September 1990

Bruce Traylor, the great-grandson of Winfield Scott Traylor, in the following article illustrates what can be done by a family researcher who is willing to explore every possible source in order to reconstruct, as far as possible, the life of an ancestor. Much of the military record of Winfield S. Traylor was located in South Carolina Troops in Confederate Service, a multi-volume work edited by the late A. S. Salley, director (and founder) of the State Archives. Besides that source, anyone who is researching a Civil War participant will find that the Official Records of the Rebellion, which can be found in many libraries, is extremely helpful in documenting the day-by-day movements of the various regiments. with Winfield in the 5th Regt., although in a different company. Thus, there is a chance that Winfield soldiered with his future brother-in-law, may even have been introduced to Sarah Ann by Robert.

' Winfield's oath of allegiance to the United States, required of all "rebels" before they could be released after the war, shows him to have been 6'2" in height, dark complected, with dark hair and hazel eyes. Two or three sources claim that one of Winfield's war wounds resulted in the disfigurement of his lower face, and that thereafter he sometimes wore a leather mask over his lower jaw when out in public, although this has not been confirmed.

By 1870 Winfield and Sarah Ann had two children, and the urge was in them to move to Arkansas, from where a relative of Sarah was sending back letters with glowing reports about the opportunities for farming in Grant Co. So, in the company of Sarah's unmarried twin sister Winfield and family migrated to Arkansas. There in Grant Co., of which the town of Sheridan was and still is the county seat, he and Sarah spent the rest of their lives. They parented seven children, of whom four reached maturity, married, and had children of their own.

Winfield shows in all census records as being a farmer, an occupation that 90% of all Americans were involved in prior to 1900. He served as the justice of the peace for his township, Calvert, from 1878 to at least 1884 after being elected by popular vote. Winfield was obviously quite literate as evidenced by several of his personal papers in the writer's possession which show very legible handwriting and a thorough knowledge of spelling and grammar.

The writer's maternal great-grandparents were contemporaneous neighbors and friends of Winfield and Sarah Ann. They remembered the couple as being well thought of in the community, and so neat and clean that they always took along a change of clothes for the whole family whenever they went to town, and would stop at the city limits to wash off the dust from their travels and put on clean garments before appearing on the streets.

In the 1880s the Traylors donated several acres near Crossroads to the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church to build a sanctuary building and cemetery on, although they themselves were Methodists. The church has been moved elsewhere long ago, but the Shiloh Cemetery remains on what was once Winfield and Sarah Ann's land. Tax records show that at one time the Traylors owned 280 acres of land in Grant Co. alone. One 40 acre parcel was in their possession from 1872 to at least 1901, and was evidently the "family farm."

Winfield's oldest son, William "Will" Traylor, born 1869 in South Carolina, was well known in Grant Co. before getting married and migrating to New Mexico in the early 1900s. "Traylor Traps" on the Saline River was named after Will, and that spot on the river where he caught fish is still known by the name today. Will was killed in a gunfight near Tucumcari in 1915.

Winfield's youngest child, John Morgan Traylor, this writer's grandfather, born in 1886 in Grant Co., was an engineer and fireman on logging trains in the county before moving his family to Southern California in1923. Only John passed on the name Traylor to Winfield's descendants.

The Traylors' surviving daughters, Laura Perla, 1872-1948, and Alice Cora, 1881-1965, raised families in and around Grant Co., where some of their descendants still live.

Winfield died of unknown causes on October 25, 1908 at age 71 in Prattsville, Arkansas, a small community nine miles west of Sheridan. Sarah Ann had died previously in February 1905 at age 60. The couple are buried beside two of their daughters, both who died at age 3, a twenty-year-old son who had died of appendicitis, and an infant grandson in New Hope Cemetery, located a few miles south of Sheridan. Winfield's grave marker is regulation Confederate States Army, and reads: "Winfield S. Traylor, Co. B., 5th S.C. Infantry"

In 1893 the S. C. Comptroller General, whose business it was to issue pension checks to the state's Confederate veterans, decided that "no widow of a Confederate soldier is entitled to a pension if she marries a second time, even though her husband may himself be a Confederate veteran. Neither will the death of the second husband, whether a Confederate veteran or not, restore to the widow the right to draw a pension."

NOTICES IN THE PIONEER and WEEKLY ADVERTISER,YORKVILLE, S.C., 1823

Departed this life at his residence in this district on Monday morning last, about nine o'clock, David B. Rice, Esq. for several years a respected city of the village. . . . He leaves behind a wife and three children. (Sept. 20, 1823).

Married, On Thursday evening last, by the Rev. Robert B. Walker, Mr. George Steele, formerly of Chester, to Miss Mary Bratton of this place (Sept. 20, 1823).

Died, Yesterday morning at his residence in this District, Dr. Robert L. Armstrong, aged about thirty years.

Married, On Thursday last, by the Rev. R. B. Walker, Mr. Andrew Hanna, to Miss Martha Byers, all of this District. (Sept. 27, 1823).

Died on the 14th inst. at his residence on the Beauty Spot, in this District, Mr. William Thompson, in the 73rd. year of his age. . . His character was formed and his principles fixed by the arduous toils of the Revolution, in which he largely participated. . . he was among the first who resisted the arbitrary measures of Great Britain. Under the celebrated Patrick Henry, he assisted in expelling Lord Dunmore from Virginia, and from thence to the close of the struggle he continued to present his breast to the shafts of battle. . . . (Ibid.)

Married, On Thursday evening last, by Robert Davison, Esq., Mr.------ Anderson, of Union, to Miss Eleanor M'Cain, daughter of Mr. James M'Cain of this district. (Oct. 4, 1823).

Died, On Tuesday last, 30th ult. Thomas Campbell, Esq., assistant Sheriff of this district, in the 25th year of his age. (Ibid.)

Died on Wednesday, 1st instant, Mrs. Judith Carroll, consort of Mr. Hamilton Carroll, of this district. (Ibid.)

Married on the 30th ult. by the Rev. E. Harris, Mr. Thomas C. M'Mahan to Miss Eliza Wilson, both of this district. (Nov. 8, 1823).

Died, in this village, on Monday morning last, of the Typhus Fever, Mr. John Hudson, in the 25th year of his age. (Nov. 15, 1823).

Married, On Thursday the 27 November,by the Rev. Hugh McMillan, Mr. William Wright, to Miss Mary Murphy, all of this district. (Dec. 6, 1823).

Married, On Thursday the 4th inst., by J. M'Kee, Esq., Mr. Nathaniel O'Carrol to Miss Jane Patton. (Dec. 13, 1823)

Died, On Tuesday, the 25th ult. Mr. John Hart, Senior, near the O. N. Ford [Old Nation Ford]. (Ibid.)

Married, On Thursday the 11th instant by the Rev. Eleazer Harris, Mr. Thomas Bailey, of this District, to Mrs. Sarah Gibson of Mecklenburg County, N. C. (Dec. 20, 1823).

Married on the 25th ult., by John Henry, Esq., Mr. John Barnhill to Miss Ann Brown, of this district. (Ibid.)

Married, On Thursday the 4th ult., by Elias Robertson, Esq., Mr. Thomas Thomason to Miss Sarah, daughter of Maj. T. Roach, all of this district. (Jan. 3, 1824).

Married, On Thursday 18th ult., by James M'Kee, Esq., Mr. Alexander Faris to Miss Jane Hagins, all of this district. (Ibid.)

Married, On Thursday 25th ult, by the same, Mr. Brown Duncan, of Kentucky, to Miss Rebecca Pittes [Pettus] of this district. (Ibid.)

Married, On the same day, by the same, Mr. Henry Patterson to Miss Cynthia Savil [Saville], all of this district. (Ibid.)

Married, On Tuesday, 30th ult., Mr. William Adair of Georgia to Miss Susan Rooker, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Rooker. (Ibid.)

Married, On Saturday the 3rd instant by James M'Kee, Esq., Mr. Thomas Watson to Miss Patsey Patterson. (Jan. 17, 1824).

Also, on Thursday evening last, by the Reverend Josiah Harris, Mr. Stanhope Sadler, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Mr. B. Chambers, Merchant of this place. (Ibid.)

Married, On Thursday last, by Robert Smith, Esq., Mr. Wm. G. Garwin to Miss Susannah Muller. (Jan. 31, 1824).

Married, On Tuesday last, Mr. Thomas Mason to Miss Eliza Caston. (Ibid.)

Married, On Tuesday the 22nd ult., by Thomas McKee, Esq., Mr. Hugh Venable to Miss Elizabeth Turner, all of this district. (Feb. 7, 1824).

Married, On Thursday evening last, by J. Henry, Esq., Mr. Andrew Baxter to Violet Barron, all of this district. (Feb. 14, 1824).

Died, On Tuesday, the 10th inst., at the residence of Dr. Edmund Jennings, his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Jennings, of a very advanced age. The deceased was for a series of years a professing member of the Methodist Church. (Ibid.)

Married, On Thursday the 19th inst. by the Rev. William C. Davis, Dr. Thomas Brown of Chester to Miss Prudence Feemster of York District. (Feb. 28, 1824).

On the same day, by John Henry, Esq., Mr. C. Pierce to Miss Mary Gabby. (Ibid.)

On the same day by the same, Mr. Walton Moore to Miss _______ Hayes. (Ibid.)

On the same day by the same, Mr. _______ Jones to Miss ______ Hayes. (Ibid.)

Married, by the Rev. Charles Strong, on the 4th instant, Capt. Christopher Strong of Chester to Miss Martha H. Harris, daughter of Capt. John Harris of this district. (Mar. 20, 1824).

Died, on Wednesday last, Samuel, the infant son of Samuel Melton, of the measles, aged two years and six months. (Apr. 10, 1824).

Died, of the Measles, at his residence in this District,on the 12th instant, Col. James Clendinen, in the 33rd year of his age. He left an affectionate wife and two little infants. (Apr. 17, 1824).

Died, On Sunday evening the 20th inst., Mrs. Anne Davis, consort of Mr. George Davis of this vicinity. (June 26, 1824).

Died, On Wednesday, the 23rd inst., William, son of Mr. John Chambers of this vicinity, aged about 8 years (Ibid.)

Died, in York District, the 22nd ult., Mr. John Cooper, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Also on Saturday the 26th, Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper, in the eighty-seventh year of her age. (July 3, 1824).

Married, On Sunday the 27th last by Henry Meacham, Esq., Mr. Daniel Green McClamore of Lancaster District to Miss Margaret Hall of York District. (July 10, 1824).

Married, On Thursday the 8th inst. by the Rev. John Rooker, Mr. Nathl. Harris to Miss Sarah Pettus, both of York District. (Ibid.)

Married, on Thursday evening, July 22d, 1824, by Joseph McKenzie, Esq., Mr. Aaron Wood to Miss Matilda Mayhue. (July 31, 1824.).

(The Pioneer, York County's first newspaper, was published weekly in Yorkville from 1823 to 1829 by Philip Carey.)

FOR SALE--LITTLE YORK

The following ad appeared in the Camden Gazette, January 24, 1819. Parmenia Rodgers, Charles Elms, John P. Phifer and Samuel Caldwell had some time previously jointly leased 107 acres from the Catawba Indians. Note that Rodgers was advertising land located in the Indian Land as "for sale." There is no mention of the fact that this was a resale of a lease. The leaseholder paid a small rent to the Indians, usually a dollar or two a year. Five state-appointed commissioners supervised the recording of plats, transfers of leases, and the collection of the rents. The commissioner's records show that Rodgers, Elms, Phifer and Caldwell relinquished their lease to James Davis on January 29, 1819. The last leaseholder of this particular tract was Joel Bailes. Following the Nation Ford Treaty of 1840, Joel Bailes, like all of the other leaseholders, was able to turn in his lease for a state grant.

"The place where subscriber lives and has been doing business situate opposite to Harrisburg in this state on York side of Sugar Creek, 6 miles east of the Old Nation ford on the Catawba River, 25 miles of Yorkville and 15 below Charlotte, N. C. in the Indian Land and 6 or 8 miles above Doby's Bridge on Sugar Creek. The land is good and thickly settled with industrious farmers who generally are liberal purchasers, money handlers or otherwise punctual paymasters, to the advantage of the purchaser. The subscriber would sell at the same time a small tract of excellent land some what above 100 acres, well adapted to corn or cotton within less than a 1/2 mile of his mercantile establishment which is in a very public place indeed in consequence of mills, machines, bridges, post office, stores & c. & c. There is almost a continual concourse of persons passing and repassing. The above for sale, together. Therefore, the subscriber has appointed the second Monday of next month viz the 8th day of Feb for their sale at public auction. N. B. conditions of sale, to be made known, at the same time.

"P. Rodgers Little York, York Dist.. S. C."

EARLY NORTH CAROLINA LAND GRANTS IN PRESENT-DAY YORK COUNTY (Continued)

These listings are taken from North Carolina Patent Book 2. The first number is the file number. The south side of the Catawba River is the west side and those given as north side would be in Fort Mill township today. North Carolina granted the land before a North Carolina-South Carolina boundary was established in 1772.

373 pg. 68. John McDowell. 30 July 1753. 600 acres in Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river on Crowders creek, joining Ellis's Survey on the lower end; the creek, and Peter Ellison XE "Ellison" [Allison].

374 pg 68. John Middleton. 30 August 1753. 600 acres in Anson County on the N. side of Broad river on the Main N. fork of Kings creek near the long mountain.

376 pg. 69. William Bell. 30 August 1753. 480 acres in Anson County on the E. side of Broad river.

380 pg. 69. John Hichcock. 30 August 1753. 790 acres in Anson County on the N. side of Broad river on the N. fork of Sandie river-including two Buffalow licks.

381 pg. 69. John Hichcock. 30 August 1753. 200 acres in Anson County on the N. side of Broad river on the N. side of the N. fork of Sandie river about two miles below the other Survey, joining the fork.

386 pg. 70. Thomas Walker. 30 August 1753. 356 acres in Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river on a N. branch of Fishing Creek, joining Matthew Tooles Survey on the N. side.

527 pg. 90. Matthew Pattan 20 February 1754. 568 acres in Anson County on the West side of the Cataba river, joining the sd. river.

548 p. 93. Robert Leeper. 23 February 1754. 300 acres in Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river, joining his own line.

559 p. 95. John Elliott. 23 February 1754. 350 acres in Anson County on the N. side of Broad river, joining his own line and James Fanning.

569 pg. 96. James Harris. 23 February 1754. 265 acres in Anson County on the south side of the Cataba river on a S. branch of Allison creek, joining the sd. branch.

570 pg. 96. John Barnitt. 23 February 1754. 430 acres in Anson County on the N. side of Broad river on Moores creek-being half of a Survey made for Merby to Guyan Moore, joining the N. side of the sd. creek.

576 pg. 97. John McCulloh. 23 February 1754. 350 acres in Anson County on the Main branch of Fishing creek about two miles below James Kuykendalls Plantation, joining the S. side of the sd. branch.

588 pg. 99. James Harris. 23 February 1754. 200 acres in Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river on the N. side of Fishing creek, joining William Mills.

592 pg. 100. Margaret Dickey. 23 February 1754. 600 acres in Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river above George Cathey, joining George Davison.

594 pg. 100. Shusanna Bole. 23 February 1754. 192 acres in Anson County on the N. side of Broad river on the fork of Turkey creek, joining James Love.

595 pg. 100. James Camble. 23 February 1754. 380 acres in Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river-including two Branches to the N. of George Rennick, joining the sd. Rennick.

598 pg. 100. William Barnitt. 23 February 1754 450 acres in Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river, joining Henrys Survey and John Turner being the place formerly surveyed for Thomas Robinson and Followeth the old lines.

663 pg. 110 Robert Clenachan. 25 February 1754. 213 acres in Anson County on the West side of the Cataba river-including three Islands of sd. river, joining the river.

670 pg. 111. Mathew Patton. 20 February 1754. 250 acres in Anson County on the West side of the Cataba river on the half Mile branch right opposite the ford of sd. river, joining the sd. branch.

672 pg. 111. Robert Simonton. 20 February 1754. 500 acres in Anson County, joining Matthew Toole.

673 pg. 111. Hugh Cunningham. 20 February 1754. 540 acres in Anson County on the head of a Branch that corners down against the Cataba Nation on the W. side their river.

677 pg. 112. Caspr Culp. 20 February 1754. 250 acres in Anson County on the W. side of the Cataba river, joining his own line, Casper Keagar, and Casper Suger.

713 pg. 117. John Clark. 28 March 1755. 400 acres in Anson County on the S. fork of the Cataba river, joining John Armstrong and both sides of the sd fork.

718 pg. 118. John Thomas. 28 March 1754. 600 acres on Anson County on the S. side of the Cataba river on a Small creek between Crowders creek and Allisons creek, joining James Cambells Land it being the Land formerly Surveyed for sd. John Thomas.

To be continued.

A. M GRIST, EDITOR OF YORK ENQUIRER--A CHARACTER SKETCH
by Charles Edson, editor of Stewart Clan Magazine, 1939

A. M. Grist is publisher and editor of the Yorkville Enquirer at York, S.C. This paper was established in 1855 by Mr. Grist's father and has been in the Grist family ever since. An elder brother of A. M. continued in charge after the father's death, and after the brother's rather untimely death A. M. took the helm. His brother had been a brilliant writer, and A. M. felt inadequate to fill his shoes. He worked so energetically and worried so much that he suffered a nervous breakdown. The doctor told him to stay away from the newspaper office, get out in the country. Mr. Grist began taking long walks afield, along the winding roads of York county, talking with the country folks--and writing a column of "Rolling Along" for his twice-a-week paper. This column became very popular, and was continued for years, building up a great circulation, as well as rebuilding the writer's health and endearing him to everybody, old and young, in the whole county. We visited several times at the Enquirer office during our all-too-short stay in York last June, and admired Mr. Grist greatly. Packed away in the files of his paper is a veritable treasure lode of history, and in his tramping about he copied down hundreds-thousands-of gravestone inscriptions.

THE MASON BURIAL GROUND AND YOUNGBLOOD

[The following article was written by A. M. Grist, editor of the Yorkville Enquirer and writer of a regular column he called "Just A-Rolling Along the Way" and was printed July 26, 1932. While the graveyard is in North Carolina, most of those buried there were from York County.]

The Mason or Youngblood graveyard across the Catawba River from York County and just below the old landing on the North Carolina side of Wright's Ferry, dates back quite a good many years. The oldest markers that I found indicate 1815 as being about as early as any graves were made there, though it is quite possible that some are older than that, as there are quite a good many graves there that have no markers other than rough stones at head and feet. According to the markers the last graves made there were in the late seventies. Yes, there may have been some later than that, but if so I just failed to make note of them.

This burial ground might appropriately be called the Mason graveyard, because there are perhaps more Masons buried than are folks of any other name, as indicated by markers. On the other hand it could perhaps just as well be called the Youngblood graveyard, because of the fact that it is within the bounds of lands that in the distant past belonged to the Youngblood family, descendants of which family now live in York County, among others being W. F. Youngblood, rural letter carrier of Sharon and Jim Youngblood of Rock Hill.

Going from Fort Mill to this graveyard we drove into Mecklen-burg county and down the old road that away back and up to the time of the building of the Buster Boyd Bridge was known as the Charlotte and Yorkville road by way of Wright's Ferry. The road now stops at the old Youngblood place, the property of the Duke Power Co., the house being occupied by a family of colored people. Driving through a gate on the private property, a part of which is used by Charlotte parties for a club rendezvous, we presently found ourselves at the end of the road. The Green Chevrolet was parked and we walked down the old roadbed to the river's edge.

As I walked along that old road, impassable now, my mind ran backwards to the times when it was a main thoroughfare between the two Carolinas. It was the road along which the stages passed in the early part of the last century from Charlotte to Pinckneyville, Union, Newberry and elsewhere, and I just wondered if it were possible for some of the old-timers who traveled that way a century ago to again come back and see what they would see now, what would be their reaction.

The first time and perhaps the only time I ever crossed at Wright's Ferry was in 1891, when I accompanied J. A. Tate to a Sunday School convention at Flint Hill Baptist church and spent the night at the home of the late Richard Kendrick. Then I remembered the days of the star route mail carriers carrying the mail from York-ville to Charlotte - a day's hard riding each way for Dave Benfield, and the late Mr. Dorsett. Now, our fast stepping youngsters make the 34 miles in about 40 or 50 minutes. Harry Ferguson could make it in about 35 minutes flat. But then again, as I stood at the old flat landing place I wondered if we are getting very much more out of life than did those folks of the days of the ferry, and the side-bar buggy pulled by the little bay mare. I doubt if we do. Don't you? We are in such a terrible hurry to get there, that we don't half appreciate the things that might be seen alongside the road as we pass by. We just have a little more time to sit around and stare and gossip when we get where we are going.

One thing is sure, we do see along that old Charlotte road the well kept farms and homes that were to be seen in these fargone days when folks lived and enjoyed living with neighbors just a few hundred yards away, and the passing of a dozen or two vehicles, wagons and buggies and a few on horseback were enough to cause comment as to why the commotion.

But I didn't mean to soliloquize. I was going to tell about this old burial ground. It is not very large in extent, perhaps a third of an acre, and surrounded by an old stone fence--that is, just rocks pile up once and now falling down. There are quite a few big trees in the enclosure on the knoll just a few yards from the backwaters of the dam. It has been many a day since there has been any work done there to make the place look like someone cared for it. In the course of time, no doubt, the erosion of the river waters may take in that burial ground and it will disappear from the ken of men.

The first marker I examined bears this inscription:

-"In memory of David Parks, who died April 28, 1848, aged 58 years. Others read as follows:

-In memory of Mary E. daughter of J. B. and N. C. Bailey, who died August 20, 1845, age 1 year and 9 months.

-Mary E.Wood, daughter of D. J. and M. E. Wood, died July 22, 1876, aged 23 years, 6 months and 6 days.

-Newton K. Wood, son of D. J. and M. E. Wood, died June 21st, 1876, aged 17 years, 7 months and 5 days.

-In memory of Elizabeth Partlow, who died August 17, 1825, aged 12 years.

-In memory of Elizabeth West, who departed this life Feby 3rd, 1815; in the 68th year of her age.

-In memory of Salina Partlow, who died Dec. 8, 1843, aged 16 years.

-In memory of Elizabeth Partlow, who died Dec. 16th, 1815, aged 65 years.

-Nancy Elizabeth, daughter of R. C. and S. V. Partlow, born June 9, 1851. Died April 9, 1865.

-Robert C. Partlow, was born Jan. 25th, 1817 and departed this life January 8th, 1855.

-Susan Partlow, wife of R. C. Partlow, died September 5th, 1873, aged 45 years, 8 months.

-Julia Ann Pegram was born Aug. 21st, 1806, and died July 2, 1874.

-William Mason died August 15th, 1828, aged 56 weeks.

-Nancy Mason, wife of William Mason, was born Jan. 31st, 1796, and died Sept. 20th, 1873, in the 77th year of her age. (This marker includes this epitaph: "O gently fold the weary hand/That toiled so long and well/The spirit rose to angel bands/When off earth's mantle fell.")

-Daniel Pegram was born 30th March 1767, and died 23rd Oct., 1832.

-Nancy Pegram, wife of Daniel Pegram, was born 15th of June 1768 and died 13th of Nov. 1815.

-Daniel Smith died Jan.22, 1839, in the 48th year of his age.

-William T. Mason, died Oct. 24th, 1827, aged 8 years, 5 months, 24 days.

-Emma Mason died Nov. 24th, 1828, aged 5 years, 1 month, 5 days.

-Thompson Mason departed this life Nov. 4th, 1827, in the 25th year of his age.

-William L. Mason, died Oct. 18th, 1818, age 4 years.

-Elizabeth Mason, died Nov. 2nd 1815, aged 7 years.

-John Mason was born Nov. 2, 1797, and died Aug. 25, 1831.

-Margaret Mason, born Aug. 16, 1821; died Nov. 28, 1831.

-Elie Kimbrell died Feb. 14th, 1848, age 39 years.

-In memory of Nancy Bailey who left this transitory existence May 28th 1822 aged 28 years. Friends do not be careless on thy road/O'erlook this humble shrine/For if thou art a friend of God/Here lies a friend of thine."

-James Mason departed this life Nov. 24th 1823, aged 57 years. Go home, my friends,/Wipe off your tears/I must lie here, till Christ appears/When He appears I then shall rise,/And see you with immortal eyes.

-In memory of Mary C. Partlow, who died Jan. 26, 1828, aged 61 years.

-In memory of David Partlow, who died March 25th, 1850, aged 74 years, 1 month and 9 days.

There are several markers in this burial ground that have been so despoiled by the ravages of time and weather that I could not make out their inscriptions. The Masons buried in this burial ground are the forefathers and relatives of Miss Sue Mason, who lives near Wright's Ferry, and of Mrs. G. I. Suggs who makes her home in Clover.

My reasons for visiting this old graveyard in Mecklenburg county, was the fact that perhaps there are more people who once lived in York County buried there than there are folks who lived across the River.

GORDONS OF YORK COUNTY by James H. Gordon

There were lots of Gordons who came to the central Carolinas before or shortly after the Revolutionary War. So far, identified as separate families are: (1) Samuel Gordon, b. 1761 in Cecil Co., Md., who came with his family as a young child to the Crowder's Creek area of York County; (2) Gordons of Wilkes Co., N.C. who descend from a John George Gordon who came to America in 1724 and settled in Fredericksburg Co., Va.; (3) descendants of Adam Gordon, supposedly, of Fredericksburg, Co., Va. who settled in Berkeley Co., S. C.; (4) Joshua Gordon of the Indian Land section of Lancaster Co., S. C. who came from Franklin Co., N. C.; (5) a Roger Gordon (no further information); and, (6) my Gordons who settled on Beaver Dam Creek and Bullocks Creek, York Co., S.C., which was at one time a part of old Tryon Co., N.C

My James Gordan (he spelled it with an "a"-Gordan; his son spelled it with an "e"-Gorden, but later members of the family spelled it Gordon) left a will dated 23 November 1774, probated in the January 1776 session of the Tryon Co., N.C. Court. His wife "Nanny" Gorden left a will dated 12 October 1791 and recorded 30 April 1792 in York Co., S.C. Their eldest son, Samuel Gorden, died 4 December 1798 and is buried in Beersheba Church Cemetery, York Co., S.C., as is his wife Mary.

Samuel bought land in the "shadow of King's Mountain" in November 1779 and sold it little by little over the years. Apparently, the family lived there at the time of the battle of Kings Mountain (7 October 1780) and I don't understand how or why they weren't involved--either way, Whig or Tory. There was a Charles Gordon in that battle but he was of the Wilkes Co., N. C. Gordons. Several of the Patriotic men married into the family so apparently we sympathized with the Whigs. Two were Malcolm Henry and Andrew Floyd (Floid). Both were in the battle of Kings Mountain.

The old family home and the family burial ground is at present within the boundaries of Kings Mountain National Military Park. There are three tombstones still standing and a few rocks of one corner of the foundation of the house are still there. The last family member to live in this house, that I know of, was Thomas Sumpter Gordon and wife, Isabell (Wells) Gordon--my great-uncle and great-aunt. And lastly, several members of the family were listed as members of the Antioch Baptist Church (then in York County, now in Cherokee County).

Old James Gordan was in court for various reasons from 17 January 1769 to July 1771 (last one being contempt of court). Also, in the book Reminiscences of York by Dr. Maurice Moore, there is a story about Samuel Gordon and a ghost on his property. Sheriff Adam Meek seems to have put a stop to that. It appears that Samuel was somewhat anti-social.

I am still searching for James Gordon's birthplace and where he lived before he came to Tryon and York Counties. If he lived the average life span of my direct line of male Gordons, he would have been born about 1707.

(Contributed by James H. Gordon, 805 East 2nd St., Post Falls, Idaho, 83854.)

YORK COUNTY COURT HELD AT PINCKNEYVILLE

"Be it therefore enacted by the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives, met and sitting in general assembly, and by the authority of the same, That the place or village on the south west side of Broad river, below and within one mile of the mouth of Pacolet river, being the situation wherein the gaol and court-house of the said district have been built by the commissioners appointed for that purpose, shall be called Pinckneyville, and by that name shall always be known in law...." (Enacted by the South Carolina legislature on December 21, 1792).

Pinckneyville, named for Revolutionary War hero Brig. Gen. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, was established in present-day Union County as a circuit court to serve Union, Spartanburg, Chester and York Counties as a general sessions and common pleas court. At the time the law was passed the courthouse had been started but was unfinished. In spite of the hardship, the judge had held court in November at Pinckneyville. The district lasted until 1800 when, because of population growth, each of the state's 28 counties was given its own district court (at the same time York County became York District). The town of Pinckneyville, which lay on the stagecoach route from Philadelphia to Charleston (locally called the Yorkville to Chesterville Road), lasted until around 1850 when railroad traffic siphoned away the old ferry traffic.

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History, P. O. Box 11,669, Capitol Station 20211 has Pinckneyville records on microfilm as follows:

1. Microfilm Roll # C1657 contains Pleadings and Judgment Book Pinckney District-York District, 1797-1799, Pleadings and Judgments Book York District, 1800-1811.

2. Microfilm Roll #C1668 contains General Sessions Journal Pinckney District Pinckney District, 1792; York District, 1800-1820.

3. Microfilm Roll #C1679 contains Pinckney District Common Pleas Minute Book, 1792-1794; York District Common Pleas Journal, 1800-1820.

CATAWBA INDIAN CEMETERY INSCRIPTIONS Compiled by Thomas Blumer, Continued.

Luther C. Harris, July 7, 1896-Jan. 18, 1946. [Son of Ruthie Price; adopted by Ed. Harris; husband of Pearly Ayers Harris; farmer.]

James Harris, died July 31, 1912, age 54 years. [Son of James Harris and Sarah Jane Ayers Harris; chief of Catawba Nation 1885; 1889-1894, 1896-1898; in 1896 became the first chief to bring suit against South Carolina over the Treaty of Nation Ford; founder of Catawba Indian School (1896); husband of Margaret Harris Harris; farmer.]

Jim Harris, died May 1874, aged 40 years. He was a brave soldier of the 12th Reg. [Veteran of Confederate States Army; wounded at Battle of Sharpsburg (Sept. 17, 1862); prisoner of war; released at Charlotte (May 16, 1865); father of Chiefs James Harris and David A. Harris.]

John Thomas Harris, son of J. & M. E. Harris, born July 30, 1905, died July 10, 1912. [Son of James Harris and Margaret Harris Harris.]

Maggie Brown Harris, daughter of J. W. & R. W. Brown, born Mar. 17, 1901, died Oct. 5, 1918, at rest. [Daughter of John ,Brown and Rachel George Brown; wife of Richard Harris; victim of influenza epidemic.]

Ralph Harris, B. 1938, D. 1940. [Son of Theodore Harris and Artemis Harris Harris.]

Robert Lee Harris, Sept. 15,1857-Nov. 8, 1954. [Chief of Catawba Nation 1895, 1939-1940; son of John Harris and Nancy George Harris; husband of Martha Collins Thatcher; carpenter.]

Robert Lee Harris, son of J. & M. E. Harris, born Aug. 16, 1910, died July 15, 1912. [Son of James Harris and Margaret Harris Harris.]

Robert W. Harris, July 13, 1956. [Son of Ben Harris and Mary (Dovie) George Harris; husband of Isabelle Harris Harris; mill worker.]

Mable G. Owl dau. of W. L. & N. F. Owl, Ap. 7, 1907-Sept 5, 1911. Asleep in Jesus. [Daughter of Lloyd Owl (Cherokee) and Nettie Harris Owl.]

Mary Rachel Brown Plyler, wife of O. F. Plyler, July 11, 1907-Feb. 22, 1955. Gone but not forgotten. [Daughter of John Brown and Rachel George Brown; potter.]

Effie Harris Robbins, Apr. 3, 1892, Nov. 8, 1972. [Daughter of Ed Harris and Ester Price Harris; wife of Frank Robbins, potter.]

Blanch D. Sanders, dau. of I. & A. Sanders, born Nov. 6 & died Nov. 16, 1912. [Daughter of Idle Sanders and Arzada Brown Sanders.]

Cora Brown Sanders, wife of Ernest Sanders, born Aug. 13, 1898, died Oct. 9, 1918. Our loved one. [Daughter of John Brown and Rachel George Brown; victim of influenza epidemic; died one day before her infant son, Melvin Sanders.]

Lewis Ernest Sanders, South Carolina, Pvt MCL QM Corps, February 5, 1936. [Son of John Sanders and Martha Harris Sanders; husband of Minnie Harris Sanders.]

Melvin Sanders Suffer little children to come unto me. Melvin, son of C. & E. Sanders, Jan. 23, 1918, died Oct. 10 1918. [Son of Lewis Ernest Sanders and Cora Brown Sanders; victim of influenza epidemic; died the day after his mother.]

John Idle Sanders, Oct. 12, 1892-Aug. 27, 1973. [Chief of the Catawba Nation 1954-1956; son of John Sanders and Martha Harris Sanders; husband of Arzada Brown Sanders.]

Joseph H. Sanders, South Carolina, Mech 156 Depot Brig, February 13, 1930. [Son of John Sanders and Martha Harris Sanders; carpenter; husband of Lillie Beck Sanders.]

Thomas Stevens, died Dec. 14, 1905, aged 110 years. [Froze to death while walking to visit a friend in Lancaster County.]

Martha Lee Harris White, b. 1918 [1915], d. 1940. [Daughter of Theodore Harris and Artemis Harris Harris; wife of Harry White.]

The end.

OFFICERS OF YORKVILLE'S HOME GUARDS

As soon as Fort Sumter was fired upon, April 12, 1861, York District was astir with men determined to enlist their services. Existing militia companies had headed for Charleston. Every community was organizing a volunteer group for the fight. Older men, even those with no previous military training, did not want to be left out. They organized themselves into groups they generally called "Home Guards."

The Yorkville Enquirer published its list of the officers of the Yorkville Home Guards on April 25, 1861: Asbury Coward, Capt.; Dr. A. Barron, 1st. Lieut.; G. W. Williams, 2nd. Lieut.; J. G. Enloe, 3rd. Lieut.; J. C. Phillips, 1st. Sgt.; J. R. Schorb, 2nd. Sgt.; L. M. Grist, 3rd. Sgt.; W. B. Wilson, 4th. Sgt.; B. T. Wheeler, 5th. Sgt.; J. B. Allison 1st. Cpl.; W. I. Clawson 2nd. Cpl.; J. L. Miller, 3rd. Cpl.; J. C. Miller, 4th. Cpl. The group represented men of wealth and prestige--court officials, academy heads, lawyers, a newspaper editor, manufacturers, a doctor, etc. If there was any Unionist sentiment in Yorkville it was well hidden throughout the course of the war.

HARTNESS MARKER
(Marker in Woodlawn Presbyterian Church Cemetery, town of Sharon, York County.)

In honor of / JOHN HARTNESS 1725-69 of Eng. / Colonial Soldier to S. C. 1759 / Wife / ELIZABETH SMITH / Son / ROBERT HARTNESS 1756-99 Rev. Soldier / JANE RICHEY his first wife / Son / RICHEY HARTNESS 1787-1842/ Wife / LILLY MITCHELL / Son / JOHN WILLIAM ALEXANDER HARTNESS / 1812-1890 Lt. C.S.A. / Wife / ELIZABETH BURRIS / Children / SARAPHINA m DANIEL SEAHORN & / WM. MCCONNELL / NANCY m WILLIAM DOVER / LILLY m. ELIAS RAMSEY / ROBERT R. 1841-1844 / WM. THOMAS m. SUSAN LUCAS/ VIOLET M. m. ROBERT WALLACE / JOHN SMITH d Prisoner of War C. S. A. / JANE E. 1848-1859 / ROBERT B. m S. MARGARET THOMAS/ / Descent of LILLY MITCHELL wife of / RICHEY HARTNESS / dau. of / AGNES WHITLEY

wife of / JOHN MITCHELL / dau. of / REBECCA BOWEN

wife of JONATHAN WHITLEY / dau. of / LILLY McELHANEY

wife of JOHN BOWEN / son of / REBECCA REES wife of MOSES BOWEN / from Wales in 1730 to America // Descent of / ELIZABETH BURRIS wife of J. W. A. HARTNESS / dau. of MARY CARSON wife of / ROBERT BURRIS / son of / MARY ASH wife of WILLIAM BURRIS / dau of / JOHN ASH and wife ISABELLE / from Penn. to York Co., S. C. / circa 1760 // Descent of / MARGARET THOMAS wife of ROBERT B. HARTNESS / dau. of / ANANIAS M. THOMAS and / RACHEL A. NEIL / son of PRESLEY THOMAS and / MARTHA P. JOHNSEY/ son of / DAVID THOMAS and / MARY PRESLEY/ son of / BENJAMIN THOMAS and / MILLENDER GURLEY / son of STEPHEN THOMAS and / MARY CLOTHIER / son of TRISTAM THOMAS and / JUDITY CLAYLAND / son of / THOMAS THOMAS and wife / ELIZABETH / son of / TRISTRAM THOMAS and / ANN DeCOURCEY / son of CHRISTOPHER THOMAS and wife / ELIZABETH / from Eng. to Va. 1635 / son of / TRISTRAM THOMAS and / ELIZABETH / of Kent, Eng.

"...A WILD YOUNG MAN"

"Joel Joiner Sworn: Says that no white person is now living on the plantation where John Miller died except William D. Miller his son, who is attending to the hands. Margaret Miller is now boarding from home in the village and going to school. James L. Miller moved to himself before the old man's death and is living now separate from the rest of the family. Witness lives in the immediate neighborhood of the old man's. Thinks it is more to the interest of all these interests in the Estate of Mr. Miller that a division should take place instead of waiting until the youngest child becomes 14 years of age.

"Pollard Thomasson Sworn: Swears that John Miller's wife was alive in 1846 January, at that time John, James, William D., Thomas S., Margaret C., Calvin L, and Charles ___?___ and Nancy Louisa, who has since died, in 1841. In 1840 Nancy was grown. From the situation the family is now in, thinks it more to the interest of all those concerned that a division should now take place instead of waiting for Calvin to arrive to the age of fourteen years. He is eleven years of age next May. Don't think it desirable for the executors to keep the three youngest children, Thomas, Margaret and Calvin on the plantation. Margaret is about 13 years of age.

"Dudley Jones Sworn: Is the uncle of the youngest children of John Miller by his wife Mildred. John & James, his sons, both left him after Jany 1840. Thomas & Calvin are now boarding at his house and going to school. Don't think it would be advisable for the executors to keep the three youngest children on the plantation....

"E. W. Smith Sworn: Says that concurs entirely in the testimony given by Dudley Jones. Is a near neighbor of the Millers.

"Robert McClellan Sworn: Says that also concurs with Dudley Jones....

"Joel Joiner Sworn Says: That he heard James say that the two negroes which the old man Mr. Miller had given to him was in part of the three which he was entitled to in his father's will--and that he only had one to come to make his three....

"G. W. Williams Sworn. Says that Thomas Miller is a wild young man, and a young man of intemperate habits and that he could not be subjected to the control of his Executors and that he believes it would be not only to his own [injury] but to the great injury of the negroes if he was suffered to remain on the plantation with them. When he drew the will of Mr. Miller, when he came to that clause in which he gives to his children by his second wife, three negroes more than the rest of his children, the old man stated as his reason that his three children that he had by his first wife had gotten negroes under their grandfather's will and he thought by giving his younger children their negroes now, it would make the gift to all his children equal."

(Excerpted from "Thomas Simpson & Wife vs. Thomas Miller et al, Bill for Partition and Division." York District Court of Equity Original Evidence Book, 1845-1859, Testim

ONE PEPPERCORN YEARLY RENT

Old practices die hard. After the Revolutionary War, and many years after statehood was achieved. York County citizens still used English currency. Much of the English common law was retained in the courts. Bailiffs still cried, "Oyez,Oyez" to signal that court was in session.

In the April Court of 1788, James Miles, Sr. sold John Patton, Jr. 182 acres of land on both sides of Allison Creek with payment to be made in "sterling money of Great Britain." In addition Patton was to pay a "yearly rent of one peppercorn due at the feast of St. Michael the arch-angel only if the same be demanded." The same year, James Wilson sold land to David Patton" to be paid in "200 pounds lawful money of South Carolina."

The lack of standardized currency was both a handicap and a necessity. There was not enough U. S. currency minted or printed to handle the needs of the people. There are records that show that English coins circulated freely in York County as late as the 1830s.

NAME PATTERNS AMONG THE SCOTS-IRISH

According to Scots-Irish historians, a distinctive culture trait was the naming of the children for relatives in a set pattern. While an occasional couple did follow the formula, they diverged from custom at the peril of a great deal of disapproval and family friction. (It is thought that at least 70 per cent of the early York County settlers were of Scots-Irish descent.)

The expected pattern:

SONS DAUGHTERS

1. Father's father
2. Mother's father
3. Father 1. Mother's mother
2. Father's mother
3. Mother

STORE ACCOUNT BOOK OF J & E SPRINGS, 1806-1834

1808 James Webb, Mar 19 Paid to James Webb five Dollars in part for sawing plank $ 5.00; Feb To loads of plank 1197 ft.; March To 3 loads of plank 762 ft.; Mar. 26 To 1 load of Do. 280 ft; May 5 To 1 load of plank by Step 410 ft; May 6 To 1 Do of Do by Step 415 ft.; May 11 To 1 Do of Do by Do 360 ft.; May 25 To 1 Do of Do by Do 455 ft; Sept 2 To two loads plank 500 ft.

1808 William Watson, May 14 4 3/4 Butter at 12 1/2 Cents per Pound $ .59; By 8 1/2 pound Butter 1.06 1/4

1808 Andrew Elliott, July 2 To quart Whiskey $ .25; Dec. 23 Borrowed of Matthew West 350w of Cotten in the seed

1808 James Stuart, July 2 To five quarts Whiskey $ 1.25; Sept 7 To 60w of Beef to Fedrick Dinkins To 80 Do of Do; Sept 21 By 163 Beef recd of Fedrick Dinkins Ballance due to Fedk-- 23w

1808 Aunt Dillard, July 12 by 25 1/2 w Bacon recd of Aunt Dillard $ 2.50

1808 John Smith, June 18 Then settled all accounts with John Smith ballance due to him from William Pettus 2 Bushels & peck of Rye; June 18 John Smith debter to William Pettus $ 1.75; Also ten Dollars & 50 cents 10.50 30 To two gallons Whiskey 2.00; Oct. 5 By ten Dollars rec'd of John Smith 10.00 Balance Due 4.25; Dec 29 By Order on you to Bartlett Meacham 3.21

1808 Carpenter Sam, Jan. 28 To Leather for pair Shoes $ 1.00; Feb. 1 To 5w Cheese 1.00; Mar. 4 To cash paid John Merret for Shoes for you 6.00; Apr. 26 To making pair overalls for Samuel Smith .50; May 6 To 9 gimlets & 12 files paid Pleasant 1.34 19 To cash paid you for David Garrison 6.00; June 11 To half Bushel of Salt 1.00 20 To quart Whiskey by Alexr Stuat .25 , 22 To Note given to Saml Henry on your Account ___, 24 To cash for Mr. Gallant given for you 1.00, Aug. 20 To 8 Bushels of Wheat at 75 cents per Bushel 6.00, To 8 1/3 Bushels of Corn at 50 cents per Bushel 4.25, Sept. 27 To Sundarys of articles from Lutch .75, Nov. 19 To Sole leather for pair Shoes .50, Dec. 16 To quart Whiskey for Stuart .25, Dec. 23 To gallon Whiskey 1.00, Dec 24 To 3 pints Whiskey per Robt Saville .37 1/2, Dec 30 To 3 pints Do for Sam .37 1/2, Dec. 31 To 33w Sugar at 14 cents per pound 4.62

1808 John Bennett, June 16 To one gallon & 3 quarts $ 1.75, Dec. 24 To two Baggs of Cotton weighed in the presence of Alexr Candlish & Robt Saville for John Springs after all deduct 585w A 12 c per 1w 70.25

1808 William Parks blacksmith, Mar. 25 To two gallons Whiskey $ 1.50

1808 Alexander Candlish, April To 4 gallons Whiskey $ 4.00 Do 23 To one Hat for you 6.00, June 30 To two gallons Whiskey 2.00

1808 Aunt [Sarah] Dillard, July 5 To 3 Bushels Wheat $ 2.25, July 12 By 25 1/2w bacon recd of Aunt Dillard 2.55

1808 Fannie Bennett, Ballance due on old account $ 7.75---- To two Bushels Wheat 1.50, Augst 2 To 5w Sugar 1.00, Do 5 To two & half Bushels of Wheat 1.87 1/2 Dec. 3 To 2w Sugar half pound Coffee .65

1808 Benjamin Thomson,I promise to pay or cause to be paid to William Pettus on Order, the quantity of eighteen hundred weight of good Dry Cotten in the seed yearly for two years, for the rent of the plantation wheron sd Benjamin Thomson lives on, and the wheatfield that Federick Dinkins had in wheat this year given under my hand & Seal this 17th day Octr 1808. Benjamin his X mark Thomson. Test: Robt Saville

1808 Peter Perry ---- To Ballance of old account $ 9.83 1/4, Dec. 26 To quart and half pint Whiskey .31 1/4 Per Contra, Aug 21 By Weaving 38 yds Cloth @ 12 yds per Dollar $ 3.12 1/2, August By Weaving 50 yds Cloth by Peter Perry at 6 1/4 cents 4.12 1/2, Nov. By 34 3/4 Woven by Peter Perry ----------,Nov. 3 Twelve Months after date I promise to pay or cause to be paid to William Pettus on Order the quantity of ElevenHundred & Sixty Six pounds of good dry Cotten in the seed yearly for every year during the term of three years, for the rent of the plantation whereon John Merrit formerly lived the Cotten to be delivered on the sd plantation given undermy hand & Seal this 3rd day Nov. 1808. Peter Perry

1808 William McCrowry, Dec. 17 To 9 1/2 pork & 1 1/2 Bushel of Corn $ 1.32, 21 To Bushel of Potatoes .50

1809 Robert Bell, Feb 23 To old account $ 62.21, To four days halling with Waggon 8.00, To boarding for three months 10.00, To bushel of Rye & Bushel of Barley malt 1.50, To 17w flower .15, To 4 1/2 yards of Bagging lent (paid), Sept. 26 To 30w Salt lent to Robert Bell

1809 John Harris, Mar. 16 To cash paid you to go to Charlotte $ .20, May 6 To pair Overalls 1.00, July 17 To Six yards of Shirting at 50 c per yd 3.00, July 29 To 8w Soap let Polley Friams for you 1.00, To Hat 1.50, Aug. 29 Agreeable to settlement with John Harris due from William Pettus to Sd Harris 60.30, Sept 20 To 3 pints Whiskey .37 1/2, 27 To 3 pints Whiskey .37 1/2

THE INDIA HOOK MILLS

We have been presented by the proprietor of this mill with a bag of most excellent flour. These mills, known heretofore as "Carothers,: have long enjoyed an enviable reputation, and have recently been overhauled and made as good as new, are ready to serve the public. They are situated on the Catawba River, about four miles to the left of Ebenezer and 1 1/2 miles below Thorn's Ferry.

(Yorkville Enquirer, July 18, 1861. An advertisement for India Hook Mills showed the proprietors as J. F. Carothers, and B. B. Taylor)

YORKVILLE'S FIRST PHYSICIAN

According to an unsigned letter to the editor of The State, November 27, 1921, the first Yorkville physician was Dr. Josiah Moore who lived there in 1803. "The beloved doctor was not only skillful in his profession; but also was a noted violinist and singer, who lent his presence and his music to many a jolly gathering, and traditions of his proficiency linger to this day, though he and all who heard him have long been dust." According to.Mr. Joe Hart, Dr. Moore died on December 8, 1807 at the age of 32.

Back to: The Quarterly

SONS	DAUGHTERS
1. Father's father 2. Mother's father 3. Father	1. Mother's mother 2. Father's mother 3. Mother