2005 1.pdfDAVIE DOSSIER January 2005
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HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS
Check the address label on the front of the Dossier to find the expiration date of your
membership in the Society (the year is noted after your name). On the last page of the Dossier is
an application blank for your use.
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MUSEUM NEWS
The Davie County Museum Committee met in regular session on January 6, 2005. The
prospect of possible use of property behind the public library was discussed and a feasibility
report should be completed before the February meeting. Election of 2005 officers will be held
in February.
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NEW BOOKS IN HISTORY ROOM
Flom, George T.–A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States.
Stanard, W. G. –Some Emigrants to Virginia, 2nd edition.
Byrd, William I., III –North Carolina General Assembly Sessions Records: Slaves and Free
Persons of Color 1709-1789.
Greene, Evarts B. & Harrington, Virginia D. –American Population before the Federal Census
of 1790.
Secretary of the Interior –The Final Rolls of Citizens and Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes
in Indian Territory, 2 vols.
Castevens, William Clinton and Castevens, Frances Harding –Descendants of Thomas
Castevens, A Genealogical History.
Bardsley, Charles Wareing –A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames with Special
American Instances.
Stemmons, John D. and E Diane –Rowan County, North Carolina Tax Lists 1758/59, 1761,
1768, 1779.
Richardson, Douglas –Plantagenet Ancestry
Roberts, Gary Boyd, Introducer –English Origins of New England Families, 3 vols.
Lane, Mar y Sue Rankin –The Whole Truth, a Memoir
McMurtry, David (with John K. Bryan, Jr., Kathryn H. Weiss, and Ralph E. Kelly) –Mary Hunt
Bryan 1759-1842; “A Pioneer Woman”
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MARTIN-WALL HISTORY ROOM
A recent contribution to the History Room made us aware that we have not placed much
emphasis on asking for personal recollections of times gone by and we would like to do so now.
We also welcome submissions from Davie County citizens about their military experiences, not
only fromWorld War II veterans, but the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well.Their memories
would then be available for future generations.
DAVIE DOSSIER January 2005
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DAVIE COUNTY GUARDIAN ACCOUNTS
1844 -1868
From the North Carolina State Archives (CR 033.510.10)
Transcribed by Grace Wight
Guardians were appointed to be responsible for orphans, children of living parents who
were receiving money from estates –or other sources –such as grandparents. The guardian was
in most cases a relative or neighbor. A parent could be appointed as guardian of their own
children if they were inheriting from the mother’s estate or from another relative.
Orphans were mostly fatherless; sometimes both parents were deceased. A child fourteen
years and older could select their own guardian. This still holds true today. Anyone under
twenty-one years of age was called “infants”.
Guardians were required to submit a yearly report to show expenditures for the child’s
schooling, medical,clothing, room and board, etc. If the guardian was not doing his job, he
could be replaced. In most cases the guardian either moved, died, or was not capable of doing
his job.
More can be found on guardian affairs in the N.C. State Archives. There are guardian
records with much more detail than presented here. These records are Guardian Records 1838-
1918. These are arranged by family surname. Any interest in anyone who might have a record
prior to the formation of Davie County should consult the Rowan County records.
FEBRUARY TERM COURT 1847
Thomas Ferribee, gdn of Melissa Jones
Martin Booe, gdn of Cassandra Booe
Nelson Travillion, gdn of his children .. Samuel D., Mary G., Sarah M., Susan A, Emily F.
Travillion
Thomas Ferribee, gdn of Lemuel Jones
William Hawkins, gdn of Franklin, Asbury Chaplin
Thomas Horne, gdn of Cinthia Branden
Thomas Ferribee, gdn of Nathan Jones
William Hawkins, gdn of Jesse Chaplin
Lamb Taylor,gdn of Sarah L. Taylor
Richard H. Lowry,gdn of Sarah, Elizabeth, Missouri, Robert Owens –part of the estate of
Dabney Lowry .. father of the wards .. W.E. Owen
J. B. Ellis, gdn of John A., James P. Oakes
Benjamin H. Eaton, gdn of Elizabeth T. Eaton –share from the estate of Rebecca Eaton
Milton Gaither, gdn of Margaret, Wiley, Alexander Gaither
Joseph Hanes, gdn of Elizabeth Hanes
John Chesher, gdn of Daniel I. Cane
MAY TERM COURT 1847
Jacob Sain, gdn of Elizabeth, George West
John Van Eaton, gdn of wards Angelina, Hannah, Sophia, Abram Tomlinson
Lucinda Wood, gdn of Henry J., Mary Wood
Nelson Travillion,gdn of Susan T. Naylor
Bazel Gaither,gdn of N. Gaither –part of Harriett and Gassaway Gaither estate
DAVIE DOSSIER January 2005
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AUGUST TERM COURT 1847
Thomas Chesher,gdn of Thomas Rattledge heirs
Issac N. Rich, gdn of Mary E. and Martha J. Rich
Thomas A. Smith, gdn of Jane Smith, former gdn Samuel D. Smith
Thomas Furches, gdn of Sarah Ann, John W., Francis A., Elizabeth, George W., Amanda Baity
MAY TERM COURT 1848
Richard H. Lowrey, gdn of Elizabeth, Sarah, Melissa, Robert Owens
Milton Hobbs, gdn of Philip Sain
Lamb Taylor, gdn of B. F. Taylor
Benjamin H. Eaton,gdn of Daniel Eaton from N. Travillion, admn of Rebecca Eaton estate
John Chesher,gdn of Daniel I. Cain
Thomas Smoot, gdn of Mary C. and John A. Smoot received from the estate of Jacob Holman,
grandfather –Isaac Holman admn of Jacob Holman
Thomas Smoot,gdn of Wiley, Andrew, Thomas Sain
Beal Ijames, gdn Margaret Locke from the estate of her father, John Locke
Abraham Allen,gdn of Jane and Ellen Allen
Isaac N. Rich gdn of Mary E. and Martha I. Rich
John Sheek, gdn of Philip Doolin
Joseph M. Hauser, gdn of Simeon Jarvis
Thomas Furches, gdn of Francis, Sarah Ann, John W., Elizabeth, George, Amanda Baity
Milton Gaither, gdn of Margaret, Wilie, Alexander Gaither interest from Zachariah Gaither
Moses Sims, gdn of Sarah C. Sims from estate of Jacob Sheek
MAY TERM COURT 1848
Temperance Smoot, gdn of Alexander N., James F., Ann E., Nathan, Rebecca, Mary Smoot,
heirs of Alexander Smoot
Samuel Taylor, gdn of Sarah L. Taylor
Bazel Gaither, gdn of Nicholas Gaither
Lucinda Wood,gdn of Mary and Henry J. Wood
James N. Brock, gdn Enoch and Caswell T. Brock
AUGUST TERM COURT 1848
Peter Ferribee, gdn George and Abraham Hall,estate of Abraham Hall
NOVEMBER TERM COURT 1848
Samuel Taylor, gdn Mariah L. Call
FEBRUARY TERM COURT 1849
Milton Hobbs, gdn of Philip Sain
William Hawkins, gdn of Franklin and Jesse Chaplin
John Chesher, gdn of Daniel I. Cain
John Holderman,gdn of Alfred I. Daywalt
Elijah Martin, gdn of Laura and Hetty Richardson
Benjamin H. Eaton, gdn of Elizabeth Eaton
Joseph M. Hauser, gdn of Simeon Jarvis
DAVIE DOSSIER January 2005
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Milton Gaither, gdn of Wilie and Alexander Gaither
J. B. Ellis,gdn of John A. and James P. Oakes
Martin Booe, gdn of James L. Booe
Jane C. Knox, gdn for her children five in number: Robert, John, Dovey Jane, Samuel, Absalom
MAY TERM COURT 1849
Thomas Furches, gdn John W., Francis A., Elizabeth C., George W., Amanda Baity
Basil Gaither, gdn of Nicholas Gaither
Samuel Taylor, gdn of Sarah I. and Mariah Call
P. H. Cain, gdn Richmond Beeman from the estates of William Beeman and Louisa Cain
Thomas Chesher, gdn Thomas Rattledge heirs
Lucinda Wood, gdn of Mary and Henry J. Wood
AUGUST TERM 1849
H. R. Austin, gdn of W. W. Haden, Samantha Ann Rattledge from the estate of James
Ratledge, M. I. Ratledge, Mary J. D. Ratledge
Milton Hobbs, gdn Thomas Batten
To be continued---
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AGE RESTRICTIONS IN 18TH CENTURY
Because of so many questions,and a few goofy ideas floating about, here are some age
restrictions and duties in 18th century VA generally (and usually NC), as I understand those to
be.If you have different interpretations, please tell us of such, yet let's not debate the matters.
Always remember also, that ages and allowable actions were often within the discretion of the
VA County judges and Colonial Council in order to cope with unusual conditions/situations.In
addition, any legal incapacities, such as fe lony and poor farm convictions, determinations that
one was a lunatic or imbecile, and women who were restricted by marriage often were
considered differently.
At age 14 for males (age 12 for females),such could
Select their own guardian
Be an apprentice to learn trades
Be tried and punished for crimes
Show property lines to processioners, if known
Sign contracts (though seldom done, because later
renunciation was allowable)
Witness documents as to who/what was seen, said & heard
Give testimony in a court proceeding (after qualification)
Act as executor (but usually with an "of age" co-exec)
Bequeath personal property by will
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At age 16 males,
Were tithable
Served as militiamen voluntarily or otherwise
Act as a processioner if church appointed
Assume possession of their real estate
At age 18 males
Could be licensed to practice a trade/calling
At age 21 for men (18 for women), they could
Be married without consent of parent/guardian
Release a guardian from duties (automatic at marriage)
At age 21 for men (and usually women), they could
Be eligible for public offices (usually)
Serve as jurors on grand, petit, or coroner's juries
Vote (unless there was a property requirement)
File and defend actions in court
Hold title to real estate
Devise (transfer) real estate by will
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DAVIE COUNTY DIVORCES 1849-1908
From the North Carolina Archives (C.R. 33604.1)
Transcribed by Grace Wight
These are arranged in the records in the North Carolina State Archives in alphabetical
order. Any extra information on the proceedings can be obtained through the Archives.
1904 Walter Boger vs Minnie Boger
Divorce was sought by Walter Boger from Minnie Boger because she refused to have
sexual intercourse with her husband for more than twelve months. She abandoned him and lived
separate.
1903 G. H. Brubaker vs L. J. Brubaker
Petition for the marriage to be dissolved. They were married 185-in Yadkin County.
L.J. Brubaker violated her marriage vows and committed adultery, notably with Thomas
Brubaker and also _______ Williams. Defendant separated from plaintiff about 15 years ago and
removed to Cabarrus County and is still living in adultery. All issues found in favor of the
plaintiff.
1878 Jonathan Burton vs Mary Jane Burton
Petition for marriage to be dissolved. Couple were residents of Davie County and lived
together until 1866 when the defendant committed adultery with one John R. James. Wife
refused to cohabit with husband.
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1903 Rufus Chunn vs Althea Chunn
Couple lived together until 1888. Althea Chunn abandoned the plaintiff and lived
separate from him. “She had been moved by her own wicked desires and passions and the
plaintiff has been true to his vows.” Plaintiff asked for marriage to be dissolved.
1885 Jennie Clement vs Richard Clement
It appears that Richard Clement is not to be found in the State. Said Richard abandoned
the plaintiff. She endeavored to conduct herself as a faithful obedient wife and tried to make her
husband contented and happy. She is abandoned and believes plaintiff is living in adultery with
one Ellen Winford.
1895 Amelia E. Click vs John Click
This divorce was to be ‘Jury Trial’. This proceeding is very lengthy and rather involved
with dealings of a personal nature. Defendant was 67 years old and not able to work. Plaintiff
referred to him as a “dirty old gray-headed scoundrel.” Plaintiff claims abandonment, cruel
treatment and endangerment to her life. The name calling and accusations are very evident in
this divorce.
1853 Enoch G. Clouse vs Julia Ann Clouse
Married in 1841, Davie County. Happy in the marriage until about 1851 and Julia
became estranged from him. Her affections became affixed on one Dr. James F. Hoskins.
(Note by compiler: The Clouses are listed together in the 1860 Davie County census.)
1857 Mary Eaton vs Ebenezer Eaton
Said Ebenezer Eaton abandoned Mary Eaton to live with and commit adultery with Sarah
Umpheries. Testifying for Mary Eaton –Franklin Jackson, Emeline Jackson, James Williams,
Sara Williams. All these people plus Daniel Jackson were testifying for Eben Eaton.
To be continued ---
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HUMOR
Thanks to: Mick McAllister
”Came across an entry in the local census of 1871 in Staffordshire,
England and I could just imagine the enumerator asking the head of
household, "Any more children, Mr. Smith?"
Head of household replying, "Oh, our kid."
And there it was, child --Oharkid Smith, age 3 months.
(Sounds better with a West Midlands, Black Country accent though!)”
Thanks to: Jan Babb-McClintock
”My grandmother's maiden name was HARRY. I received a query once from a
woman who wondered if we shared some common ancestors. She began this
way: "Hello, I'm from the HARRY arm of the family . . ."
DAVIE DOSSIER January 2005
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D C H G S 2005 OFFICERS
President:Frances Beck
Vice-President:Bert Bradford, III
Secretary-Treasurer:Doris Frye
Board of Directors:David Joyner
Karen Smith
James W. Wall
Dossier Editor:Nancy Murphy
ITEMS FOR SALE
Postage and handling included in price
Davie County...A Brief History (Wall) Paperback 7.50
The Daniel, Squire, and John Boone Families in Davie
County (Wall, Boone, & Martin)5.00
Davie County Marriages 1836-1900, by Nancy K. Murphy 25.00
Davie County Marriages 1901-1959, by Nancy K. Murphy 25.00
Davie County Cemeteries, a two-volume set 55.00
by D.C. Historical & Genealogical Society
1860 Federal Census-Davie County, by Murphy & Sain 17.00
1870 Federal Census-Davie County, by Murphy & Sain 17.00
1880 Federal Census-Davie County, by Murphy & Sain 22.50
Maps -Lagle Land Grant 6.50
-Hughes Historical 6.50
-1887 Alderman 2.50
Postcards (set of 8 )2.50
These items can be ordered from the Davie County Historical and Genealogical
Society Office. North Carolina residents need to add 6% sales tax to the total.
Membership for Calendar year 2005 remains the same as in previous years -
$5.00/year. The number following your name on the address label indicates the year
through which your dues are paid. Below is a registration form for your use; checks are
to be made payable to the Society.
DAVIE COUNTY HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
371 North Main Street
Mocksville, North Carolina 27028
NAME _____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________
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