Ester Lavinia WEAVER

     Ester Lavinia WEAVER, daughter of Jesse WEAVER and Rebecca SANFORD, was born on 28 February 1846 in Cottondale, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.^1,2 She was also known as Sis.

Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1850, in the household of her parents Jesse WEAVER and Rebecca SANFORD in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She appeared as Esther S. Weaver, age 3.³

Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of her parents Jesse WEAVER and Rebecca SANFORD in Collins Beat, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was recorded as Elizabeth L., age 14.⁴

Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared on a state census, enumerated 1866, in the household of Jesse WEAVER in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She and Sarah were probably the two females age 10-20.⁵

Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1870, in the household of her mother Rebecca SANFORD in Precinct 15, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was 24-years-old and worked on the farm.⁶

Ester married Henry John MARCHANT on 23 December 1870 at Andrews Chapel in Cottondale, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Henry was working for the railroad and became ill. Jesse and Rebecca Weaver cared for him in their home and that is how he met and fell in love with Esther.^7,8

Ester Lavinia WEAVER and Henry John MARCHANT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1900 in Beat 28, Vance, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Henry J. Marchant, age 56, and born September 1843 in England which was also the birthplace of his parents. His occupation was farming. Esther L. Marchant, his wife, was 54 years old, and was born February 1846 in Alabama, while her parents were born in South Carolina. The couple had been married 30 years and Esther was the mother of nine children, all still living. With them were their sons, Edward, age 22; Daniel M., age 20; Oscar, age 17; Frank, age 15 and Bascom W., age 5. Edward and Daniel were both coal miners, while Oscar and Frank were listed as farm labor. Also in the household was Nancy J. Hodges, Esther's sister. Nancy was 47 years old, having been born in February 1853, and she was a widow. She was the mother of two children, both still living.⁹

Ester Lavinia WEAVER and Henry John MARCHANT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 22 April 1910 in Vance, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Henry J. Marchant, a 66-year-old farmer, and his 64-year-old wife, Esther Lavenia. Henry was born in England and had come to America in 1868. He was a naturalized citizen. He was renting his farm on Brookwood Road. Living with them was their 7-year-old adopted daughter, Lillie.¹⁰

Ester Lavinia WEAVER and Harry MARCHANT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 12 January 1920 in Jones, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Harry J. Marchant, 75, born England and his wife, Ester L. Marchant, 73. Her parents were from North Carolina. Harry had immigrated to America in 1869. Hey was apparently retired because no occupation was given. Also in the household was their 18-year-old daughter, Lillie, a student. They lived at 136 Clements Station Road.¹¹

Ester Lavinia WEAVER and Henry John MARCHANT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 8 April 1930 in Smiths, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Henry Marchant, 86, and his wife, Lavina W. Marchant, age 84. Henry had married at age 20 and had immigrated to America in 1869. He was a naturalized citizen. Lavina had married at age 22. Living next door was there son Edwin.¹²

Ester Lavinia WEAVER died on 20 January 1935 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 88.^1,13 She was buried in Coaling Cemetery, Coaling, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.