. 36 Farmer GA
M.L. 21 Housekeeping LA
M. 72 None SC(correct)
"M." above was Margaret (Clark) Thompson, mother of Robert E. Thompson. Errors occur in estimating the ages of children prior to 1850 because one enumerator might place a child ten years old in the 1to 15 column while another might place the same child in the five to ten year old column. The columns overlapped by one year on the low end and one year on the high end.

Virgil Vivian Thompson
Son of Charles Thompson

Virgil Vivian Thompson was the brother of Seaborn J. Thompson. The following article appeared in The Biographical and Historical Memoirs of NW Louisiana, pub. 1890; Southern Publishing Co., 1890, Nashville and Chicago:
Virgil V. Thompson--The social political and business history of this section is filled with the deeds and doings of self-made men, and no man in Claiborne Parish is more deserving the appellation than Mr. Thompson, for he marked out his own career in youth and has steadily followed it up to present, his prosperity being attributed to his earnest and persistent endeavor, and to the fact that he has always consistently tried to follow the teachings of the Golden Rule. Although now a resident of Ward 1 of this parish, he was born in Georgia in 1822, being one of the following family of children: Sebron J., Thomas B., H. Judge., John C., Jasper, Virgil V., William H., Laft., Robert E., Louise, Martha, Mary A., and Margaret J. the parents of these children, Charles and Margaret (Clark) Thompson, respectively, the former's birth occurring on June 30, 1774, the latter being a daughter of William Clark. Virgil V. Thompson grew to manhood and was married in his native state to Miss Talitha C. Smith, by whom he became the father of three children that grew to maturity: Virgil (now a resident of this parish), William V. and Alice A. (the last two being still single and living at home). M. Thompson came to Claiborne Parish, LA., in the spring of 1847, and immediately located on his present property. Prior to the war he owned but a few slaves and farmed on a limited scale, although he was an old-line Whig, but since the war he has been identified with the Democratic party. While he is not a very active politician, he never fails to cast his vote. Socially he is a member of the A.F. and A.M., and in his religious views is a Methodist, joining about 1836, his wife who died February 10, 1878, also joining at that time, and ever afterward living an earnest Christian life.

This document proves Seaborn (Sebron) was the son of Charles Thompson and Margaret Clark. Many family members did migrate to the same area of Louisiana within a short period. Virgil was a well-to-do gentleman. He began buying land in neighboring Parishes soon after he arrived in Louisiana. He was active in community and in Parish matters. His participation in various legal business, wills, secessions and land transactions made him well know. He lived out his final years in the household of William V. Thompson, his son.

Charles Jasper Thompson
Son of Charles Thompson

The minors of C. H Thompson petition for tutorship filed 5 November 1851 read as follows:
State of Louisiana Parish of Louisiana--To the Honorable Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial District Court in the aforesaid parish and state. The petition of Charles J. Thompson a resident of said parish and state with respect represents unto your Honor that has intermarried with Amarintha Alice Smith and he and she have issue of that marriage the following children who are minors to said union, Charles Henry Thompson, Amarintha Alice Thompson that their said mother is dead and that said minors have no guardian tutor and under tutor or guardian, that he is the natural living tutor and guardian of said minors and entitled to the tutorship of said minors and the and the guardianship of said minors. Wherefore, he prays to be appointed and confirmed natural tutor and guardian of said minors and their property upon complying with the requirement of the law. Petitioner represents that the said minors have no property or money in this state but that they have about two thousand dollars worth of property or money in the state of Georgia. Wherefore your petitioner prays your Honor to fix the amount of a bond which he must give for the guardianship of said minors and their property and for general relief. Signed A. Lawson Atty for petitioner State of Louisiana.

Parish of Claiborne Seventeenth Judicial Division, upon considering the foregoing petition it is ordered that Charles J. Thompson be appointed and confirmed as natural tutor and guardian of his minor children, Charles Henry Thompson and Amarintha Alice Thompson, upon his taking the required oath and giving bond and Security in the sum of three thousand dollars. Sworn? and signing in open court 25th day of November 1851. Signed Roland Hines Judge of 17th Dist.

Bond of Tutor filed Nov 26 1851-Know all men by these presents that we Charles J. Thompson as principal, Anderson Orr, James M. Morrow, and WM Neyland as security are held and firmly bound unto the Judge of the District of and of the parish of Claiborne and his successors in office for the use? of the minor children Chas. H. and Amarintha Alice Thompson in the sum of three thousand dollars for the payment whereof we bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators firmly by these presents dated at Homer the 26th day of November A.D. 1851, whereas the above bond of Charles J. Thompson has been appointed by the District Court of the parish of Claiborne tutor and guardian for Charles Henry Thompson and Amarintha Alice Thompson. Therefore the conditions of the above obligation is such that of the said Charles J. Thompson shall will and faithfully discharge and perform all the duties of said appointment according to law, the above obligation to be null and void. Therefore to remain in full force and virtue. Signed Charles J. Thompson Andrew Orr William Neyland James M. Morrow State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne.

Note: Orr and Neyland were uncles to C. H. Thompson. I found a marriage record of above James M. Morrow (above) in Walton County Georgia where Charles lived 1810 to 1846 to an Elizabeth B. Kinnon on 19 Nov 1833. They moved to Claiborne Parish with the Charles Thompson family.

Oath of tutor-State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne. I the undersigned do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me by law of natural tutor and guardian of my minor children to wit, Charles Henry and Amarintha Alice Thompson issue of my marriage with Amarintha Alice Smith according to the best of my knowledge and abilities. So help me God. Signed Charles J. Thompson. Sworn to and pub. Signed before me this 26th day of November 1851. Signed C C Capers Clk Dist For State of Louisiana, Parish of Claiborne District Court.

Letter of Tutorship, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne District Court-Whereas Charles J. Thompson has been appointed natural tutor and guardian of his minor children Charles Henry Thompson and Amarintha Alice Thompson issue of his marriage with Amarintha Alice of said parish and state, deceased, and given Bond and Security and taken oath as prescribed by law, now therefore the said Charles J. Thompson is hereby fully authorized and empowered to do and perform all and singular the duties incumbent in his said capacity. In testimony whereof. I have herein to set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 26th day of November 1851. Signed C C Capers Clerk January 1854 Certify the foregoing to be a true record. W F Cleveland Div Court.

The following Petition should not be confused with the above secession. It pertains to the children of Charles Thompson, the father of Charles J. Thompson whose wife, Amarintha Alice (Smith) Thompson, died on or about the same date as, he, Charles Thompson, not Charles Jasper Thompson. Margaret (Clark) Thompson sought tutorship of her children account the death of her husband aged 71.

Minors of C. Thompson Petition for tutorship filed December 2, 1851 signed WT Cleveland Dy 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.

The document below concerns Charles Jasper Thompson's tutorship not Charles Thompson's Secession. Amarintha misspelled frequently.
Commission to Notary, State of Louisiana-To Henry L. Martin Notary Public of the Parish of Claiborne, Greetings. You are hereby authorized and required to make and take a true and correct inventory and appraisement of all the property belonging to the minors Charles Henry and Amarin Alice Thompson minors of Charles Jasper Thompson and Amarintha Alice Smith in the parish of Claiborne and state herein? make ? according to law. Hereon under my hand and Seal of office this 25th day of March 1852 Signed Henry?

Appointment of appraisers-State of Louisiana-To John B. Kinney and John Greer of said Parish and state You are hereby appointed appraisers to inventory and appraise all the property and affects rights and credits of and belongings to Charles Henry Thompson and Amarantha Alice Thompson minor children of Charles J. Thompson and Amarantha Alice Smith dec'd given under my hand officially in the Parish above written on the 23rd day March A.D. 1854. Signed Henry L Martin Notary Public.

Oath, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-Personally came and appeared before me Henry L. Martin a Notary Public duly commissioned and qualified in and for the parish of Claiborne and state aforesaid John Greer and John B Kinney duly appointed to Charles Henry Thompson and Amarintha Alice Thompson minor children of Charles J. Thompson and Amarintha Alice Smith who made oath faithfully and impartially to discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon them by said appointment Signed John B Kinney John Greer Sworn and ? to before me on this 25th day of March A.D. 1854 Signed H L Martin Notary Public State of Louisiana.

Inventory, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-Be it known that in ? to a commission to me directed from the District Court of Claiborne Henry L Martin a Notary Public duly commissioned and qualified in and for the Parish of Claiborne caused John Greer and John B Kenney duly appointed and sworn as appraisers for that purpose to appraise and ? with me in taking and making a true correct and faithful inventory and appraisement of the property and effects said to and ? of and belonging to Charles J. Thompson by a former marriage with Amarintha Alice Smith. Signed on the 25th day of March 1854 and in the Parish aforesaid whereof proceeded to make our list? as follows, Amount secured from the State of Georgia six hundred and fourteen dollars and 75/100. Minor expenses and charges in collecting and going to Georgia and back to appraise the same one hundred dollars appraised at five hundred and fourteen dollars and fourteen dollars and 75/100, $514.75. Whereupon there being no other property or money rights or credits belonging to said minors shown known or presented to us I preceded to close this inventory and appraisement and this process verbal of the taking thereof to? cause the said appraisers to submit the same together with me the said Notary Public and John C Blackman under tutor of said minors in the presence of William B Egan and James Dorman ? ? Signed John B Kenney, John Greer, JC Blackman Under Tutor (followed by several names unable to read.)

Petition of C. J. Thompson for Inventory, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-The Hon Judge of the 17th Judicial District Parish or to the Clerk of the District Court of the Parish of Claiborne. The Petition of Charles Jasper Thompson of said Parish and state respectfully represents that he has been heretofore commissioned by your Honorable Court Natural Tutor for his minor children Charles Henry and Amarintha Alice Thompson issue of a former marriage between himself and Amarintha Alice Smith and that he has served? in? ? said appointment a small amount of money belonging to said children coming to them from the estate of their uncle Thomas N. Smith of Jasper County Georgia and their great grandfathers estate left ? his life in the hands of ? widow of said great grandfather which has recently come into his hands. Petitioner further represents that no under tutor has been appointed and suggests the appointment of John C Blackman for this purpose and that a commission ? to some Notary directing him to make and take a true and correct inventory of the property of said minors and for all other necessary orders and for general relief--signed W B Egan Atty for petitioner.

Order, State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne It is ordered that the prayer of the within of the written petition be granted ? a commission ? to Henry L. Martin Notary Public in and for the parish of Claiborne and state of Louisiana authorizing and requiring him to make said inventory and is ordered that John C Blackman be appointed and confirmed as Under Tutor for said minor children Charles Henry and Amarantha Alice Thompson as proper for done and signed this 23rd day of March 1854 signed D Henry Dyer Clk Dist Court.

The next facts were from a family meeting of 11 May 1859 it was agreed to sell to Seborn Thompson land from the estate of Charles J. Thompson deceased:
On the north by lands belonging to Anderson Orr
On the west by lands of Major R.M. Browing
On the east by the lands belonging to the late Nancy Malone
On the south by the Bayou Cornie and lands of John Glover
Note that a family meeting was held previously on May 1858 as ordered by the court.
Charles Jasper Thompson was the son of Charles Thompson. The son of Charles Jasper was Charles Henry Thompson. There have been descendants named Charles in every generation since Charles Senior, including my father.

Following court orders authorized and ordered John W. Harris to hold a family meeting to discuss the future handling of the assets of the minor children of Charles J. Thompson and Amarintha Smith and to assign tutors and under tutors for the children. Virgil Vivian Thompson was appointed tutor for the children and Anderson Orr under tutor. The members at the family meeting all signed a statement they agreed; J.C., V.V., J.L. Thompson, Anderson Orr, J.L. Bush, P. Harper, Wm Neyland, Wm Barrow, S. Gray, J. W. Hays--Notary Public.

(Notary Publics and Court Clerks had political and administrative power in the 1800's. They could read and write and had access to judges. They could delay or expedite business.)

From Claiborne Parish Secession page 707, 1864:
Petition of VV Thompson-To the Hon Judge 11th District Court of the state of Louisiana holding secession for Claiborne Parish or the clerk thereof the Petition of Virgil V. Thompson Tutor of Charles H. and Anna A. Thompson minor heirs of C. J. Thompson dead with respect represents that he herewith filed an apc of his administration of the affairs? of said minors from the time of his last report the 11th of May until the present date which he pray may be homologated and confirmed for general relief to VV Thompson, tutor, charges himself with

1 note on YY Thompson and Company $173.70
1 note on LJ Gilbert 20.40
1 note on NM Skipmash 17.50
1 note on JW Brice 54.30
1 note on VV Thompson and Co 93.28
1 note on JL Thompson 84.28
1 note on SJ Thompson 5797.34--my grgrgr grandfather
1 note on HL Gadley 208.75
1 note on S Smith 140.00
Slaves in hand Rachel and her seven children, Emily and her five children which said (N)negroes have been freed out for strick? vitally and clothes, cash on hand $85.00 VV Thompson Tutor ? himself wills? 1863 by and freed?---(continues with a list of names and dates and inventory not shown here.)

Charles Thompson was a different person than Charles J. Thompson. From above secession it appears our Seaborn J. Thompson lost $5,797.34 owed to him by his brother, Charles Jasper Thompson. In 1870, a young Charles Thompson--born in Georgia, lived near Seaborn Thompson in Claiborne Parish, who was Seaborn's nephew.

Below are some items from the estate of Charles Jasper Thompson which sold to the highest bidder.
Ben MC Clelland 1 double barrel shotgun 7.25
Telitha C. Thompson 1 mattress 7.00
JS Bush 1 mattress 7.25
JS Bush 1 counterpin 3.00
JS Bush 1 counterpin 4.00
JL Thompson 1 counterpin 1.00
JL Thompson 1 vol medical dictionary 2.00
JL Thompson 1 vol Jersy book 0.25
JL Thompson 1 blanket 1.00
JL Thompson 1 man's saddle 7.50
JL Thompson 1 brass kettle 1.75
Telitha C Thompson set cake baker pans 0.30
Telitha C Thompson misc 0.50
JL Thompson 1 set dining knives and forks 2.75
Telitha C Thompson 2 sets dessert forks 1.00
JL Thompson 1 large mush pot 3.25
JL Thompson 1 dinner pot 1.75
JE Stanly 1 bed spread 7.25
JL Thompson 4 split board chairs 3.00
JL Thompson 2 chairs, one rocker 1.40
J E Stanly 1 safe 11.00
JL Thompson Trundle bed and stead 1.00
JL Thompson 1 bridle 1.00
JE Stanly 1 small table 1.00
JS Thompson 6 silver tablespoons 6.75
JS Thompson 6 silver tablespoons 5.40
JS Thompson teaspoons 2.25
JS Thompson 1 teaspoon 0.25
JE Stanly 1 white cow/calf 11.00
JL Thompson 1 book 0.45
The total sale was $764.00
Charles Jasper Thompson was an educated man who owned books and fine silverware. He had considerable amounts of property in Claiborne Parish. He was a prosperous citizen.

Charles Henry Thompson
Son of Charles Jasper Thompson

Charles Henry Thompson died December 1880 in Claiborne Parish. One E. J. Thompson, apparently his son, advertised this notice in the Claiborne Journal:

Notice of Petition, Secession (this was spelled "sucession" at that time) of C. H. Thompson, Deceased, State of Louisiana, Parish of Claiborne, notice is hereby given that E. J. Thompson has this day filed in my office an application to be appointed administrator of the above named secession. Now, therefore, unless opposition be made within the time prescribed by law, the prayers of the applicant will be granted.

In witness whereof, I have hereunder set my hand and affix my official seal on this the 14th day of December 1880, Drew Ferguson.

A secession sale was held and advertised in the Guardian on 26 January 1881. Secession sale, C. H. Thompson deceased. By virtue of a commission and order of sale issued by the clerk of the District Court in and for the above state and parish, and to me directed, I will proceed to sell to the last and highest bidder, within the legal hours of sale on Saturday the 5th day of March 1881 all the real and personal property belonging to said secession, to wit: Land. stock, farming, utensils, household and kitchen furniture, and c., and c.

Terms of sales cash, to pay debts. I. N. Glover, Dy. Shff. Jan 26 1881 [pf$7] 24cts.

Seaborn J. Thompson
Son of Charles Thompson

The earliest document found pertaining to Seaborn was in 1825. He was fifteen at that time. The following application for the "Land Lottery" was found in Morgan County. It was on page 'T'. Seaborn J. Thompson and Robert Thompson were on the same page. Seaborn and Robert may have been cousins.

Land Lottery, Morgan County Georgia; List of Applicants: We the undersigned who were appointed by the Honorable the Inferior Court of said county agreeable to an act of the legislature of said state to receive the names of persons entitled to draws in the present contemplation Land Lottery in Major John C. Reese Battalion do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a true list of all the returns made to us. Given under our hand this 5th September 1825. John C Reese, James C. Lawerence.

Seaborn J. Thompson, son of Charles, had his name listed as Sebron on three censuses. He may have went by Sebron or his name was misspelled. He stated to enumerators that he was born in Georgia. His children often listed him as born in South Carolina. In 1880, Edward, Seaborn's son, stated Seaborn was born "at sea". However, it is probable he was born not at sea but in Morgan County or Washington County Georgia. Edward was a gregarious man who enjoyed joking. He said his Father Seaborn was born at sea only as a jest, that taken from the name Sea-born.

According to the following invoice, S. J. Thompson died before 25 October 1876: HH Ward Admin Suc S.J. Thompson dec'd; To publish Petition-3 signs voc 21 for $6.00. To publish Sale Voc 4 and 5 $20.00. Oct 25 1876 to Nov 8. Received payment from HH Ward 29th April 1879. signed BD Harrison for Nathan Smith(It was paid in Scottsville) other documents supports a date of 24 October 1876 or before.

Seaborn J. Thompson returned to Claiborne Parish about 1861 from Mississippi. A widower, he married Sallie Corry in 1863. Sallie was a widow of A. N. Corry. She was the daughter of Wiley Thornton who lived near Charles Thompson in Walton County Georgia in 1840. In 1850, Wiley lived near his friend Charles Thompson in Claiborne Parish Louisiana. They apparently moved to Louisiana together. Other families were listed being from Georgia on the Claiborne Parish censuses.

Succession papers, probate jacket #1211 for S. J. Thompson from Claiborne Louisiana Clerk District Court, Louisiana read in part:

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne: To the Hon the Judge of the Parish Court in and for the Parish of Claiborne-The petition of H. H. Ward a resident of Claiborne Parish would with respect represent unto the Hon Court S J Thompson is dead and that said Thompson was a resident of Claiborne Parish. Petitioner represent that this is the proper Court in which to apply for letters of administration on said Succession. Petitioner further represents that said Succession is much indebted and that your petitioner is a judgment creditor. Wherefrom he prays that this application be duly advertent and that after due advertisement your petitioner be appointed administrator in giving bond according to law and taking oath. Petitioner further prays that an inventory be taken of the property of said succession and that commission issue to John R Ramsey Notary to take said inventory and for all other necessary payment and for general relief.

H Egan signed for Petitioner

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-By order of the Court the application in this case, It is ordered that the application of petitioner advertend as this law requires and that a commission issued as provided for. This done read and signed in Chambers this the day of Oct 1876 A J Scott Parish Judge

Succession of S J Thompson Application for Administration Filed Oct 24 1876 Jim A Richardson Clk DC.

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne: Succession of S.J.

Thompson Deceased. To Jno R Ramsey Recorder and Ex Officio Notary Public in and for said Parish and State. Greetings. You are hereby empowered commissioned and required to make and take an Inventory and appraisement of the property and effects belonging to the estate and succession of S. J. Thompson late died, situated within said Parish and State--And ? you shall ? executed this commission you will make inventory hereof according to law. Sworn under my hand and seal of office this November 1st AD 1876. Jno A Richardson Clk of Dist Court.

Sucn. of SJ Thompson Died Com for Inventory JG Ramsey Recorder

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-We, James M. Greer and John A. Lesueur, Do solemnly swear that we will well and truly appraise at its true cash value, all such property as may be known or shown to us, belonging to the estate and succession of Seaborn J. Thompson, late of said Parish, deceased, to the best of our knowledge and belief, so help us God.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, Nov 3rd 1876.

BD Harrison Dy Rec and Not Pub John A Lesueur, J M Greer.

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-Be it remembered that I, Bery D.H. Harrison, Dy Recorder and Ex Officio Notary Public in and for the pariah and state aforesaid, by virtue of the ordered? commission, issued by the Clerk of the District Court for said and directed to J. R. Ramsey, Recorder and Ex Officio Notary Public, proceeded on this the 3rd day of November, 1876 to make and take an inventory and appraisement of the property belonging to the succession of S.J. Thompson, late of said Parish, deceased, after having duly qualified according to law J.M. Greer and J.A. Lesueur as appraisers, as follows, to wit: The whole of Section Twenty-five(25) in Township Twenty-three(23) North in Range from (4) West-640 acres at $1.00 per acre $640.00 Six hundred and forty dollars. There being no other property known or shown to us, I now close this Inventory, accounting to six hundred and forty dollars, by causing the appraisers to sign this process record with me, said Notary, in presence of the attending witnesses. This done and signed at the residence of R.E. Thompson, 21 miles from Homer in said Parish, in the day and date herein before written. Attest R.E. Thompson Ella F. Bush

BD Harrison, Dy Recorder and Notary Public John A Lesueur

J M Greer.

Succession of S. J. Thompson Dec 5.

Inventory Filed Nov 5 1876 SR Richardson Dy Clk Co

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-I, H.H. Ward, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on me as administrator of the estate and secession of S. J. Thompson dec'd to the best of my ability and understanding; so help me God. H H Ward.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 4 day Nov A.D. 1876

Jno. A. Richardson Clerk District Court.

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-Know all Men by the Presents: that we H. H. Ward as principal, and J. C. Williams as security, are held and bound unto N. J. Scott Judge of the Parish Court in and for the parish of Claiborne, LA., or to his successors in office, for the use and benefit of the legal heirs and representatives of S. J. Thompson late of the parish of Claiborne, dec'd., in the sum of Nine hundred sixty dollars, for the payment whereof, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these presents. Dated at Homer, the 4th day of November A.D. 1876.

Whereas, the above bounden H. H. Ward has ben appointed by the Parish Court of the parish of Claiborne, administrator of the succession of S. J. Thompson late of the parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana, deceased:

Therefore, the condition of the above obligation is such, that if the said H. H. Ward shall well 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.

H. H. Ward, J. C. Williams, per Jno. A. Richardson.

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne: To the Hon The Parish Court in and for the Parish of Claiborne-The petitioner of HH Ward admn of the succession of Seaborn Thompson died and resident of Claiborne Parish would with respect represent unto the Hon Court that the succession in largely indebted and that there is not more than sufficient property to pay the debts of said estate. If sufficient, Petitioner represents that it is necessary that the property belonging to said succession be sold. Wherefrom petitioner prays for an order of the Court to sell all the property of said succession in twelve months time, the purchaser to give his note with approved security and mortgage and vendor's lien on this land sold and to bear eight per cent interest from date. Petitioner prays for all orders necessary orders and for general relief. J G Egar Attorney for Petitioner.

Succession Seaborn Thompson: By reason of the law and the application of the petition, It is ordered that all the property of the succession of Seaborn Thompson be sold after due legal advertisement at the Courthouse door is the Town of Homer in twelve months credit to the highest bidder the purchaser to give his note with approved security bearing eight percent interest from date of sale. Mortgage and vendor's privilege owed? on the property for payment of sum. This the 8th of Nov 1876 SJ Scott Parish Judge.

Succession of Seaborn Thompson-Application to sell said property Filed Nov 8 1876 Jno A Richardson Clk D.C. JG Egan Atty for Petitioner.

It's apparent Seaborn J. Thompson died during October 1876, near Scottsville, Louisiana. Some moved quickly to obtain as much of his estate as possible. The Notary got a cut. the Judge was involved. The appraisers got their share. The attorney took a slice. The Clerk of District Court got his pay.

Charles and Edward may have returned to Claiborne Parish to visit his grave and collect his personal things. They moved to Coleman County Texas from Wood County shortly after Seaborn's death.

The Thompson Family Cemetery is near Scottsville where Virgil and his wife were buried. Several unmarked graves are there. Seaborn, with his parents, Charles and Margaret, may be buried in that cemetery. Upon the death of Seaborn J. Thompson, his widow claimed rights to the estate in a document filed in January of 1877 as follows:

It is hereby agreed with H.H. Ward that if he will accept the note in favor of the heirs of Wiley Thornton with widows privileges, and also Mrs. Sally Thompson for widows privileges claim of one thousand dollars, that he shall retain out of the proceeds of the assets of the secession of S.J. Thompson dec'd, one hundred and fifty dollars in full payment of the alrent? and nard? judgements; and should there be enough to pay this amount without deducting from the claim of the Thornton heirs then the amount comes first out of the moneys? of the secession, and what it fails to pay, the balance of the above amount to come out of the amount going to the Thornton Heirs, and if necessary? out of the widow's privileges debt for a thousand dollars also. Signed in duplicate this the 29th of January 1877. Thornton, MH Thornton, agent for the heirs of Wiley and Sallie Thompson signed HH Ward.

The above is confusing; However, Wiley Thornton and Seaborn J. Thompson died about the same time. Sally, the daughter of Wiley deceased, married S.J. Thompson soon to be deceased. Sallie had rights to both Wiley Thornton and Seaborn J. Thompson's estate. Wiley's widow also had widows rights. H.H. Ward, a family friend of both Thompson and Thornton, apparently had a debt against one or both parties. The importance of this is it proves Seaborn J. Thompson married a third time to Sallie(Thornton) Corry who became twice a widow.

The final account of S. J. Thompson Secession papers, 24 December 1879, H. C. Ward Administrator:

1876--Amount of Inventory $640.00
Sale of Inventory 418.56
Total $1058.56
Amount paid J.S. Young Voc 1 $51.00
2 150.00
3 77.85
M U Thornton 4 100.00
5 100.00
6 50.00
7 161.91
J E Evans 8 50.00
Taxes 9 5.40
Printer 10 26.00
Sheriff 11 9.80
Clerk 12 15.30
Recorder 13 27.80
Medical bills 14 50.00
Su agreement of widow 15 150.00
printing final apc 4.00
Clerk 6.00
?? 24.80
Total $1058.56 

To the Hon The Judge of the parish Court in and for the parish of Claiborne State of LA-- The petitioner Henry C. Ward Admin of the above estate with respect represents that he was appointed Adm by your Hon. Court and that has finished his administration and now wishes to close up the estate and herewith files his final apc. Wherefore he prays that the apc be advertised according to law. and that the same be allowed and homologated and made a judgment of the court and further prays that his bond be canceled and be discharges from further administration.
Petitioner prays for all necessary orders and general relief. H.(or W.) H.(or C.) Ward State of La, Parish of Claiborne: Secession of S. J. Thompson dec'd By reason of the law and the foregoing application it is ordered that the prayer of the petitioner be granted, this done and signed this December 24th 1879. J. H. Richardson, Parish Judge.
Secession of S. J. Thompson dec'd application to homologate final apc. By reason of the law and the evidence and by further reason of the same having been duly advertised according to law, ... that his administration be discharged. January 5th 1870, J. H. Richardson, Parish Judge
A note from S. J. Thompson to the heirs of Wiley Thornton was written in his own hand: Homer, January 3rd 1873, On the 3rd day of December next, I promise to pay the legal heirs of Wiley Thornton deceased one thousand and twenty five dollars with eight percent interest from date. signed S. J. Thompson

Julia C. Thompson
Daughter of Seaborn J. Thompson

Julia married Edmond D. Bugg in Claiborne Parish after her mother died and Seaborn entrusted her to his Moreland relatives. Seaborn had returned to Mississippi to run his railroad business. Julia and her husband died together in 1867, possibly from a common disease, leaving four children. One child, Charles Bugg, died and his obituary appeared in the Claiborne Guardian on 21 September 1881:

Noble, gentle, little Charles S. Bugg, died suddenly at Homer College, on the evening of the 12th inst., being sixteen years and ten months old. The writer knew him intimately from his birth to his death. Charles died in the hopeful morning of life when his honorable ambitions had begun to bud in clearly defined purposes of future usefulness. Himself, an elder and younger brother, and a sister older than himself, were left orphaned early in life, Charles not being quite four years of age. At the earnest request of the dying parents they were all made the adopted children of their mother's uncle, Hon F. W. Moreland, who, with his amiable wife, we can knowingly say have nobly discharged the onerous duties of parental guidance; and Charlie, noble boy that he was, kindly appreciated, and often spoke feelingly of their love and confidence toward him. Brave, truthful, affable and courteous, he was a great favorite with old and young alike: His joyous, merry presence dispelled gloom and sadness, as sunshine scatters the storm. We always welcomed his honest presence to our home, and we'll sadly, truly miss the merry sunshine that was as it were a part of himself. Charlie had been, for several years, orderly in his church relations, being a member of Mr. Zion M. F. Church, and said but a few days before death that he was not afraid to die. To his brothers and sister, to his foster parents, brothers and sisters, we would fain offer a healing balm to his young associates and friends we would ask upon whose shoulders shall the clean mantel of Charlie fill. He being dead yet speaketh.

Lightly press the sod above him,
In his eternal, dreary home;
Gently smooth the hearts that love him,
Till they too are bidden, come;
Life is checkered--pain and pleasure,
Battle ofr, like giant men,
Seeking for some ideal treasure,
Undefined-beyond their Ken
Full of Sadness, here we ponder,
Thinking of the dear ones, gone,
And methinks we hear up yonder,
Come, there's room--come every one. J. E. M.

Charles W. Thompson
Son of Seaborn J. Thompson

Jim Thompson, the son of James, who was the son of Edward, stated that Edward was an officer in the Confederate Army. He said Edward had a brother who also served. That was Charles W. Thompson of Coleman County Texas. We have new information about Charles W. Thompson. He married three times.

His first wife was a PARKER not a BUGG. In 1870 a Charles Bugg (aged five) was in their home but was listed separately by the census enumerator. My father proposed that she, Sarah A.____?___ was a BUGG based on that child's last name. That child was the son of Julia (Thompson) Bugg, sister of Charles.

Charles's first wife was in fact Sarah Angie Parker. Her parents lived in Wood County Texas after the Civil War. Wood County is also where Edward and Charles lived after the war.

The second wife of Charles Thompson was stated as Florence Thompson in his obituary. No cemetery information exists for her in book I and II in the Coleman County, Texas record. She must have been married prior to Charles's marriage to an unrelated Thompson, but to whom? She married Charles in 1881 according to Vena Gates, genealogist.

As for Edward's first wife, our great grandmother, she was in fact a WARREN not a SMITH. This is 100% certain. My father believed that Edward married Mattie Smith in Texarkana, Arkansas. Edward actually married Martha A. Warren in Wood County, Quitman, Texas in 1874. The marriage of another Edward to a 'Mattie' Smith was a coincidence of names, dates, and places. It perplexed me how Edward went from Winnsboro, Wood County, Texas to Texarkana, Arkansas got married and returned so quickly, or even why he would do such a thing. The Wood County courthouse burned in 1877; Therefore, no marriage record exists.

Martha A. Warren lived near Edward and Charles in 1870 in Winnsboro Texas. She went by "Martha A." not Mattie, and that is the name by which she was enumerated in 1880 in Coleman County. In 1870, she was the right age, at the right place, at the right time. This is supported by other recently obtained documents, i.e. that she was a WARREN.

Jim further told me that Grandfather Edward Thompson went by Ned. Ned is the name found on the birth certificate of James Jerome Thompson. Jim said they called Grandfather Thompson The Colonel, because he looked like a Kentucky military Colonel. He stated that a big, impressive picture of him hangs on a wall in Coleman, Texas, but he can not remember in which building. Our step-grandmother, Mary Ett Koone Graham Thompson, was said to have survived on Edward's Civil War pension during the hard times in the 1920's and 1930's.

Mary Louise Thompson of Coleman sent to us several photos. The war record of Charles W. Thompson and other information gathered from Mary and others is consistent with what we already knew with a few additions.

Charles W. Thompson was captured at Vicksburg along with his brother John N. Thompson. That clarifies why Edward was released in Marshall Texas after the war and why Charles showed up in Claiborne Parish where his father Seaborn J. lived. Charles took a wife very soon after the war in Louisiana. Edward was not captured and was released from duty after the war in Texas. Charles was captured in Vicksburg in 1863.

Charles enlisted on 7 September 1862 on the Yazoo River. That is near Yazoo City in Yazoo County, Mississippi. The South had a station named Yazoo Camp. It was several counties away from Newton where Seaborn J. lived in 1860. Seaborn and family may have moved to Yazoo before the war. Charles was part of Confederate Company D 13 Regiment Mississippi Infantry.

In 1863, Charles signed up for two more years, his first assignment was for one year. He was at Snyders Mill at that time. In March and April 1864, he was listed as a deserter by an ignorant Captain Wallack. He could not have deserted as he was captured by the heathens from the North at Vicksburg. He was actually captured near the Big Black River on the Chickasaw Bayou on 17 May 1863. The Big Black River is about six miles east of Vicksburg.

On 21 July 1863, Charles entered the General Hospital at Petersburg, Virginia. I'm not informed about the Union Army Hospitals, but he was a prisoner of War at that time and was treated for Dysentery in a Union hospital in Virginia. He was listed as a paroled prisoner.

It was agreed between the North and South that prisoners could be released by either side if they swore not to fight again. They became paroled prisoners. On 20 March 1864, Charles was in the Mt. Sebanon (Hebanon?) Hospital for a "Stricture".

On 10 March 1864, after his parole, he was listed as a patient of the Confederate States Of America Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. That is a short distance from Claiborne Parish where Seaborn J. Thompson lived after the war and where Charles took a wife after he got out of the hospital. The record lists his ailment as "Stricture Rectum". That may be a narrowing of the passage. Descendants say Charles was crippled the rest of his life, but the reason is unknown. He was hospitalized several times for his disability.

On 17 May 1862, a message was sent account Lt. C. Thompson from Camp Moore. It was stamped "Record Division, Rebel Archives, War Department". It stated, "Recomd for some military appointment by many officers of 3rd Miss. Reg't to which he formed, belonged, but failed to be reelected on its reorganization. File Recd May 22/62" Reelected failure may refer to dismissal. That may have been due to his medical problems.

Page two stated: Camp Moore May 1st 1862, To the Hon Secy of War, The bearer of the Liet C. Thompson formally of Company D of the Regt, not having been reelected in the late reorganization, we the undersigned officers of the Regt desire to recommend him to your favorable consideration, as a gentleman and an officer. Lieut Thompson has unhesitatingly sacrificed personal popularity in the strict discharge of his duty as an officer and consequently deserves not only our thanks but the kindly consideration of yourself. We feel no hesitation in saying that any duty assigned him will be faithfully discharged.

T A Millin Col 3rd Reg Miss Vols.
The Children and Wives of
Charles W. Thompson
1)Irone Wesley Thompson b 1893 @ Coleman, married Mamie R.--?--
in Dallas abt 1920, no children in 1920.
2)Robert W. lived in Pecos, Reeves Co TX, in 1920. Was not
married at that time.
3)James W. died before 1922, possibly in WWI.
4)Charles O., reported in Kent County, Texas in 1922.
5)Zana R. died in Coleman, Texas 1907.
In 1920, the brothers of Frank H. Thompson--his name was shown as such in the census which was correct, but he went by H.F., and James Jerome Thompson all lived in Georgetown, Texas. Leo E. Thompson, sister, also lived there. Seaborn #2 lived in Georgetown for a short while after 1920 while Frank cared for him during his illness.

Mr. Lemke unraveled a mystery. Sarah Frank Thompson, his wife, was the daughter of James Jerome Thompson. She was adopted by Frank H. Thompson, her uncle. They met on the east coast while she visited a relative during WWII. Lemke followed her back to Georgetown, and refused to leave her side until she married him. Frank had no children of his own. Frank and James owned a grocery store and a laundry. James was in Shackelford County Texas in 1929.

John N. Thompson
Son of Seaborn J. Thompson

The 1860 Mississippi, Lowndes County census suggests that John N. Thompson traveled to Mississippi with his father, Seaborn. Page 725 recorded a John Thompson aged twenty-five from Georgia. His occupation was "Negro Manager" near the town of West Point on 8 August 1860.

As the war began, two sons of Seaborn, Charles and Edward lived with him in Mississippi. They each joined the Confederate Army. They fought at Vicksburg. John joined in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana and also fought at Vicksburg. After the war, John apparently departed Claiborne Parish Louisiana. Information about John N. Thompson's military unit follows.

The 1st Regular Artillery Regiment was organized during the spring of 1861 with men from New Orleans and the surrounding area. The unit contained ten companies, but there were a number of consolidations during the war, and in 1865 only four remained. A heavy artillery unit, it served at Forts Jackson and St. Philip at New Orleans, then it was part of the river batteries at Vicksburg. There it was captured on July 4, 1863. After being exchanged and reorganized, it was stationed at Mobile and saw action at Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan, and Spanish Fort. On May 4, 1865, the unit surrendered with the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana. The field officers were Colonels Johnson K. Duncan, C. A. Fuller, and Paul O. Hebert; Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Belzhoover; and Majors James B. Anderson, W. C. Capers, Henry A. Clinch, and Raymond Montaigne. "I" Artillery, 1st Regiment Heavy, Colonels Paul O. Herbert, Charles Fuller; Lt. Colonel Daniel Belzhoover; Majors Johnson K. Duncan, Henry A. Clinch, W. C. Capers, Richard C. Bond; Company E Commander James B. Anderson, resigned 28 January 1863, L. B. Haynes.

Organized 5 February 1861, as part of the Louisiana State Army, the 1st Heavy Artillery transferred to Confederate service 13 March 1861, with 744 men. Regimental headquarters remained at the New Orleans Barracks while the various companies occupied the forts of the New Orleans defenses. Throughout the fall and winter of 1861, Companies B,C,D,E,F,H, and K served in Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip below New Orleans. Companies A and I helped defend Fort Pike. Company G composed part of the Fort Macomb garrison. The companies at Jackson and St. Phillip fought well against Union admiral David G. Farragut's fleet during the bombardment and passage of the forts and were included in the surrender and parole of the garrisons on April 26, 1862. Company I participated in the brief skirmish with the Union fleet at the McGehee Lines on April 25. Companies A and G evacuated their posts on April 26 and joined Company I at Camp Moore on 3 May 1862. About 20 May 1862, these three companies departed for Vicksburg, Mississippi, to help man the river batteries defending that city. They served in a temporary battalion commanded by Major Henry A. Clinch during the first attack on Vicksburg, 18 May 18 to 27 July 1862. The officers and men captured at Jackson and St. Philip received their exchanges in the fall, and most of them returned to their command. During the fall and winter of 1862-63, the regiment suffered heavily from sickness. At one point nearly 500 conscripts augmented its depleted ranks. The men manned the cannons in the lower (southern) river batteries at Vicksburg. On 11 March 1863, Company A moved to Grand Gulf to occupy the upper battery. In an engagement with Federal gunboats on March 31, the company distinguished itself by its excellent firing. This company again engaged the enemy on April 29 and participated in the evacuation of the post on May 3. During the siege of Vicksburg, May 19 to 4 July 1863, the regiment fired its cannons at enemy gunboats on the river and enemy batteries on the Louisiana shore. The 1st Heavy Artillery marched out of Vicksburg after the surrender there and went into a camp for paroled prisoners at Enterprise, Mississippi. Major General Dabney H. Maury requested the regiment's services at Mobile, Alabama, after it was exchanged; and the regiment arrived there on 16 January 1864. From that time until summer, the companies manned various redoubt along the Mobile land defenses. Twice during July, 1864, the regiment moved to Meridian, Mississippi, to support Major General Stephen D. Lee's cavalry force. At the Battle of Tupelo, 14 July 1864, the men acted as an infantry reserve. The regiment reoccupied redoubts at Mobile in early August 1864, and late that month the companies moved to two water batteries on islands in upper Mobile Bay The regiment continued to garrison these batteries until 11 April 1865, when they were dismantled and their men evacuated a part of the evacuation of Mobile. When Lieutenant General Richard Taylor's army surrendered, on 8 May 1865, the 1st Heavy Artillery was camped at Cuba Station, Alabama. The men received their paroles at Meridian as part of Taylor's army.

Charles Glenn Thompson
Son of Seaborn Jones Thompson

Charlie Glenn Thompson was the son of Seaborn Jones, Seaborn the son of Edward, Edward the son of Seaborn J., Seaborn J. the son of Charles Thompson. Charlie was one of nine children and the youngest boy of the family. He was strikingly handsome, athletic and very popular in school. He was born in Coleman, Texas in 1920.

Charlie's family moved to New Mexico about 1926. Charlie--also spelled Charles and Charley on some records, signed his name Charlie G. Thompson. He joined the army in 1942 and was sent overseas. He was a band member in the 775th Tank Battalion Company C. In Europe, he contracted pneumonia, bronchitis, and nasopharyngitis which required hospitalization in Brine Tree, England. He also contracted dermatophytosis.

Prior to the war, Charlie was a Rodman with the U.S. Engineers. He married Bernice McCracken prior to 1946, who had a child, Carl McCracken, by her first husband. Their divorce affected Charlie severely. Charlie lived with his sister in Klamath Falls, Oregon for a short while, then he re-enlisted in the army. After reenlistment, Charlie developed an illness which required his hospitalization for several years. Charlie was buried in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where he finished high school, and had passed many happy days in his youth.

The Family of
Zana Thompson Austin

New to our genealogical family is Zana R. Thompson. We've had Zana in our files for some time under the incorrect name of Dana R. The records state she was born in Louisiana in 1867, daughter of Charles and Sarah Thompson, and died in Coleman in 1907. Zana was born in Louisiana because Charles and Sarah were married in Claiborne Parish after the war. Zana married Thomas Ragsdale Austin in 1887. Their daughter, Ernest Thompson Austin, is buried next to her (born 1891, died 1894). This new information was found in Vena Gates's cemetery book. After her parents died, Florence Austin took over as acting parent. She was a school Teacher. Her brother was a lineman. She married Clarence Saunders of Coleman. They were active in the community according to the Coleman History book. The 1910 census of Coleman County was as follows:

Austin, Florence Head Single 21 TX TX LA School Teacher
Gerald Single 12 TX TX LA Telephone Lineman
Harold 14 TX TX LA
Ivan 10 TX TX LA
Just received from Edith Jameson, an established family in Coleman: She remembered Florence Zana Austin, daughter of Charles W. Thompson of Coleman. Zana Austin, Florence's daughter, wanted to be buried by her grandmother, Saran Angie PARKER Thompson whom she cherished, in Silver Valley Cemetery. Her wish was not honored. Edith said Zana would not socialize with her grandfather, Charles.
Florence's husband Thomas Austin, died of grief shortly after Florence died. Edith confirmed Charles Thompson was crippled, probably from a Civil War injury. It is curious why Charles left his estate to his step-daughter by his third wife and nothing to his natural children or grandchildren.
We were told the Thompson men were large but not overweight. They were fair in complexion, blue eyes, light hair and handsome. Uncle Grady, Aunt Ernie and John Nugent had heart problems. Frank H. Thompson had diabetes. He died of gangrene and prostrate cancer. Breast cancer ran in family. Great Uncle James gave up his children after his first wife died. He never fully recovered from the loss. Months later, his home burned down.
Step-grandmother was very strict. Uncle Grady was adopted. He was born before Edward's second marriage. That solved one mystery. From his resemblance to Mattie Ett GRAHAM Koone Thompson, it appears Grady was her son by her first marriage.
The Thompson, Hector, Buie, Netherton, Love and Jameson families were close friends. Everyone was called aunt or uncle.

Other Documents

Georgia Land Lottery: Morgan County; Lot 54-18-1 Cherokee. Pers. app'd. Charles Thompson to claim lot 54-18-1, purchased by Alexander Stewart; lot 506-4-1, drawn by himself; lot 76-2-2 purchased from the orphans of Robert C. Rawkins, who are of age; lot 235-4-of Muscogee, now Marion, also drawn by sd. orphans; and lot 697-3-3, drawn by James Studdard, Signed Charles Thompson before A. B. Bostwick, J.P., June 1843.

Above land from lottery purchase places Charles Thompson in or near Morgan County by 1843, and he had sufficient wealth to purchase land outright. 

A petition to the court by V. V. Thompson of tutorship for a freed Negro boy named Joseph Thompson: To the Honorable the Judge of the parish of Claiborne in and for The State of Louisiana-Your Petitioner VV Thompson a resident of said parish and state with respect represents that he has in his possession care and keeping a minor child about seven years old by the name of Joseph Thompson a free boy of Color whose parents are dead and is at this time wholly un-provided for by any person except your petitioner. Wherefore he prays that he be appointed and confirmed tutor for said minor and that RE Thompson be appointed under tutor no bond being given for all other orders necessary for general relief. VV Thompson

State of Louisiana Parish of Claiborne-By reason of the law and the forgoing petition and ? it is ordered that VV Thompson be appointed and confirmed tutor of the minor Joseph Thompson a free boy of Color and that RE Thompson be appointed under tutor for said minor upon each taking the oath required by law. This done and signed officially on the 5th day of August 1871 JS Young Parish Judge.

The Williamson County Sun Friday 17 August 1928--FRONT PAGE
After four years of intense suffering all of which was borne with fidelity which had marked his every effort in life, H. Frank Thompson, businessman of Georgetown for more than twenty years, friend and worthy citizen, passed from life here to life everlasting at six-thirty o'clock Monday morning at the Martin Hospital where he had been confined for several weeks. Funeral services were conduced Tuesday morning at ten o'clock at the Church of Christ of which deceased was a member for many years, the services being in charge of his friend, Elder W. F. Ledlow of Austin. Details of the funeral were in charge of the Davis Undertaking Company, and the following brother-in-laws of deceased acted as pall-bearers: O.M. Beaver, A.A. Hufstutler, A.W. Sherman, John Shaw, C.E. Harris. Interment was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery and the obsequies were attended by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends. The floral offering was profuse and beautiful, bespeaking the esteem in which the deceased was held by the large circle of friends who had known and admired him for his true worth in life. H. Frank Thompson was born July 4, 1876 in Wood County, Texas. At the age of two years he moved with his parents to Coleman, Texas, where he grew to manhood. In 1900 he moved to Georgetown and became identified with the Troy Laundry, later buying the plant and enlarging it, making of the system a model laundry plant in the Southern Laundrymen's Association. He was married November 10, 1901 to Miss Sallie Shaw, daughter of Captain and Mrs. W.C. Shaw and to him she has been a loyal companion and devoted wife. During her long vigil at his bedside following his sudden and severe illness which followed a stoke while at work in his plant in July 1924, she has never wavered nor grown weary, and her sacrifice of love has been beautiful and complete. Frank Thompson, as he was familiarly know to his multitude of friends, was devoted to his business, he spared neither pains nor labor in building here an institution of which he and his town could justly feel proud and he was stricken just at the completion of a splendid new modern building and its equipment with the most approved machinery known to the trade. As an indication of his skill in building today after four years of illness, the plant is among the most modern is the state and a monument to his enterprise and determination. As a citizen he was equally industrious. No movement was ever launched for the improvement and betterment of his town that he did not lend his enthusiastic support and financial assistance. The schools, the churches, the hospitals, the widow, the orphan, the charities, none of those ever make an appeal that he did not respond liberally. He believed in a broad and liberal consideration of all questions and no small or narrow endeavor ever appealed to him. When he was stricken with the illness from which he died, and from which he was a great sufferer, Georgetown lost from her active citizenship one of her best men, and in his death his family and friends feel the loss of a true and trusted loved one and companion. God never gave one a better friend, he never created a more devoted husband or friend. Besides his wife, Mr. Thompson is survived by his mother, Mrs. E.Y. Thompson of Coleman; an adopted daughter, Norah Frank Thompson; and the following brothers and sisters: S.J. Thompson, Arizona; J.J. Thompson of Austin; Mrs. O.M Beaver of Florence; H.G. Thompson of Ashdownn, Arkansas: J.N. Thompson of Coleman; and Mrs. Earnie Fenton of Coleman. Honorary Pallbearers: Claud Lunsford, Dr. Bendley, Temple, Eldridge Hodges, Sam V. Stone, Joe Corwin, Austin, Dr. Walter Marlin, Dr. John Martin, Mr. J.N. Keller, R.J. Stone, W.H. Davis, C.S. Bedford, J.E Cooper, W. Box, R.E. Ward, S.J. Enochs, John M. Sharpe, Dan Everidge, Granger, W.P. Hoffman, J.W. Robertson, Chas. Shell, Arther Eanes, D.H. Davis, Dr. W.H. Moses, Dr. W. M. Schultz, Dr. E.M. Thomas, D.E. Davis, Wm. Dunks, A.M. Sillure, E.H. Eanes, Fay Sherman, Jack Fokes, Del Rio, Lark, Abilene, Chas. Clark, Abilene, Caleb Simmons, Sweetwater, L.F. Gieschke, Houston, W.F. Taylor, Coleman, E.S. Brotherton, Dallas, E.P. Lewis, San Antonio.
Note: Norah Frank Thompson was the natural child of his brother, James. I discovered that little distinction was made by the children of Edward and their mother versus their step-mother. That is the reason, I believe, Martha Warren was often called Etta Warren, because of Mary Graham's middle name Ett, i.e. Etta. Martha died at an early age and the children only remembered their step-mother. Also, take notice that Frank H. Thompson was a very successful businessman, and wealthy, but he signed his name with an X. Frank was an important community leader in Georgetown judging from his Pallbearers which included five doctors and his obituary appeared on the front page. Of course, several errors are in this obituary, as there always are. I'll leave you the joy of finding them.

The Williamson County Sun Thursday 11 July 1963 Page Two Oscar Marion Beaver, 87, of Route 1, Florence, formerly of Georgetown, died in a local hospital Thursday evening, July 4, at 8 O'clock after an illness of several weeks. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Florence Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Bill McChell?, pastor of Crest View Baptist Church of Georgetown, and the Rev. David Shattew? pastor of the Florence Church.

(Paragraph unreadable) (Paragraph unreadable) Burial was in the Florence Cemetery, under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Georgetown. Mr. Beaver, son of the late pioneer, Martin Beaver and Zena Queen Beaver was born at Weir, Williamson County, Texas on February 19 1876. He became a Christian early in life and joined the Baptist Church. When Mr. Beaver was a child, his parents moved to Virginia. They returned to Texas in February when Mr. Beaver was five years of age, and he came to Georgetown at the age of six. Mr. Beaver was married to Miss Lizzie Finnie? in 1885, and they moved away in 1913. She passed away in 1913. In 1913, he wasunited in marriage to Mrs. Leo Futrell, whose death occurred in February 1950.
In December of 1950 Mr. Beaver was married Mrs. J. S. Hays, who preceded him in death September, 1962. Mr. Beaver engaged in farming and ranching at Florence for many years. He was a man of fine Christian character. A devout member of the First Baptist Church at Georgetown, he was always faithful in his attendance at Sunday School and Church as long as his health permitted. Mr. Beaver was revered by all who knew him for his kind and friendly disposition and his strict honesty in all of his numerous dealings. Mr. Beaver was survived by four sons, Lee Beaver of Clovis New Mexico; Jim Beaver of Abilene; E. Y. Beaver of El Paso and Oscar M. Beaver, Jr. of Phoenix Arizona. Also, three daughters, Mrs. Eva Reed of Temple, Mrs. P.C. Mall?, and Mrs. Milton Ryden of Florence, sister Mrs. Laura Futehand? of Big Spring. Also, twenty-one grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren, twenty-three great great grandchildren, five stepsons, R.A. Futrell of Hart, Ed Futrell of Florence, Roderick Hays of San Antonio, Mark Hays of Dallas and Ray Hays of ?. Also, four stepdaughters, Mrs. R.C. Farmer of Abilene, Mrs. Marvin Lester of Georgetown, Mrs. Mattie Spence of Temple, a great number of nieces, and other relatives and a host of long time friends. The above was difficult to read. I suggest all BEAVER researchers obtain the original paper for their work.

The Williamson County Sun Tuesday 21 February 1950 FRONT PAGE Death came to Mrs. Oscar M. Beaver Sr. of Florence 3:30 o'clock Saturday morning, February 17, at a Georgetown hospital following an illness of four months. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist in Florence Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends, conducted by her pastor, the Rev. C.R. Simpson, and the Rev. Anbrey F. Russell pastor of the First Baptist Church of Georgetown. Mucic was furnished by the Florence Mothers Chorus, and soloist Edgar Martin Miles of Georgetown. R.C. Farmer, Jr. and Wesdton Futrell, grandsons of Mrs. Beaver led the pallbearers, RosCoe McCann of Georgetown, Oran Gray, A.Y. Love and Louis Messer of Florence. The Davis Funeral Home of Georgetown had charge of final arrangements, and burial was in the Florence Cemetery. The floral offering was beautiful and profuse. Mrs. Beaver, daughter of the late E.Y. Thompson and Etta Warren Thompson was born in Coleman County June 1, 1883, and was reared in Coleman and Dallas. She became a Christian a in early life and joined the Baptist Church. She was united in marriage to Mr. Jim Futrell in 1899 and to this union four children were born. After the death of Mr. Futrell, she married to Mr. O. M. Beaver in 1913. In Coleman and  moved to Florence in 1915. Three children were born to this union. Beside her husband, O.M. Beaver, survivors include seven children, R.A. Futrell of Hart, O.L. Futrell of Dalhart, Mrs. R.C. Farmer of Cisco, T.E. Futrell of Florence, E.Y. Beaver of El Paso, Mrs. M.G. Ryden of Florence, and O.M. Beaver, Jr. of Florence, four stepchildren, Lee Beaver of Abilene of Clovis, New Mexico, Jim Beaver of Abilene, Mrs. F.C. Hallmark of Florence, and Mrs. John Reed of Florence, twenty grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Among those from out of town attending he final rites were Mr. Jim Thompson of Austin, Mr. and Mrs J.N. Thompson of Coleman, and Mr. and Mrs. Grady Thompson of Texarkana, brothers and sisters-in-law of Mrs Beaver, Mrs H.F. Fenton and family of Pampa, sister of Mrs. Beaver, Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Futrell and family of Hart, Mr. and Mrs O.L. Futrell and family of Dalhart, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Farmer and family of Cisco, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Farmer of Clovis, N.M. and friends from surrounding communities. Coleman Chronicle, 10 Oct 1963, page 6 James Thompson Died Wednesday: Last Rites Today James J. Thompson resident of Coleman most of his life, died at Overall-Morris Memorial Hospital at 10:00 p. m. on Wednesday, October 9, 1963. Funeral rites were held at Stevens Memorial; Chapel today (Thursday) at 2:00 p. m. with Douglas Robinson, Church of Christ Minister, officiating. Pallbearers were G. W. Wilson, Ben Wilson, C. O. Morgan, Jr., H. F. Fenton Jr., R. K. Wardlow, and N. W. Purcell. Mr. Thompson, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ned Thompson, was born in Coleman County on January 22, 1881. His wife, the former Ella Carpenter, died in 1924. A retired farmer, he was a member of the Church of Christ. Surviving him are one son, Jimmy Thompson of San Francisco, Calif.: two daughters, Miss Louise Thompson of Coleman and Mrs. Sara Frank Lempe of California; one sister, Mrs. Ernie Fenton of Coleman; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Interment was in Coleman City Cemetery with Stevens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Coleman Democrat-Voice, 16 May 1972, page 4 Coleman Woman Dies In California.:Rites Here Tomorrow Funeral services for Mrs. Sallie M. Thayer, 85, of Coleman, will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Stevens Memorial Chapel, with Elder Colvin Smith of Fort Worth officiating. Burial will be in Coleman City Cemetery. Mrs. Thayer died Friday, May 12, 1972 at 11:55 p.m. Los Angeles, Calif. Born Jan. 8, 1887 in Alvarado, Texas, she lived most of her life in Coleman, but had been staying with a daughter in Los Angeles since 1968. She and her late husband, Warren Thayer, had married in 1910, and she was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. George Wilson of Coleman, Mrs. Joel Taylor of Dallas, and Miss Margaret Thayer and Mrs. W.S. Tate, both of Los Angeles; and seven grandchildren. Her remains will arrive at Stevens Funeral Home at approximately 9:30 tonight, and will lie in state until services Wednesday.

Samuel Thompson of
Troup County Georgia

The final order of business is to correct the belief that Samuel Thompson of Troup County, Georgia was the father of Seaborn J. Thompson. Seaborn Thompson's father was Charles Thompson as proved by a family history dated 1890 in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana. The father of Charles was another Charles Thompson, proved by the will in Union County South Carolina.

A genealogist had suggested Samuel was the father of Seaborn using the preponderance of evidence. Both families came through South Carolina to Georgia. Both married Smith's. Samuel and Seaborn both moved to Troup County. They gave children the same names. It's possible Samuel and Seaborn Thompson were related through common Smith relatives, but that is not proven. Information about Samuel Thompson is included here only to update his record.

Samuel Thompson arrived in South Carolina after 1800. A collection of census information follows:
1805--Samuel Thompson and wife landed in Charleston Bay, SC
1810 South Carolina census
Near Charleston (City)
Charleston District, Saint Johns, Colleton, page 213
Samuel Thompson
males under ten = two
males 26 to 45 = one
females under 10 = three
females 26 to 45 = one
slaves total = ten
1820 Georgia, Greene County page 332
Samuel Thompson
males under 10 = two
males 10 to 16 = one
males 26 to 45 = one
females under 10 = two
females 10 to 16 = three
females 26 to 45 = one
slaves = ten
1830 Georgia Troup County
Samuel Thompson
males 20 to 30 = one
males 50 to 60 = one
females 20 to 30 = one
females 70 to 80 = one first wife
slaves 24 to 36 = one male
slaves 24 to 36 = one female
840 Georgia Troup County
Samuel Thompson
males 60 to 70 = one
females 50 to 60 = one second wife
slaves = none
3 September 1850 Georgia Troup County
697th District 82 Division page 94Samuel Thompson 78 $91,110 Ireland
Nancy 69 GA
1860 Georgia Troup County
O'Neal Mills 699 District #743 page 114
John Smith 52 $1,500 $25,000 GA
M. 52 SC Mary Thompson
Thos. 26 GA
S. Cleveland 24 GA
Sarn? Smith 23 GA
N. Smith 16 GA
B. Cleveland 05 GA
A. Cleveland 07 GA
Wm. Wills 40 VA
Nancy Thompson 77 nee Walker GA step-mother of M.T.
W.J. Smith 40 $3,000 $18,000 GA
J. 22 GA
James 06 GA
T.? 04 GA
? Duffice 02 GA
G. Duffice 01 GA

Several documents were recorded for Samuel Thompson in Troup County. The following are noteworthy: Samuel Thomson (Thompson) Deeds--typed as closely as possible to original.

Georgia, Troup County: This Indenture* made the seventh day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-two between Samuel Thomson of the County and State aforesaid, of the one part, and Elizabeth P. Graggs daughter of the said Samuel Thomson wife of William Graggs of the state of Alabama, Chambers County, of other part, Witnesseth that the said Samuel Thomson for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he has and bears to his said daughter Elizabeth P. Graggs wife of William Graggs hath given granted and conveyed and does by these presents give grant and convey unto the said Elizabeth P. Graggs during her natural life and then to her children two Negroes, to wit, Winney a woman about forty-nine years old of dark completion and also Maude a girl thirteen years old of dark complexion. To have and to hold the above mentioned Negroes from and after the death of the said Samuel Thomson unto her the said Elizabeth P. Graggs her children to their own proper use and benefit. In testimony whereof the said Samuel Thomson hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year given above writen. Signed and sealed and delined in presence of Test.--John N. McCain; William J. Smith J.P.; Samuel Thomson Recorded December 2nd 1852; Wm. M. Latimer CLK
*Indenture means a formal binding legal certificate.

Georgia, Troup County: This indenture made this seventh day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-two between Samuel Thompson of the said County and State of the one part and William P. Thompson, son of the said Samuel Thomson, of Alabama State, Chambers County of the other part witnesseth, that the said Samuel Thomson for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he has and bears to his said son William P. Thomson hath given granted and conveyed and does by their presents give grant and convey unto the said William P. Thompson his heirs and assigns two Negroes to wit, Sally a woman about thirty years old of dark complexion and Jackson a boy seven years old of dark complexion. To have and to hold the above mentioned Negroes from and after the death of the said Samuel Thomson unto him the said William P. Thomson his heirs and assigns, and and their own proper use and benefit. In testimony whereof the said Samuel Thomson hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above written. Signed sealed and delined* in the presence of Test--John N. McCain; William J. Smith J.P.; Samuel Thomson Recorded September 2nd 1852; Wm. M. Latimer CLK *Delined means all legal liens are removed or found not to exist.

Georgia, Troup County: This indenture made this seventh day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-two between Samuel Thomson of said County and State of the one part and John A. Smith son in law of the said Samuel Thomson of the same place of the other part. Witnesseth, that the said Samuel Thomson for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he has and bears to his said son in law John A. Smith hath given granted and conveyed and does by these presents give grant and convey unto the said John A. Smith his heirs and assigns* two Negroes girls Mary a girl about seven years old of dark complexion and also Martha a girl about nine years old of dark complexion. To have and to hold the above mentioned Negroes from and after the death of said Samuel Thomson unto him the said John A. Smith his heirs and assigns and to his and their own proper use and benefit. In testimony whereof the said Samuel Thomson hath herein set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above written. Signed sealed and delined in presences of Test--John W. McCain; William J. Smith J.P.; Samuel Thomson, Seal Recorded September 2nd 1852; Wm. M. Latimer CLK

Georgia, Troup County: This Indenture made this the Tenth day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-nine between Isaac Collins of the County aforesaid of the one part and Samuel Thompson of the same place of the other part, witnesseth that the said Isaac Collins for and in consideration of the sum of Five Hundred dollars to him in hand paid at and before the sealing and delining of these presents the receipt-whereof it hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained sold and conveyed and does by these presents grant-bargain sell and convey unto the said Samuel Thompson his heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of land situated lying and being in the Fourth District of said County know and distinguishable by No 74 Seventy Four containing Two Hundred, two and a half acres more or less.
To have and to hold said tract or parcel of land unto him the said Samuel Thompson his heirs and assigns thereof with all and singular the rights members and appurtenances thereof to the same in any manner belonging to his and their own purpose benefit and behoof forever in fee simple* and the said Isaac Collins for himself his heirs Executors and Administrators the said bargained premises unto the said Samuel Thompson his heirs and assigns will warrant-and forever defend the right and title thereof acquired themselves and against the claim of all other persons whatever. In witness whereof the said Isaac Collins hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written. Signed Sealed and Recorded, Grace Collins Seal Nancy W. Satterwhite; Elijah Satterwhite J.P.;Rec'd June 20 1841 R.F. McGehee CLK *Fee Simple means without restriction.

Prenuptial agreement 
Between Samuel Thompson and Nancy Smith Walker

Georgia, Troup County: This Indenture made this the 22 January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight-hundred and thirty-three between Nancy Walker and Samuel Thompson of the County and State aforesaid they being now about-to engage in the Solom* bonds of Matrimony each agree from day and year above named all of the property they may accumulate to be equally divided in two parts after their death between their children. In witness they have hereunto set their hands and seal the day and year above written. Signed N. McGehee; Berry A. Fox J.P.; Nancy "X" Walker--her mark
Samuel Thompson Seal; Recorded 17th 1844; Moses Lee CLK

*This word found spelled as-it-is-here and in other documents. Appears to be willfully spelled 'solom' in that section of Georgia during that era.

Written by Lisa Barnum

Mixed NOTES, late arriving obituaries and other data 

Today 30 September 1996, I talked to Jim Thompson, who is the son of James (Jim) Jerome Thompson. He is 76 years old and lives in Orland, California. James was the son of our great grandfather Edward Young Hill Thompson. He has been on his own from a young age and does not remember a lot of THOMPSON history. He did tell me several things.

He said the THOMPSON men and women were large people. His uncle Seab (Seaborn Jones Thompson) was the smallest of the boys at only 5'10". The ladies were also healthy and strong. He said he saw Seab several times in his youth. Seab and his brother Nuge were quiet men and never spoke about personal things. It wasn't polite to discuss certain things.

After Seab moved to New Mexico, one of his sons went to old Mexico and got in trouble with the Mexican Police and was put in prison. They tried to get him out, but the Mexicans would not listen to Seab. Jim could not remember the name of the son who was in prison in Mexico. Cousin Michael told me the same story as did Aunt Mary Louise Thompson about a son of Seab's being in a Mexican prison. I assume this story is true, but I believe that the son got out of the Mexican prison and it was was Edward Thompson.

Jim confirmed that Edward Senior was a officer in the Confederate Army. He said Edward had a brother who also served. That was Charles. I have found new and fascinating information on Charles W. Thompson. I always believed he married three times. I now have the names of his three wives and all of his children. I am unsure at this time how far I will trace the ancestry and descendants of his wives. I wish to devote some time to John, brother of Charles who I speculate died in Carroll County Mississippi.

I looked further into the history of Charles's first wife. I can now say with 100% confidence that his wife was a PARKER not a BUGG. In 1870 a Charles Bugg (aged five) was in their home but was listed separately by the census enumerator. I proposed that she, Sarah A.____?___ was a BUGG based on that child's last name. I now believe that child was either a relative or an orphan. Charles Bugg vanished in 1880, therefore, I say he was not directly related to Sarah's family. This is supported by the obituary of Charles. His first wife was in fact Sarah Angie Parker. Her parents lived in Wood County Texas after the Civil War. Wood County is also where Edward and Charles lived after the war. I will provide you each with updated charts in time, perhaps in a month. Sarah was dearly loved by all of the family and Edward named a child "Angie" after Sarah Angie.

As for Edward's first wife, our great grandmother, she was in fact a WARREN not a SMITH. This is 100% certain. I had for several years believed that Edward married Mattie Smith in Texarkana, Arkansas. I now know he married Martha A. Warren in Wood County, Quitman, Texas in 1874. The marriage of Edward to another 'Mattie' was a coincidence of names, dates, and places. It always bothered me how Edward could go from Winnsboro, Wood County, Texas to Texarkana, marry and return so quickly, or even why he would do such a thing. Lesson # 1: Just because the data fits, that don't make it correct!

I did, this week, find Martha A. Warren living near Edward and Charles in 1870 in Winnsboro Texas. She went by "Martha A." not Mattie, and that is the name she was enumerated by in 1880 in Coleman County. In 1870, she was the right age, at the right place, at the right time. This is supported by other recently obtained documents, i.e. that she was a WARREN. An extremely small possibility exists that she married a SMITH before marrying Edward, but I do not believe it.

I have submitted to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City all of my wife's ancestors and all of my ancestors to the International Genealogical Index except our THOMPSON line. God told me not to submit the THOMPSON line on the day I went to the center. I know he wanted me to search further. I now have better records to submit. I'll have to amend the Ancestral File, but I have always known new findings would require corrections to that file. The International Genealogical Index, on the other hand, can not be changed, not ever, not for any reason. I hope I always listen to God. He has never lead me away from the proper path.

Jim further told me that Grandfather Edward Thompson went by Ned. Ned is the name found on the birth certificate of James Jerome. Jim said they called his Grandfather Thompson "The Colonel", because he looked like a Kentucky military Colonel. He stated that a big impressive picture of him hangs on a wall in Coleman, Texas, but he can not remember in which building.
Our step-grandmother, Mary Ett Koone Graham Thompson, was said to have lived off Edward's (widow) pension check during the hard times in the 1920's and 1930's.

Mary Thompson sent me several photos. When I get caught up on genealogy, I will copy said photos and disperse copies to you who request them. However, I will not be doing any photo reproductions in October.

Cousin Michael said he heard an old family story that one of Seab's boys worked in a lumber mill near Alamogordo. He said he witnessed a co-worker get cut in half by a big saw. After that, he left Alamogordo and had emotional problems. Mother Florice said her brother Monte (or Monta) worked in the Saw Mill. He left Alamogordo after 1930 and she never saw him again.

Mary Thompson said her grandfather Edward's house burned down in Glen Cove. Neighbors helped him rebuild his house, as he was well know in the area having lived there since 1878. He helped build the first church in Glen Cove and was an active church member.

I had problems tracing James Jerome Thompson. One reason was: He married five times and divorced four times--to four women! He lived in Williamson County for several years. Frank H. Thompson lived in Williamson County, as well as Mattie Earnest THOMPSON Fenton. Seaborn Jones Thompson lived in Georgetown for a short period when Frank was caring for him. The home of James Jerome Thompson also burned, and he lost everything just as his father had lost everything.

I now own a photo of Mattie Earnest (or Ernest) THOMPSON Fenton thanks to a distant FENTON relative now living in Coleman. Mattie was active in the community and in the church.

Great Uncle Henry Grady Thompson lived in Ashdown Arkansas for many years. He was the County sheriff. 

2 October 1996

Last night my Lord whispered to me. He would not let me rest. I got up at 2:30 a.m. and rustled around. I heard Newton or Nugent from the shadows. I wondered if he was telling me to look for John Nugent Thompson, son of Seaborn #1. I turned on my computer and ran a program for the 1860 census index for Mississippi and Louisiana. Too many John Thompson's came on the screen for me to comprehend. I input Seaborn Thompson as I had done a hundred times before. I found nothing, but Newton kept ringing in my ears.

I finally selected all Thompson names from Mississippi and went down the long list one by one. I found a Sebron Thompson. This could not possibly be Seaborn, I thought. I checked the county and it was Newton County Mississippi, town of Hickory. I have checked a thousand dead-ends looking for Seaborn Thompson after 1850 over the last four years. I dismissed this name as being too far removed from Seaborn. Tonight before the Family History Center closed I drove there and opened the microfilm file. The Newton County 1860 film was on inventory. I ordered it last year on long term hold. I put it on the reader and came to Sebron Thompson on page 714, line 153. It was a very poor film, but I could make out the entry using a yellow screen:

Sebron Thompson age 55, male, white, Railroad contractor, born in Georgia, $10,000 land, $39,980 personal assets. Living in his house was Charles Thompson age 16, male, white, born in Georgia, and Edward Thompson age 14, male, white, born in Georgia.

No other persons lived with him. It was our Seaborn Jones Thompson #1 living in Newton County Mississippi. Jane Briden Moreland was not in the home. She must have died before 1860. We knew she died before 1880 in Mississippi. Now we know she died before 1860. The other children were married and gone. Just Charles and our great grandfather Edward remained, still young of age. Seaborn was wealthy, very wealthy for 1860 with $50,000 at his finger tips.

That census told much about our family, but it suddenly hit me that I had violated my rule to always think like they did in 1860 to help me search. The spelling of Sebron was understood once I looked at it from the enumerator's point of view. He was a gentlemen of the deep South. How would he have pronounced Seaborn? He would have said and written into the census 'Se--bron' or 'Seb--ruhn' not 'Sea--born'.

Why didn't I see that four years ago? They answer is: "God will only reveal his secrets when He is ready, not when we are wanting.

5 October 1996

Three obituaries finally arrived from Georgetown, Texas. I wrote editor pleading for help before I received them. I generally don't send copies of obituaries to you, but these were a long time coming and I wanted to share them.

The Williamson County Sun
Friday 17 August 1928--FRONT PAGE NEWS
After four years of intense suffering all of which was borne with fidelity which had marked his every effort in life, H. Frank Thompson, businessman of Georgetown for more than twenty years, friend and worthy citizen, passed from life here to life everlasting at six-thirty o'clock Monday morning at the Martin Hospital where he had been confined for several weeks. Funeral services were conduced Tuesday morning at ten o'clock at the Church of Christ of which deceased was a member for many years, the services being in charge of his friend, Elder W. F. Ledlow of Austin. Details of the funeral were in charge of the Davis Undertaking Company, and the following brother-in-laws of deceased acted as pall-bearers: O.M. Beaver, A.A. Hufstutler, A.W. Sherman, John Shaw, C.E. Harris. Interment was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery and the obsequies were attended by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends. The floral offering was profuse and beautiful, bespeaking the esteem in which the deceased was held by the large circle of friends who had known and admired him for his true worth in life.

H. Frank Thompson was born July 4, 1876 in Wood County, Texas. At the age of two years he moved with his parents to Coleman, Texas, where he grew to manhood. In 1900 he moved to Georgetown and became identified with the Troy Laundry, later buying the plant and enlarging it, making of the system a model laundry plant in the Southern Laundrymen's Association. He was married November 10, 1901 to Miss Sallie Shaw, daughter of Captain and Mrs. W.C. Shaw and to him she has been a loyal companion and devoted wife. During her long vigil at his bedside following his sudden and severe illness which followed a stoke while at work in his plant in July 1924, she has never wavered nor grown weary, and her sacrifice of love has been beautiful and complete.

Frank Thompson, as he was familiarly know to his multitude of friends, was devoted to his business, he spared neither pains nor labor in building here an institution of which he and his town could justly feel proud and he was stricken just at the completion of a splendid new modern building and its equipment with the most approved machinery known to the trade. As an indication of his skill in building today after four years of illness, the plant is among the most modern is the state and a monument to his enterprise and determination. As a citizen he was equally industrious. No movement was ever launched for the improvement and betterment of his town that he did not lend his enthusiastic support and financial assistance. The schools, the churches, the hospitals, the widow, the orphan, the charities, none of those ever make an appeal that he did not respond liberally. He believed in a broad and liberal consideration of all questions and no small or narrow endeavor ever appealed to him. When he was stricken with the illness from which he died, and from which he was a great sufferer, Georgetown lost from her active citizenship one of her best men, and in his death his family and friends feel the loss of a true and trusted loved one and companion. God never gave one a better friend, he never created a more devoted husband or friend.

Besides his wife, Mr. Thompson is survived by his mother, Mrs. E.Y. Thompson of Coleman; an adopted daughter, Norah Frank Thompson; and the following brothers and sisters: S.J. Thompson, Arizona; J.J. Thompson of Austin; Mrs. O.M Beaver of Florence; H.G. Thompson of Ashdownn, Arkansas: J.N. Thompson of Coleman; and Mrs. Earnie Fenton of Coleman.

Honorary Pallbearers: Claud Lunsford, Dr. Bendley, Temple, Eldridge Hodges, Sam V. Stone, Joe Corwin, Austin, Dr. Walter Marlin, Dr. John Martin, Mr. J.N. Keller, R.J. Stone, W.H. Davis, C.S. Bedford, J.E Cooper, W. Box, R.E. Ward, S.J. Enochs, John M. Sharpe, Dan Everidge, Granger, W.P. Hoffman, J.W. Robertson, Chas. Shell, Arther Eanes, D.H. Davis, Dr. W.H. Moses, Dr. W. M. Schultz, Dr. E.M. Thomas, D.E. Davis, Wm. Dunks, A.M. Sillure, E.H. Eanes, Fay Sherman, Jack Fokes, Del Rio, lark, Abilene,Chas. Clark, Abelene, Caleb Simmons, Sweetwater, L.F. Gieschke, Houstohn, W.F. Taylor, Coleman, E.S. Brotherton, Dallas, E.P. Lewis, San Antonio

I have discovered that little distinction was made by the children of Edward and their mother versus their step-mother. That is the reason, I believe, Martha Warren was often called Etta Warren, because of Mary Graham's middle name Ett, i.e. Etta. Martha died at an early age and the children only remembered their step-mother. Also, take notice that Frank H. Thompson was a very successful businessman, and wealthy, but he signed his name with an X. Frank was an important community leader in Georgetown judging from his Pallbearers which included five doctors and his obituary appeared on the front page. Of course, several errors are in this obituary, as there always are. I'll leave you the joy of finding them.

The Williamson County Sun Thursday 11 July 1963 Page two
Oscar Marion Beaver, 87, of Route 1, Florence, formerly of Georgetown, died in a local hospital Thursday evening, July 4, at 8 O'clock after an illness of several weeks.Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Florence Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Bill McChell?, pastor of Crest View Baptist Church of Georgetown, and the Rev. David Shattew? pastor of the Florence Church.

(Paragraph unreadable)(Paragraph unreadable) Burial was in the Florence Cemetery, under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Georgetown. Mr. Beaver, son of the late pioneer, Martin Beaver and Zena Queen Beaver was born at Weir, Williamson County, Texas on February 19 1876. He became a Christian early in life and joined the Baptist Church. When Mr. Beaver was a child, his parents moved to Virginia. They returned to Texas in February when Mr. Beaver was five years of age, and he came to Georgetown at the age of six. Mr. Beaver was married to Miss Lizzie Finnie? in 1885, and they moved away in 1913. She passed away in 1913. In 1913, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Leo Futrell, whose death occurred in February 1950. In December of 1950 Mr. Beaver was married Mrs. J. S. Hays, who preceded him in death September, 1962. Mr. Beaver engaged in farming and ranching at Florence for many years. He was a man of fine Christian character. A devout member of the First Baptist Church at Georgetown, he was always faithful in his attendance at Sunday School and Church as long as his health permitted. Mr. Beaver was revered by all who knew him for his kind and friendly disposition and his strict honesty in all of his numerous dealings. Mr. Beaver was survived by four sons, Lee Beaver of Clovis New Mexico; Jim Beaver of Abelene; E. Y. Beaver of El Paso and Oscar M. Beaver, Jr. of Phoenix Arizona. Also, three daughters, Mrs. Eva Reed of Temple, Mrs. P.C. Mall?, and Mrs. Milton Ryden of Florence, sister Mrs. Laura Futehand? of Big Spring. Also, twenty-one grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren, twenty-three great great grandchildren, five stepsons, R.A. Futrell of Hart, Ed Futrell of Florence, Roderick Hays of San Antanio, Mark Hays of Dallas and Ray Hays of ?. Also, four stepdaughters, Mrs. R.C. Farmer of Abilene, Mrs. Marvin Lester of Georgetown, Mrs. Mattie Spence of Temple, a great number of nieces, and other relatives and a host of long time friends.
The above was difficult to read. I suggest all BEAVER researchers obtain the original paper for their work.

The Williamson County Sun Tuesday 21 February 1950 FRONT PAGE
Death came to Mrs. Oscar M. Beaver Sr. of Florence 3:30 o'clock Saturday morning, February 17, at a Georgetown hospital following an illness of four months. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist in Florence Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends, conducted by her pastor, the Rev. C.R. Simpson, and the Rev. Anbrey F. Russell pastor of the First Baptist Church of Georgetown. Mucic was furnished by the Florence Mothers Chorus, and soloist Edgar Martin Miles of Georgetown. R.C. Farmer, Jr. and Wesdton Futrell, grandsons of Mrs. Beaver led the pallbearers, RosCoe McCann of Georgetown, Oran Gray, A.Y. Love and Louis Messer of Florence. The Davis Funeral Home of Georgetown had charge of final arrangements, and burial was in the Florence Cemetery. The floral offering was beautiful and profuse. Mrs. Beaver, daughter of the late E.Y. Thompson and Etta Warren Thompson was born in Coleman County June 1, 1883, and was reared in Coleman and Dallas. She became a Christian a in early life and joined the Baptist Church. She was united in marriage to Mr. Jim Futrell in 1899 and to this union four children were born. After the death of Mr. Futrell, she married to Mr. O. M. Beaver in 1913. In coleman and moved to Florence in 1915. Three children were born to this union. Beside her husband, O.M. Beaver, survivors include seven children, R.A. Futrell of Hart, O.L. Futrell of Dalhart, Mrs. R.C. Farmer of Cisco, T.E. Futrell of Florence, E.Y. Beaver of El Paso, Mrs. M.G. Ryden of Florence, and O.M. Beaver, Jr. of Florence, four stepchildren, Lee Beaver of Abilene of Clovis, New Mexico, Jim Beaver of Abilene, Mrs. F.C. Hallmark of Florence, and Mrs. John Reed of Florence, twenty grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Among those from out of town attending he final rites were Mr. Jim Thompson of Austin, Mr. and Mrs J.N. Thompson of Coleman, and Mr. and Mrs. Grady Thompson of Texarkana, brothers and sisters-in-law of Mrs Beaver, Mrs H.F. Fenton and family of Pampa, sister of Mrs. Beaver, Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Futrell and family of Hart, Mr. and Mrs O.L. Futrell and family of Dalhart, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Farmer and family of Cisco, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Farmer of Clovis, N.M. and friends from surrounding communities.

Page 249. Will. I, Samuel Bugg Sr of L, being sick and weak -First, my just debts are to be paid. To my wife Sarah Bugg - all my estate, during her natural life, and after her death To my son Jacob Bugg - 1 Negro girl called Cloe. To my daughter Sarah Fowler - 1 Negro wench called Jean, and after her death, said Negro and her increase to be equally divided among her children.
To my daughter Agnes Lee - 1 Negro wench called Doll. To my daughter Ruth Bugg - 1 Negro wench called Patt. Also 1 feather bed and furniture. To my son Sherwood Bugg - 10 £. To my grandsons John Bugg, Benjamin Bugg, and Jessee Bugg and Sherwood Bugg - 10 £ each. To my son Edmund Bugg - 2 ewes and 1 cow.
To my son Samuel Bugg - 20 shillings sterling. To my son Anslem Bugg - all my land and the rest of my estate, both real and personal. Executor - Anslem Bugg. I do not want my estate appraised. Signed Dec 30, 1756 - Samuel Bugg.
Witnesses - Amos Hix, George Freeman, William Cox. At May 1, 1759 Court, the will of the deceased was exhibited by Anslem Bugg, the executor, and the same was proved by the oath of Amos Hix and Joseph Friman, 2 of the witnesses, and ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of said executor, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of the said will, whereupon he, together with Samuel Young and Sherwood Bugg, his securities, entered into bond.

Notes: There was one important deed one for Charles Thompson and daughter Martha A. It gives primary and direct evidence of a daughter Martha Adeline who married Reuben Nash of Jackson County, GA and names their 3 children: Charles J./T. Nash, John J. Nash and Reuben L. Nash. This document was a slave bill of sale and a deed of gift for the same 4 slaves, which are also named. Martha was already deceased at the time of the document (1841) so she was not living at the time of her father's death. I don't know about LA law, but in GA heirs at law include children. Since Martha was deceased, I would imagine her children inherited. There may be no estate documents for the GA heirs outside the LA documents. It would seem that the LA vouchers for the estate would itemize what sum was given to the attorney for the GA heirs. It might not break down that sum for the individual heirs, however. The Morgan Co property was "on the waters of Jack's Creek.

The document in the Boykin Family papers which has James and Seaborn Thompson is not a family matter. It is two separate deeds for land. One, that Seaborn Thompson was selling not as owner but in his capacity as Sheriff of Troup County and the other deed was signed as witness by the James Thompson signing as a judge of Chambers County, Ala at bottom of the deed. If you want a copy of these two deeds, please remit a check for $6.00 to Troup County Archives, P.O. Box 1051 LaGrange, GA 30241. State in your letter with your check that you want: Deeds made by Seaborn Thompson, Sheriff of Troup Co and deed signed by James Thompson, Judge of Chambers Co., Ala, both in Boykin Family Papers Box 1 folder 12.

Washi Hugh died on January 24, 1883 in Tennille. He is buried in Zeta Cemetery, Tennille, Washington County, Georgia. His wife, Nancy Malinda (Hart) Orr was at the home of her son, Thomas J. Orr on the 1890 Federal Census of Washington County. She left a will which was dated October 17, 1890 and proved November 3, 1890. Nancy was born February 28, 1826 (Washington Co, GA) and died on October 21, 1890 in Davisboro. She is buried in Zeta Cemetery, Tennille, GA.

Nancy's will mentions her son William L. Orr of Texas, his two minor sons, Pringle and Warner Orr, her daughters, Mrs Mary F. Davis, Mrs. Jennie Brantley, George F Orr, Thomas J. Orr, Edward J. Orr, his minor son Jack Orr; Virgil Orr, and Hugh W. Orr. Executors were sons, T.J. Orr and E. J. Orr. Witnesses were W. J. Wade, R. B. Thompson, and A. Baker, Jr. Washington Co GA Genweb site part of a story ORR/HART/Thompson connection. 

The End

Seek and you will find.

Notes:

Samuel Thompson

It was once believed Samuel Thompson was related to our Thompson line. He arrived in Georgia  from South Carolina and Georgia. They probably were not related, but they had similar family names, including a Seaborn Thompson, and lived in the same areas. The almost certainly knew each other's family members. This Samuel Thompson data is shown for those who may be related to Samuel. Samuel Thompson arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1806 via ship. By 1810, he moved to Colleton County. The 1810 South Carolina census placed him at Saint Johns which was on Edisto Island at the southern tip of South Carolina.

Samuel was a wealthy man, because in 1810 he owned ten valuable slaves. In 1810 his family had two boys and three girls all under ten years of age. It's probable he married between 1797 and 1803 in Ireland.

Samuel, a farmer, moved his family to Greene County, Georgia before the census of 1820 was taken. That was a move of two hundred miles. When Troup County was formed from Indian Land in 1826, Samuel moved his family to an area known as Flat Shoals which was in the southern part of Troup County. Samuel and several others established the Flat Shoals Primitive Baptist Church which exists today. Troup County has remained a stronghold for Thompson families until the present time.

Samuel's first wife died between November 1830 and January 1833. We don't know her name as her grave hasn't been identified. Her name may have been Jane Chambers of Daintfield, Down, Ireland based on Irish marriage records.

Samuel married Nancy Smith nee Walker on 22 January 1833 in Troup County. On 21 May 1858 Samuel died. He was buried in the Flat Shoals Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. His headstone revealed he was born in Ireland 16 August 1772. Samuel wasn't buried near any other Thompson relatives, except that unmarked graves on either side of Samuel may be those of his wives.

Samuel bought and sold land on several occasions. Two of the early deeds are abstracted below:
Deed: Book A, pg 504:
On 24 November 1829, Charles Gray of Franklin County, Attorney in fact for Balaam Gray, sold Lot 11 of Land District 4, to Samuel Thompson of Georgia for $500.00. Witness William R. Green and LeRoy McCoy, J.P.

Deed: Book A, pg 421:
Written 30 June 1829. Recorded 28 July 1829.
Buddy Bohannon of Morgan sold to Samuel Thompson of Troup County Lot 172 in Land District 3, for $500.00. "Drawn and granted to said Bohannon." Witness was William R. Adair and Samuel G. Torbert, J.P.

The 1860 census of Troup County recorded the John Smith family. This census was important for it was a clue to the relationships of the Thompson's. It was once thought that Samuel Thompson was a relative of our ancestor, Seaborn J. Thompson, but they probably were not directly related except perhaps through common SMITH relatives.

1860 Troup County, O'Neals, 699 District 743
Smith, John 52 GA Farmer $25,000
M 52 SC
Thos 26 GA
Cleveland, S. 24 GA
Smith, Sarah 23 GA
N 16 GA
Cleveland, B 05 GA
A 07 GA
Mills, WM 40 VA ?
Thompson, Nancy 77 GA

744
Smith, W. J. 40  Farmer $18,000
J. 22
James 06
T. 04
Nancy Thompson was Nancy Smith by a prior marriage, but she was born Nancy Walker. She married a John Smith. M Smith was her step-daughter. M (Mary Thompson), appeared to be  a sister of our Seaborn Thompson. It appeared Mary Thompson who married John Smith was related to Nancy WALKER Smith Thompson through their Smith marriages, but those Smith families may have been unrelated lines. The Mary Thompson probably was not actually the sister of Seaborn, only a lady with the same name. These families almost certainly knew each other and lived in the county of Troup. 

John Smith was born 30 April 1809. He married Mary Thompson 15 December 1831. He died 12 June 1880. Mary was born 16 June 1809 in Colleton County, South Carolina. She died 12 January 1884. This inscription appeared on her headstone:

Sleep sweetly, my Mother, well earned is thy rest
Thou hast served thy generation, dwell with the blest
Wise was thy council, tender thy love,
Faithful to duty, A jewel in the crown above
Memory claims thee, a treasure most prized
Together may we dwell in the land of the skies

Both John Smith and his brother were wealthy by today's standards. The Walkers were also wealthy as were the Thompsons. The Clevelands, who married into the Smith family and are listed in the Smith family above, were a pioneer family in Troup County; likewise, they were wealthy. Larkin G. Cleveland operated a shoe factory south of LaGrange using leather supplied from Seaborn Thompson's tan-yard.

The 1880 census reflects the death of Nancy.
ED 129 699th, O'Neals District, 14 June 1880
222
Smith, John A. 71 GA GA GA Brights Disease
Mary 69
Wesley 41
Hugh 24
Molly 20  Nephew
Lina 18  Niece
Mary's birthplace changed from South Carolina to Georgia in the 1880 census. An incorrectly stated birth place was common. For instance, Seaborn Thompson stated his birthplace was Georgia, but it may have been in Union County South Carolina. It was prudent for someone active in politics in Georgia to be a 'native'. There is evidence but no proof that Seaborn was born in Washington County Georgia.

The 1820 Greene County census was important, because it listed the entire family of Samuel before his children married, including his ten slaves. This census was taken in Captain Andrew's District as follows:

Page 332
Males Females
Under 10 Under 17 26 to 45 Under 10 Under 17 26 to 45
Thompson: Samuel 2 1 1 2 3 1
Thus, Samuel's family consisted of three boys and five girls.
1-Elizabeth Thompson married Moody Thompson 31 January 1824 in Greene County, Georgia.
2-Nancy Thompson married William Ansley in Greene County, Georgia on 6 December 1827.
3-Mary Thompson married John Abram Smith on 15 December 1831, Troup County, Georgia.
4-Priscilla Thompson married, 27 May 1815, Louden Willis in Greene County.
5-Milly Thompson married, 29 January 1833, William Burge in Greene County, Georgia.
6-William P. Thompson born 17 March 1807, died 28 April 1873, married Amey Satterwhite 26 July 1832. He married secondly, Jane Crabb Lovelace on 2 January 1855. She was born 22 April 1822 and died 14 March 1890.
7-John Thompson married Mary Harp about 1827. John had a daughter named Sarah Elizabeth Thompson. Sarah married Asbury Sankey Lee Johnson. Sarah had a child she named Seaborn Thompson Johnson in 1855. Seaborn Thompson Johnson married Martha Jane Copeland. Seaborn Thompson Johnson moved to Dallas, Texas and died there in 1926. It appears Seaborn was named after his uncle Seaborn, but again that was probably a coincidence of unrelated families with similar names living in the same vicinity.

Seaborn J. (Jones ?) Thompson was born in 1806, but was not the son of Samuel as once thought. Still, I wonder if these families lines were related.

End of Samuel Thompson Notes.