My Southern Family

Notes

Article about the Massacre, Richard Tyner - Revolutionary Patriot (Tyner File in Georgia Archives).

Shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, when Elbert County was only a year or two old, (note: Elbert County wasn’t formed until 1790) the Indians began a series of depredations along the thinly settled out-post of the County which took a large toll in Pioneer lives. Only the most dastardly attacks took place in what is now Gaines District. The Tyner Family was the unfortunate victims.

Early in the morning in the late Fall season, Richard Tyner left his home on a hunting exploration, leaving his wife, two sons and three daughters, Mary, Tamar and an infant. A few hours after his departure, a band of hostile Indians made an attack upon the home and, although the mother and older children fought fearlessly with the old muskets kept for defense, they were overpowered. Mrs. Tyner, with her infant daughter were immediately slain and scalped. Little Noah secreted himself in a hollow tree thus escaping capture. The eldest son escaped by flight and the two daughters, both in their teens, were taken captive and carried away.

As soon as the alarm spread, the stern pioneers formed a posse but after days of fruitless search, they were compelled to abandon the chase. The family and friends gave the girls up for lost, for few captives ever returned when taken by hostile indians of that period. Two years later, the attention of one John Mamack, an Indian trader, while in one of the Coweta towns of the Indians, was attracted to two beautiful girls. He quickly recognized that they were not indians or of Indian blood. He had heard of the abduction of the Tyner sisters and believed that he had located them, He finally reached an agreement where-by he was able to purchase Mary but no amount of persuation was he permitted to purchase Tamar. The indians calmly stated that she was quick to obey, of good disposition, tireless in work and hence was necessary to them.

Finally realizing that efforts were of no avail, he and Mary set out for Elbert County and soon after arrival were married. Neither the sister nor the brother-in-law were happy for the knowledge that Tamar was still captive haunted them continuously. In a few weeks, not being able to stand the thought of his wife’s sister in captivity, Manack again set out for the Indian town with the determination to either purchase or abduct Tamar. Upon arrival, he alternately begged and threatened, but to no avail. His every movement was spied upon and he was finally forced to return . . . in despair.

A day or two after . . . the indians seemed very suspicious of Tamar . . . She was informed by an old Indian Squaw whom she had befriended that the headman believed that she was soon to make an attempt to escape and was therefore planning to burn her at the stake on an approaching ceremonial day. Tamar prevailed on the indian woman to furnish her a canoe and provisions. One night, with the aid of the squaw, she successfully made her escape.

Down the Chattahooche she paddled all night. She would make the best time possible and during the day . . . hide along the River bank . . . Several times she barely escaped capture but finally, with all her provisions exhaysted, she reached the waters of the Appalachicola Bay where she was sighted by passing merchantmen and conveyed in safety to Savannah. The good people of Savannah, upon hearing her story, received her as a heroine and furnished her with . . . means of travel to return to Elbert County. . .

A short time after her arrival home, she was married to a gentleman by the name of Hunt. . . She lived to be quite an old lady and thrilled many of her Grandchildren with the stories of the Coweta Towns.

It is said that she delighted in pointing out the hollow tree in which her young brother, Noah had hidden to escape capture. This tree which stood for years was known throughout the country-side as “Noah’s Ark.” - John H. McIntosh, Historian, Elbert County 1925

Coldwater Community in Elbert County - 1770’s - 1970 - Clara Adams Stowers

Page 44 - We are indebted to Mr. Parker Smith of Elberton, Ga. for this story of the Indian Massacre of the Tyner family, which was recorded by his father, Dr. Smith.
Cause of the Raid
“As is generally understood, Indians as friends are faithful, but as enemies are relentlessly savage. The Tyners were prominent and high-toned. One of then in an official capacity caused severe punishment to be inflicted on an Indian of a tribe for some reprehensible conduct. This arroused a spirit of revenge. Therefore a slaughter of the offending family living on Coldwater Creek was planned. In the abscence of Mr. Tyner, a mob rushed in on the defenseless family, and killed the mother, slashed her babe against a tree, and threw it down on her. It is said by near relatives, that when found, the babe was instictively feeling for its dead mother’s breasts.
“Joshua, being fleet and strong, ran and climbed a tree a few hundred yards from the spring, but was pursued and shot down dead. Noah was a small boy and concealed himself in the hollow of a large tree at the spring pulling the washpot in after him. Therefore, that tree was called ‘Noah’s Ark’ as long as it stood. Another son is said to have made his escape by flight. Harris was caught, scalped, and beatened until pronounced dead, but he revived and lived many years afterwards.
“The three daughters were ordered to march with the departing mob, but one refused to go. She was promptly scalped and buffeted, and left in a supposed dying condition, but she played ‘possum’ until the Indians were gone, later recovered. Mary and Tamar seeing their sister’s fate consented and went, becoming slaves. Tamar was first sent to hoe corn, but feigned ignorance by cutting out the little corn and leaving the grass. She was then required to get firewood and catch fish with Mary.
“Soon after these events, John Monack, a man who traded with Indians, went to the region and recognized the Tyner girls. Being fascinated with Mary’s features of nobility, hebought her and married her. On Monack’s next trip to the Indian village he tried to purchase Tamar, but failed.
“After Mary went home Tamar became very despondent, and seeing no prospect of better conditions resolved to desert. While out fishing one night, with some parched corn in her pocket, she got on an improvised raft and floated below the section inhabited by her captors, making her bearings for Elbert County. At first the sparslly settled country was almost a wilderness. As nights approached, she watched for cow trails and listened for bells in order to follow the cows to their homes.
“On reaching a settlement at last, she was an interesting guest when she related her experiences, and wa spiloted on her way some miles next morning until she reached denser population.
“After reaching home Tamer married Moses Hunt of this community. She lived to a great age and extreme febleness. After her death, Jeff and Dinah (slaves) were Moses’ special attendents. One day Moses was seated in front of the fire leaning on his head on the end of his staff, while Dinah was out gathering turnip greens for dinner. When she returned, he was lying dead with his head in the fire burned beyond recognition. It was a supposable case of sudden death from natural causes. . .
“After Monack’s death his widow, Mary, married Rev. James Riley, well remembered as ‘Uncle Jimmy Riley.’ He moved from this community to one in Mississippi, and little is known of him since.
“Lawrence Adams, son of William Adams, married Nancy Hunt, daughter of Moses and Tamar Hunt. They lived and died at the home of Moses Hunt. James, brother of Lawrence Adams, married Mary A. Hunt, daughter of Moses and Tamar Hunt. James purchased the James (Jimmy) Riley home when he sold and went to Mississippi. Here he and Mary reared their family, and are buried in the family burial ground on the ‘Rucker Plantation.’ . . .
“My children drank water from the Tyner spring when going to school. It was later called the ‘Dobb’s spring.’ I have seen the walnut tree from which Joshua was shot, th largest I ever saw. It was cut for sawlogs more than forty years ago.
“I greatly appreciate the kindness of Mr. John M. Craft for information about the early settlers in the Coldwater community. He is in his eighty-seventh year, and remarkably vigorous physically and mentally. He has clear recollection of seeing Mary and Tamar Tyner.
“this sketch is made from reminiscenses rather than printed history. Where it does not agree, it is open to criticism.” B. C. Smith (note: See also History of Hart County, Ga. pg 266 - “Tamar Escapes . . .)

Notes

Father: William CRAWFORD; Mother: Naudiane VALENTINE
Children:
William CRAWFORD b: 17 OCT 1722 in Berkley County,Virginia
Valentine CRAWFORD b: 1724 in Berkley County,Virginia
Mary CRAWFORD
Elizabeth CRAWFORD
Martha CRAWFORD
Elizabeth CRAWFORD

                                             __________________________
                                            |                          
                       _John DAVIS II_______|
                      | (1685 - 1717) m 1710|
                      |                     |__________________________
                      |                                                
 _Briscoe DAVIS ______|
| (1713 - 1757)       |
|                     |                      _Philip BRISCOE Gent. Sr._+
|                     |                     | (1648 - 1724) m 1677     
|                     |_Ann BRISCOE ________|
|                       (1695 - 1755) m 1710|
|                                           |_Susannah SWAN ___________+
|                                             (1650 - 1740) m 1677     
|
|--Hezekiah DAVIS 
|  (1744 - ....)
|                                            __________________________
|                                           |                          
|                      _____________________|
|                     |                     |
|                     |                     |__________________________
|                     |                                                
|_____________________|
                      |
                      |                      __________________________
                      |                     |                          
                      |_____________________|
                                            |
                                            |__________________________
                                                                       

Notes

John purchased 200 acres of land 24 May 1729 in St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania co. VA and was living there as late as 1772.

CONFLICT in Wives:
http://www.uftree.com/UFT/WebPages/DanielOwens/OWENS2/d0/i0000764 .htm#i764 Shows: Fifth Generation: 5. John5 Graves Jr (John4, Thomas3, Thomas2, Thomas1) was born abt 1705. John married Lucy Adams. Lucy was the daughter of Robert Adams and Morning Unknown.

John Graves Jr and Lucy Adams had the following child:
i. John6 Graves.

"John Graves, Jr. (121) was born about 1685-90, and most likely about 1685, as shown in the deed discussed in the section on his father. He was probably born in either York Co. or New Kent Co., Va. He died after 1772. He married Frances ------ about 1715. The first record of John's arrival in Spotsylvania Co. is found in Deed Book A, p. 405: John Graves, Jr. of St. Stephens Parish, King and Queen Co., purchases 200 acres of land in Spotsylvania Co. for 100 acres of land in King William Co. from Thomas Gambrill of St. Margaret's Parish, King William Co., 24 May 1729; wit: Thomas Graves. This deed is the key to the relationships of the Graves of King William Co. and King and Queen Co. to those who were later in Spotsylvania Co. It proves that John Jr. of Spotsylvania Co. is the same John Jr. who received the 100 acres from his father in King William Co. in 1706. It also proves that Thomas Graves (#122) was a brother of John Jr., and therefore also a son of John Graves Sr. In 1765, John and Frances deeded this very same land to their son Joseph, reserving a lifetime tenancy for themselves (Spotsylvania Co., Deed Book F, p. 563). This Joseph is named by Thomas Graves as his nephew and an executor of his will, confirming that John Jr. and Thomas were brothers.

John Graves Jr. owned land in several counties, which he gave as gifts to his sons over the years, but he maintained his original Spotsylvania Co. residency as witnessed by the above deed. Frances died between 1765 and 1772. John died sometime after 1772 when he made a final gift to his son Joseph. (R-14, R-511, R-515)." ^[S1353]

                                             _Thomas GRAVES III of Timberneck_+
                                            | (1616 - 1674)                   
                       _Thomas GRAVES IV____|
                      | (1640 - 1711) m 1669|
                      |                     |_Elizabeth Or Katherine?_________
                      |                       (1620 - ....)                   
 _John GRAVES I_______|
| (1677 - 1747)       |
|                     |                      _________________________________
|                     |                     |                                 
|                     |_Mary________________|
|                       (1650 - ....) m 1669|
|                                           |_________________________________
|                                                                             
|
|--John GRAVES II
|  (1706 - 1772)
|                                            _________________________________
|                                           |                                 
|                      _____________________|
|                     |                     |
|                     |                     |_________________________________
|                     |                                                       
|_Rebecca_____________|
  (1670 - ....)       |
                      |                      _________________________________
                      |                     |                                 
                      |_____________________|
                                            |
                                            |_________________________________
                                                                              

Notes

May be the same person as Uriah A. Hodges.
Louisiana Secretary of State Reel: CP1.67 -- Microdex 4 -- Sequence 29 Target card: HODGE, MARTHA E.
Applicant Information & Name Variations: HODGE, MARTHA E. (CORLEY)
Parish: VERNON -- Pages: 4
Soldier Information & Variations: HODGE, W. A.
State: LA Branch: INFANTRY
Unit: CONSOLIDATED CRESCENT REGIMENT Company: CO. D
State: LA Branch: INFANTRY
Unit: SHELLY'S BATTALION Company: CO. E
HODGES, W. A.
Unit: CRESCENT REGIMENT Company: CO. D
(Above military data is from the War Department.)

                                             _William? HODGES (Sr.?)_+
                                            | (1750 - ....)          
                       _Samuel HODGES ______|
                      | (1780 - 1861) m 1805|
                      |                     |________________________
                      |                                              
 _Philip R. HODGES ___|
| (1805 - ....) m 1827|
|                     |                      ________________________
|                     |                     |                        
|                     |_Jane BLACK _________|
|                       (1780 - 1862) m 1805|
|                                           |________________________
|                                                                    
|
|--W. A. HODGES C.S.A.
|  (1830 - ....)
|                                            _Beasley PREWITT _______+
|                                           | (1740 - 1839) m 1770   
|                      _Hugh Uriah PREWITT _|
|                     | (1786 - 1831) m 1804|
|                     |                     |_Eleanor HUMPHREYS _____
|                     |                       (1748 - 1805) m 1770   
|_Ellen PREWITT ______|
  (1809 - ....) m 1827|
                      |                      _Henry HALL ____________
                      |                     | (1757 - ....)          
                      |_Priscilla HALL _____|
                        (1786 - 1860) m 1804|
                                            |_Mary Jane ROSS ________
                                              (1760 - ....)          

Notes

"Excerpts of letters written by Hiram R. Stafford to Lyman C. Draper from the Draper Manuscripts (vol 24C, 145-148). Transcription by Tommye Craven and Mary Landkamer of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Nov 18, 1991, whose transcription appeared in The Melted American, Westerfield Newsletter #14, Nov 18, 1996, pp 13 and 14:
Carrollton, March 28th 1865
Mr. Lyman C. Draper
Dr. LD
I received a letter from you a short time ago regarding information in reference to my father and other pioneers in the early history of Kentucky. He came to Ky with Col Boon on his second trip with his family as I learn from my sister M.M. Partlow late M.M. Stafford. The only surviour (his sp) with myself of the Family (Himself wife and children all deceased except Sister in her 73 years and myself 61). Father Wm. Stafford he was 67 when he died in June 1820 at my bro in laws Dr. H. B. Partlow now Carroll County Ky of bilious fever. He was sound featured well built 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high strong and active in early life though corpulent in the latter part. Jovial, generous conjioling (his sp) and temperate not learned kept no journal of his adventures of good memory depended much on that his narratives was a pleasuring theme with him. He was in the battles of Boonesborough and Briants station; In Clarkes campain on the Wabash; With a party in pursuit of Indians who had stole the horses from the station, killed 8 and wounded another kill him also (one escaped). Father born in Amelia Co on the Appomatox River or near there. Was living near English's Ferry (note: Ingles Ferry in now Pulaski Co., Va) on New River, when he came to KY with Col. Boon, was well acquainted with the different stations; was under Col Wm Trigg in Wabash expedition to Vincennes (?). A man by the name of Peyton and Himself started to Louisville on bussiness 14 miles from Briants, while sitting on a branch and taking refreshments was fired on by indians in ambush, Peyton killed. Himself slightly wounded in the shoulder was quickly pursued had to run the 14 miles with a moment of rest at a time. Indians in close pursuit, arrived at the fort, met with three others close to the fort hid in the less/laps of trees and brush fence around the fort, fired on and escaped by a sudden bound, cleared the brush and reached the station. My wife's Uncle John Hunter at the siege at Briants. He spoke of 2 Boons Col and brother, Garret Mansfield, Col Howard Calaway, and I think Kenton (ole?). Father was 6 months at one time without bread or salt. In most of the skirmishing, until the troubles was over afterward engaged in locating land. He with others, Col Boone, Brother went back after they had been here for sometime (say a year or more) for ammunition. While absent the Col was taken prisoner by a part of Indians while surveying the forests and taken to the Ohio River.....
Carrolton, Carroll Co., Kentucky
May 16th, 1865
Mr. Lyman C. Draper, Esq.
Dear LD
Your letter of April 11th should have been answered before now; but living ten miles from Town and seldom there, I must plead an apology. My Father was born in Amelia Co., Va in 1753. Came to Kentucky when Col Boon moved his family out on his second trip. My Father resided in Kentucky until his death June 9, 1820. 67 years old married Leah Westerfield 16 years old near Dicks River 1783. I have no record by which I can give possitive date it is from information received mostly from others. My father died at my brother in laws (note: Dr. H.B. Partlow) in now Carroll Co of bilious fever and dyarrohea. My mother in 1813 in now Owen Co., Ky supposed milk sickness (?)...

1830 census Jessamine County, Kentucky. 1840, 1850, 1860 ,1870, 1880, 1900 census records of Carroll County Kentucky.

Carroll County Kentucky Probate Records:

This indenture made this 30" day of August 1881, between Mary Stafford, the widow of H.R. Stafford, deceased, of the first part, and C.G. Stafford, W.D. Stafford, M.T. Stafford, F.M. Stafford, H.W. Stafford, Sophronia A. Clubb, N.P. Stafford, Martha M. Spicer, Flurry Stafford, and J. Stafford parties of the second part witnessing that the party of the first part, for and in consideration of one dollar to her in hand paid, the receipt of which is acknowledged and in consideration of the promise of each of the parties of the second part to pay her 50/100 dollars per month so long as she lives has bargained and sold and by their presents does bargain sell and convey unto the parties of the second part (who are the heirs of said H.R. Stafford deceased) all her right title and interest in and to the following described real estate in Carroll County Kentucky. to wit: All of the land of which said H.R. Stafford deceased, died seized and possessed which is included in the following boundary of 425 acres of land purchased by said H.R. Stafford from H. P. Partlow by Deed of date July 5" 1838. Beginning at three beech trees and a black oak, thence S38E 225 poles to two sugar trees and a bush, thence 552 W 254 poles to an ironwood ash and beech, thence N17W273 poles to a white oak and two beeches, thence N52E154 poles to the beginning of said boundary. Said H.R. Stafford deceased, sold during his life 102 1/2 acres to James Stafford and 100 acres to Jasper Stafford reducing the quantity of land owned by him to 223 1/2 acres. To have and to hold the same with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the parties of the second part their heirs and assigns forever, with covenant of General Warranty. In testimony whereof the party of the first part signs her name here to the day and date first within written. Mary (her X mark) Stafford.

This indenture made and entered into this 7th day of November 1881 between E.A. Gilliam, as commissioner, of the first part and William D. Stafford, Jasper Stafford, Sophronia A. Clubb, C.G. Stafford, Martha M. Spicer, M.T. Stafford, F.M. Stafford, N.P. Stafford, H.W. Stafford, and Flurry Stafford the heirs of Hiram R. Stafford deceased, parties of the second part, witnesseth that whereas by proceedings in the Carroll County Court for the division of lands of H.R. Stafford deceased among his heirs the lands hereinafter conveyed to each of the parties of the second part....
Children:
2 Christopher Stafford b: abt 1826 + Susan R. Heath b: abt 1830
2 Sophronia Stafford b: abt 1827 + James Stafford b: 12 Jul 1817 d: 19 Mar 1847
2 William D. Stafford b: 22 Jun 1829 d: 12 Nov 1906 + Mary Catherine Graham b: 3 May 1843 d: 25 Sep 1932
2 Martha M Stafford b: abt 1832 + Moses Spicer
2 Hiram Westerfield Stafford b: 4 Mar 1836 d: 17 May 1917 + Martha Rae b: abt 1838 d: 22 Apr 1871
2 Francis M Stafford b: abt 1838 d: 1899+ Mary Gardner b: 7 Apr 1837 d: 23 Dec 1919
2 Daniel Flurry Stafford b: abt 1840
2 Morton T. Stafford b: ABT 1843 + Nancy H. Hanks b: abt 1843
2 Jasper Stafford b: 4 MAY 1846 d: 21 Feb 1922 + Julia Burns b: 4 Oct 1850 d: 11 Mar 1943
2 Newton Stafford b: abt 1850

Msg Wed, 27 Aug 2003 From: Susan Lindberg to [email protected]

"I'm descended from Hiram and Mary Hunter's son, William D. Stafford. I have tons of info on the Westervelt/Demarest line if you would like a copy. Let me know if you want the data." Thanks, Susan Fogle Lindberg

^[S2357]

                          __
                         |  
                       __|
                      |  |
                      |  |__
                      |     
 _William STAFFORD ___|
| (1753 - 1820) m 1783|
|                     |   __
|                     |  |  
|                     |__|
|                        |
|                        |__
|                           
|
|--Hiram Roland STAFFORD 
|  (1804 - 1875)
|                         __
|                        |  
|                      __|
|                     |  |
|                     |  |__
|                     |     
|_Leah WESTERVELT ____|
  (1764 - ....) m 1783|
                      |   __
                      |  |  
                      |__|
                         |
                         |__