Reflections From the Fence: Remley

Showing posts with label Remley. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Richard McGreevy's Story, Maybe it's Magic Or A Marathon Or Two

Richard E P or Richard Edward McGreevy has long been a mystery to this researcher. And, after writing his story, it seems it makes for a long blog post as well. LOL  

What I am reasonably sure of - -

He was born on Mar 21, 1908 in Tuscalum, Effingham County, Georgia. I find him enumerated with his parents (Richard McGreevy and Rosa Ellen Remley McGreevy) on the 1910 and the 1920 U.S. Census living in Savannah, Chatham County Georgia.

In 1925 his father Richard dies in Savannah, a short 4 line death notice appearing in “The Bulletin” of Augusta Georgia fails to state any of Richard Sr.’s survivors. In 1926 when his sister Helen Ulmer dies, her obituary states Richard is living in Savannah. In 1932 when his brother James dies, Richard is said to be living in Camden “JJ”. I believe that is a typo and should read Camden, New Jersey. In 1948 when his mother Rosa dies, Richard is said to be living in Fort Worth Texas. In 1968 when his sister Lucy Fenchel dies, he is said to be a survivor, but, his place of residence is not stated.

I am sure this is his registration for the draft in World War II:

Name: Richard Edward McGreevy

Gender: Male

Age: 32

Birth Date: 21 Mar 1908

Birth Place: Tusculum, USA

Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940

Registration Place: Savannah, Georgia, USA

Next of Kin: Mrs. Pincus Louis Fenchel

Notes of interest: Mrs. Pincus Louis Fenchel is his sister, Lucy. In the employment area of the registration card Richard states his employment as, self - entertainer, and the place of his employment as, traveling.

I am quite sure this is Richard:

Social Security Death Index

Name: Richard McGreevy

SSN: 262-18-4466

Last Residence: 93001 Ventura, Ventura, California, United States of America

Born: 21 Mar 1908

Died: Oct 1978

State (Year) SSN issued: Florida (Before 1951)

California Death Index, 1940-1997

Name: Richard McGreevy

Social Security #: 262184466

Sex: MALE

Birth Date: 16 Mar 1908 *yes, I note a difference of 5 days in the reported birth date.

Birthplace: Georgia

Death Date: 31 Oct 1978

Death Place: Ventura

Now what makes a researcher sit up and go, yippee, AKA, the fun stuff. I'm not totally convinced of all these suggestions/possibilities. They are not all conclusive in my mind, me the one who needs a bit more than name and place and date similarities. That said, I’m leaning - - -

I think what I shall do here is just show you what I have found in chronological order, pointing out some interesting tidbits as I go.

I find 2 marriages for Richard to the same woman, 1 year apart. One in Harris County, Texas, seen here:

Something that I did not see the first time around, but, this marriage record from Texas was "disposed of" at a “dance marathon”. See that little note in the lower left corner. (It really pays to review documents several times. LOL)

Next, about year later, give or take, is in Indianapolis Indiana. I cannot get a copy of the digitized record at this time, pandemic woes. I did find it in Marion County, Indiana, U.S., Marriage Index, 1925-2012 at FamilySearch. And, from the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, May 1, 1930, we have this notification.

The address Richard and Hilma give is the Cadle Tabernacle, scene of the dance marathon being held in Indianapolis Indiana at this time.

Dance marathons were a huge thing in the late 1920’s to early 1930’s. Marathons of any type were all the rage. Reading books marathons. There was a talking marathon in New York City in 1929 (hysterical photo with this one, no one in the stands to listen to them, no attendance). Reading the Bible marathons (one such event took 70 hours to read the Bible from front to back). Swimming long distance, both Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan advertisements were found. Outdoor motor boating near Galveston Texas (they had an issue with weather, snarky windy weather). Flag pole sitting, rocking chair rocking, fishermen (during the dance marathons), croquet marathons, bicycle riders and of course long distance running/walking marathons from coast to coast. I even found one for marathon phonograph music playing.

Of course, there were some shady characters and there were substantial objections to the marathons. There were legal cases alleging forgery, drugs, swindling and bigamy.

This marathon stuff sent me down a deep research hole for days. Gracious, it was so interesting.   But, back to Richard. Here are two fun images I captured from the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Notice he is called Mac. And the tidbit about dancing in 8 contests. And being engaged for a year. How much of that is public relations and how much is true?

I must say that bit about the largest wedding cake in Indiana was a fun find.

See, here is the thing, these marathons were an advertisers delight. They ran articles before and daily during the marathons. Marathons frequently could and would run well over a month. Yea, really. The newspapers cross the nation made $$ and covered marathons with regularity.   The organizers needed to keep the interest up, so, they had “special” events many nights. They had special shows of "Sultans Dancing Girls" and dance skits where the entertainment was based on comedic dances, they called this evening "Movie Night". There was a Carnival night, with "Interior Decorators". The Turkish Harem night was found advertised in different cities. And, the ever popular "Cot Nite" where they displayed the dancers resting. They even had some gal get a perm in her hair while she was dancing one night in Indianapolis in 1930.

Then there were the weddings, and after that blitz of research, I can tell you that the weddings were a staple of marathon entertainment. And, then there were the divorces, and the bigamy previously mentioned.

Now, back to Richard - - -

From the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, published on April 30, 1930:

"WEDDING FOR MARATHON

While fellow marathoners danced beside them, Richard M. McGreevy, 23 years old, and Miss Hilma E. Nelson, 22 years old, couple No. 20 in the "mad marathon" in progress at Cadle Tabernacle, obtained a marriage license at the office of George O. Hutsell, clerk, yesterday. The wedding will take place tonight in the Tabernacle."

The wedding report itself took up several columns and several inches of newspaper reporting. Here are a few clips:

"8,000 Persons Witness Mad Marathon Wedding Rites at Cadle Tabernacle… The principals were Miss Hilma E. Nelson, 22 years old, a native of Minnesota and of Swedish parentage, and Richard M. McGreevy, 23 years old, an Irishman from Savannah, Ga.”   I suspect that middle initial probably stands for “Mac”, a nickname. My Richard was from Savannah Georgia and the age is so close we won’t argue.

Richard and Hilma did not win this particular marathon, but they did place fourth and took home $100. for their trouble.

From the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, published on May 13, 1930, in part:

“CITY’S LAST MARATHON DANCE CLOSES AFTER TWO MONTHS;

Historic Cadle Tabernacle, where the gesticulations and oratory of the evangelist and the stately religious hymns of the pipe organ have been replaced by the croonings of a Chicago master of ceremonies and the blatant notes of a jazz band, for the last two months, was dark last night.

It was an untimely close for the city’s final dance endurance contest, the city Council having passed an ordinance to forbid similar contests.

Other winners were…Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mcgreevy of Minneapolis, fourth.”

Next, we find a Richard McGreevy in the 1940 U.S. Census enumeration of Prince George´s, Maryland, with a wife named Ruth. So much fun to note that they are both entertainers, magicians to be exact. Who is Ruth? Not a clue.  

And, guess where we next find Richard in records available to us - -   1943 in Shreveport Louisiana city directory, the business section, twice - -

*Magical Apparatus

MAC'S MAGIC SHOP, 812 Louisiana, Tel. 9129 (Note the name of his shop, Mac’s!)

*Entertainers

McGREEVY, RICHARD, r 812 Louisiana, Te. 9129

In the personal section of the 1943 directory we find them again:

McGREEVY, RICHARD (Cleo: Mac's Magic Shop) r 812 Louisiana, Tel. 9129 (Who is Cleo? Not a clue.)

Skip to 1950 where we find Richard and Cleo back in Texas, remember his mother's obituary in 1948 stated he was living in Fort Worth Texas.

1950 San Angelo, Texas, City Directory:

MCGreevy Richd (Cleo) magician r 601 McAnn (Again, who is Cleo? Again, not a clue.)

Issues with the entire story: Hilma? Some researchers believe she is Hittie Hicks, or Hettie Hicks, or Hattie Hicks. Who are Ruth and Cleo? Are they all the same lady? Could be. I keep thinking how “entertainers” are prone to changing their names.    I have not located an obituary for the lady Hattie Hicks, or Hilma McGreevy, or Hettie McGreevy, even tho other researchers say this is she. (See the Texas, U.S., Death Index, 1903-2000)

Name: Hettie Mcgreevy

Death Date: 8 Sep 1989

Death County: Harris

Gender: Female  

In the research I did on Hittie Hicks, it seems to indicate she was born in Oklahoma. That wedding business in Indianapolis with Hilma Nelson, says she comes from Minnesota. Could be the Minnesota stuff had more of a romantic ring to it. Good ole public relations again? Many unanswered questions here.

I also have not yet found any obituary for Richard who died in 1978 in California.   

Is this research finished, not by a long shot. I have a few other documents I would like to see, but, that will have to wait till the pandemic subsides and libraries reopen.

The research so far seems to point to Richard being a marathon dancer and a magician. Am I sure? Nope. Let’s be honest here, these references to Richard, may not be my guy at all. If it turns out the Richard McGreevy entertainer, possible marathon dancer, magician is not mine, well, it was a lighthearted and fun search. It’s all good no matter how it works out for Richard.

* Please remember to check my Disclaimers page.

** Sources I used, Ancestry dot com, FamilySearch dot org, GenealogyBank and Newspapers dot com. I have subscriptions to all except FamilySearch which is a free service.

*** Indianapolis articles were clipped from the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana found at Newspapers dot com.

**** I leave you with the winners of the 1929 dance contest held in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram published on March 29, 1929. They are Mickey Sheehan and Miss Jessie Holman, both of Dallas. They took home a cash reward of $1,000, each. They danced 1,537 hours. Take a gander at her dress!

Saturday, April 7, 2018

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 11: Lucky

This post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme. This weeks prompt is, "Lucky". The prompt reads:

Do you have an ancestor who was lucky at something? Lucky to be alive? Lucky at cards? Lucky in love? Maybe you have an ancestor with a name that reminds you of luck or fortune. There's always "luck of the Irish." Maybe you have a story of how luck played a role in finding an ancestor.

Luck surely plays an important part in family research. Actually, I believe it is more that the ancestors want to be found and are not in a mood to play you along and string out the search any longer. Here are several such lucky days in my family research.

There is the ZZ Trumbo cemetery visit. It was a week big on drama. And, how Man drove within 50 feet of the burial spot. I would have parked out front and never pulled way back in to the spot he chose to park the truck. If memory serves, I was not kind to him, asking him, why in the world he parked wayyyyyy back there. Who knew?? The lucky one, this time, Man.

Searching for Hezekiah provided a photo and a long lovely ride in the country side finding the cemetery. As usual when Man and I parked the vehicle, we separated, he took one side of the cemetery, I took the other. I believe this find was mine. The story is here.

The search for Mariah and Joseph Remley and her sister Susie Blanton was similar. Man and I first visited in the days of walkie talkies. He took off in one direction, I in another. I remember no-see-em bites and that he found the burial spot, alas, NO headstone for Mariah or Joseph. We do have a photo from our first visit in 2002, and we revisited in April 2016. I wrote about the 2016 visit here.

Despite all that "luck" I still get shivers when I think of the search for Man's ancestor Charles Clifford and his new bride, Plutheria (Phoebe) Clifford Clifford. Yep, as far as I know, she was born a Clifford and married a Clifford.

I was looking for the Cliffords in the 1851 Canadian census. You can read all about it in my post, One Memory, My Best Genealogy Day, Well, One of the Best.

Lucky me, the lucky researcher. Lucky!

* #52ancestors

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Saturday, April 2, 2016

Heading North, The Ancestors, The Brick Wall:: Keep Them Wheels a Rolling - Winter 2015-2016

I know, my blogging subjects have been jumping all around, this, that, here, there. Ya just never know if it is current or 3 years old stuff. I don't know what to tell ya. Cept, grin, laugh and try to have fun!

We have left the Tampa area and are hop, skipping up the east coast. Mid April we will be in Rockingham County Virginia for genie fun and a spot of business. Until then, we drive, we stop, we dodge storms, and do it again.

I find so far, the route has taken us close to ancestral grounds and a couple of cemeteries I have visited before. But, when in the area, I like to visit the cemeteries again. Pay my respects.

First stop heading north was near Brunswick Georgia which was just a shy 20 miles from Darien where my great grandparents, Joseph E. Bowen and his bride, Minnie Maude Remley Bowen reportedly are buried in the St. Andrews Cemetery. I believe in my heart they are, but, there are no headstones, the church records were a bit vague. They are shown as interred here in the work by Jeannette Austin, "30,638 Burials in Georgia". I have asked her about this, her reading was from years ago, she stated she would not have recorded the burials without some evidence of same at the time she did the recording. Sadly, the evidence has since disappeared. The thing is, Minnie's sister, Susan is buried there. Susan Remley Blanton and Marion Blanton, her husband and her daughter, also Marion. It is my feeling that Joseph E. and Minnie Maud are buried there in the same plot. We know from the church that there is one grave site outlined in stone coping, but otherwise unmarked.

I have written many times here on Reflections about this clan. You can search the blog from the search box available in the top left corner.

When we arrived at the cemetery the biting flies were active, storm troopers, dive bombing. I snapped off a few photos and ran for Jolly. Love the wisteria off to the side.

Our next stop heading north ended up being Walterboro, Colleton County, South Carolina.

Minnie Maud Remley Bowen was born in Walterboro. In previous research here, I paid a visit to the Sandy Dam United Methodist Church and Cemetery. I found Remleys buried there and Grants. Minnie Maud Remley Bowen's mother was Mariah "Maria" Malvirna Grant. Mariah's parents were Jefferson Grant and his wife Rachel (and other spellings, of course) Hargraves, or Hargroves or ??

The Remley and the Grant clan are what I call my true brick walls. Records in the courthouse prior to 1865 just do not exist. Yes, that little issue of the War Between the States. And, yes, the courthouse was burned. And, believe me, there is NOTHING like walking into the courthouse and seeing the earliest records dated 1865, embellished in gold numbers on the outside of the record books. And, yes, it literally took my breath away.

Anyway - - It has been some years since I reviewed and researched the Grants and the Remley clans here in Colleton. What with new record sets showing up on line, I might give it another shot. I would not be surprised to find little, perhaps, nothing more.

As you can see the azaleas are stunning this week.

The Grant and Remley plots I found are buried along the "left" side of the church (if you are facing the church).

The markers are old, worn, small and some are quite hard to read. I feel they are kin, someday, I hope to figure it all out.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Effingham County Georiga, A Day of History and Fun

The Remley clan originally was from Colleton County South Carolina, but, after the Civil War they moved cross the border into Effingham County Georgia. Eventually one of the daughters, Minnie Maud Remley married into the Bowen clan from Bulloch County Georgia (her hubs was Joseph Eugene Bowen. I have written about both on Reflections before.

Despite the fact that Man and I had visited Statesboro (Bulloch County) once or twice before, once for at least a week, we had never wandered over to Effingham County. I decided this trip, this stop, that I would get to Effingham. In fact, we went twice. Once on a research trip, in which I discovered the library was about to close. I did manage some research. On the suggestion of the librarians we contacted the Historic Effingham Society. Their web page seems to be outta wack at the moment, so, here are two links, one to their Facebook page and one to a recent news article. You might want to read the news article, as it talks about the day we went to Effingham the second time.

The "old" Effingham County Courthouse. It is a beauty, for sure!

During the Effingham Festival at the Living History Site they have car shows, see:

The museum was also open, the staff there are wonderful, the displays are well done, and they have a genie library! Yep, I came away with a few group sheets that will provide me a number of great research hours! There was a doll show (FAIL, I missed it! Rats!) Ditto quilt show. Double Rats!

But, Man and I did wander down and fully enjoyed the Living History site next to the museum. This is the Seckinger-Bridgers Home, ca 1900.

Inside, the rooms were wonderful, Sony Too and I had a grand time. The crochet work and quilt, the fireplace, the family photo. SIGHHH

In another corner, the sewing machine and a rocker. Sit a spell, have a rest, here is your fan, let's chat - -

Screened in baby crib.

Lovely dining table.

A panoramic of many of the buildings and the visitors, mulling about, learning, sharing, enjoying.

This is a turpentine still, or part of it anyway. My ancestors in this area were sometimes involved in the production of turpentine. It is an interesting process, that I am still learning bout.

This was in the Cook House"Kitchen". Those are some seriously heavy pots, I just cannot imagine having to lift several of those for each meal that was prepared.

The Cook House "Kitchen", in the foreground, the Gnann Summer House, in the background.

What a lovely headboard and bedroom set. Yes, even a chamber pot.

And, this is what happens when we try to take a photo of the mock Civil War battle and cover our ears at the same time. Those cannons are loud! Caught the smoke even tho I could not hold Sony Too still! LOL

What an enjoyable day at the Effingham Festival.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Mariah, Where Art Thou Buried?

During March 2014, in my participation in the 52 Ancestor Weeks meme, I wrote three pieces on the Grants and the Remleys.

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 9, The Remleys and Grants, Part 1

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 10, The Remleys and Grants, Part 2, this post specifically addressed William H. Remley and his wife Mariah "Maria" Malvirna Grant Remley.

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 11, The Remleys and Grants, Part 3

This week I find myself nearby in Statesboro Georgia. I am doing a bit of research, surrounded by taxes and reality. Today, Man and I drove over to Effingham County. We got a late start (nothing real new there) and I thought it was Tuesday (this "no calendar being retired" stuff tends to get me in a fix because I can never remember what day it is). It actually is Wednesday (who knew), and the library closed early, but, I did get a chance to review their collection. No surprises, nothing really new.

The librarians suggested I could try the Historical Society, so, I called and they were sweet enough to let me stop by even though, they were technically closed too. I walked away with two great family group sheets on a line I have sorta stalled on, the bride married a Remley.

So I did exactly what I have always warned my students about, arriving at a research facility at the wrong time. I sure got lucky!

Next we went off to find two cemeteries. Below is the Corinth Baptist Church, the cemetery is behind it. Note, it is Baptist.

I knew that there were 4 Remley graves here, I manage their memorials, Henry J. Pringle Remley, Howard Ernest Remley, James Winslow Remley, and Eva Caroline Hinely Remley. Henry and James are brothers, sons of William and Mariah Grant Remley. Eva was the wife of James. Howard was the son of James and Eva. There are photos on the memorials, taken by a kind Find A Grave volunteer. This visit was more about paying respects, and of course, wondering if I could see anything that gave me a hint about William and Mariah. See, we still have no idea where William and Mariah are buried, not really.

Below, the entire family area. James and Eva to the far left, then, Howard in the middle, then a space with no marking and then, Henry to the far right.

I had my able and willing assistant stand between Howard and Henry's stones. Hmmm, wonder if there would be two grave sites there. I'm thinking, maybe??

Referring to my notes on Mariah and this map found in the work, "Family and Church Cemeteries, Volume 1", by Lawrence M. Edwards, published in 1969, showing the Corinth Baptist Church, with name circled, lower left section of the map. If you look above that, almost to the top of the map you will see the Mizpah Church. The Mizpah church is Methodist. Mariah's obituary states she was a Methodist and was buried at the Mizpah cemetery. Hmmm? So, I decide I really need to see this Mizpah Church, AKA the Mizpah United Methodist Church, and the cemetery in person.

Now, here is one of those sorta strange things that happen to many that research. A friend had asked for photos of the azaleas which are at their peak of beauty here. I felt I would find some at one of these cemeteries. I have no idea why, I just knew I would, and here they were, glorious, at the Mizpah United Methodist Church. Well, now - -

There is no record of Mariah or William being buried here. This is what appears to be one of the oldest sections of the cemetery, you can see, there is plenty of room for burials. Wooden cross marked burials, where the wooden cross rotted away, leaving no trace? Or many financially poor souls whose families could not afford headstones?

So, I still have no idea where Mariah and William are buried, but, I have my suspicions. Trouble is, Egypt, is much further from Mizpah than it is from Cornith. But, Cornith is Baptist and Mizpah is Methodist. Which leads me to wonder, is Mariah's obituary correct when it states she was Methodist and was buried in the Mizpah cemetery?

Oh, Mariah, Where Art Thou Buried??

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 11, The Remleys and Grants, Part 3

This is week 11 of my participation Amy Johnson Crow's, once a week challenge to blog about one ancestor a week, tell their story, biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on that one ancestor. More about the challenge can be found at her Blog, No Story Too Small.

Today I am going to talk about my Minnie Maude Remley's (my great-grandmother) grandparents. Her grandfather was Jefferson Grant and her grandmother was Rachel Hargraves\Hargroves. So, this is a twofer week, two ancestors, one post.

Very little is known about Jefferson and Rachel, they are named as Mariah Malvirna Grant Remley's parents on Mariah's death certificate.

This is a summary of what I do know, or think I know. Research in Colleton County South Carolina is hindered by the fact that it is truly a burnt county. Stepping into the courthouse and seeing record books with a start date of 1865 will take your breath away and seriously hinders research prior to the Civil War.

Jefferson is found on the following census reports:

1850 US Census of Colleton County, South Carolina: L.T. Grant, age 42, Overseer, listed below the Larisey family; Rachel J., age 41; Maria, age 16; Roeamond, female, age 12; Francis, female, age 12; and Thomas G., age 7.

1860 US Census, St. Barthelomews Parish, Colleton District, South Carolina, Jefferson is enumerated two times:
Jefferson Grant, age 52, Overseer, value of personal property is $4,000., born South Carolina; Rachel J., age 50, born South Carolina; Thomas G., age 15, born South Carolina. The family is enumerated on the same page as Joel Larisey and John Nettles and Fred Fraser. Joel Larisey is listed as a Planter, with real estate valued at $12,700, which further research will show that he owned the Fish Pond Plantation. Fred Fraser is also shown with considerable real estate, which is valued at $12,000. No research on the Fraser land has been done.

1860 US Census, St. Barthelomews Parish, Colleton District, South Carolina: Jefferson age 50, overseer, value of personal property is $300.00, born South Carolina; Rachel age 50, born South Carolina; Givens, age 18, born South Carolina. Here Jefferson is listed on the same page as L. Ann Sauders, whose real estate is valued at $9,000, but whose personal property is valued at $23,400. No further research on the Sauders family has been done.

There is a J. W. Grant listed among the dead in the work "Roll of the Dead, South Carolina Troups, Confederate States Service", by South Carolina Department of Archives and History. He is listed as a Private, Company G, 19th South Carolina V (for Volunteers?), died at Richmond. There is another J. W. Grant listed in the same work, Pickens district, Segt, Company B, 2nd South Carolina R (?), no death place or date listed. Jefferson Grant would have been a bit old for service in the Civil War, about 55 years of age. This is not unheard of, but rather on the unlikely side of probability.

And, there is not a lot more known about Rachel, as notes from her bio on my data base show:

Consider the possibility that her maiden name is GRAVES, not Hargraves. There are Graves families in Colleton County in the correct time frame.

There is a Rachel Grant living with Henry J. Grant in the 1870 US Census of Walterboro Town, Colleton County, South Carolina, she is listed, simply as Rachel, age 55, born South Carolina. Also in the household are Henry J, age 23, clerk in store; Rosanna, age 31, and Maria West, age 5.

There is a Rachel Grant living with Henry Grant in the 1880 US Census, Verdier Township, Colleton County, South Carolina. She is listed as his "mother", age 75. Henry is listed as age 33; also in the house hold are Rosamond or Rosanna, age 42, wife; Jefferson, son age 8; Rachel, daughter, age 7; Isiah, son, age 5; Frank, son, age 3; Rufus, age 1, son, Robert West, age 19, step-son and Maria West, age 15, step-daughter. It is interesting to note that 2 families later is enumerated John Remley and Mahala his wife.

That is about all that I feel comfortable with. I have visited Colleton County, did some research there. Was it all encompassing, probably not. I did visit the public library, did newspaper research, visited the local cemeteries, visited the courthouse. I have not researched the family in the past few years, online or otherwise, as in my heart I feel I have done about all I can. That said, a re-visit to the facts, the available resources and such, never a bad idea.

Wish list, other than wishing to have a do-over of history and have all those burnt records restored, I suppose my wish list would include death and burial information, photos, and a family bible. I am a big dreamer!

* Additional source data can be obtained by contacting me, see the right hand column for a yahoo email address.

** 52 Ancestors Weeks Button courtesy of Amy Johnson Crow.

*** I use many resources to research, FamilySearch.org is a free site. Ancestry.com is a pay site for which I pay, no discounts, etc. None of these sites have asked me to review them, or use them. See my Disclaimers page for further details.

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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 10, The Remleys and Grants, Part 2

This is week 10 of my participation Amy Johnson Crow's, once a week challenge to blog about one ancestor a week, tell their story, biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on that one ancestor. More about the challenge can be found at her Blog, No Story Too Small.

Today I am going to talk about my Minnie Maude Remley's (my great-grandmother) parents. Her father was William R. Remley and her mother was Mariah "Maria" Malvirna Grant Remley. So, this is a twofer week, two ancestors, one post.

William H. Remley was born in South Carolina in December of 1819 or 1820, depending on the source of the date. Mariah/Maria Malvirna Grant was born Jun 10, 1834 at Walterboro, Colleton County, South Carolina, according to her death certificate. William and Maria were married sometime in 1854 in Colleton County, South Carolina according to a Widow's Application for Civil War Pension she filed.

As a young married couple, they appear on the 1860 census, Post Office Walterborough, St. Bartholomew Parish, District of Colleton, South Carolina. William aged 35, occupation a drover, value of real estate is $500.00, value of personal property is $400.00, birth place South Carolina. Enumerated with him are: Maria aged 26, born South Carolina; Juabine, 5 year old female, born South Carolina; Madison, 3 year old male, born South Carolina; and Henry one year old male, born South Carolina.

A William H. Remley served in Company R, Captain Senn's Company, Post Guard, South Carolina. His enlistment date was May 2/3, 1865 and he was paroled in Chester, South Carolina on May 5, 1865, as a private. There are no Amnesty Papers for South Carolina, for William. Maria, as William's widow, states in her Widow's Pension application in 1910 in Effingham County, Georgia, that William had served in Company B, 3rd South Carolina Cavalry. She claimed he enlisted in 1862 at Walterboro, South Carolina and that he left his command at Columbia, South Carolina because he was "not able to do duty" due to rheumatism.

The 1870 census, Verdier Township, Colleton County, South Carolina, shows William H. Remley, aged 50, farmer, value of real estate $200.00, value of personal property is $220.00, born in South Carolina. Enumerated with William are Maria, aged 36, keeping house, born South Carolina; Frances J. (female) aged 12, born South Carolina; Henry J. aged 10, born South Carolina; George W.B. aged 8, born South Carolina; James W. aged 6, born South Carolina; Martha J. aged 4, born South Carolina; and Estell G. aged 1, born South Carolina.

I found a deed recorded in Colleton County, South Carolina, recorded December 12, 1879, from the Sheriff of Colleton County to H. B. H. Langdale, for the consideration of $80.00, covering land owned by W. H. Remley. It would appear that William owed $61.00 "debt", to Eliza Glover, and that Joseph Glover, executor of her estate procured a judgement against William on January 14, 1874. When William did not pay that judgement the Sheriff offered the land at sale and collected the debt and costs (most likely interest and court costs).

It appears around this time William and Maria moved their entire family to Effingham County Georgia. Maria, William's widow, states in her Widow's Pension application in 1910 in Effingham County, Georgia, that they moved to Georgia in 1875. William and Maria's son William Hearl's birth is reported as April of 1875 in Georgia.

The 1880 census, Effingham County, Georgia shows William H. aged 60, farmer born in South Carolina, parents both born South Carolina; Mariah M. aged 45, wife, born South Carolina, parents both born South Carolina; Madison, daughter, aged 22, born South Carolina; Henry J.P., son, aged 20, born South Carolina; George W.B., son, aged 18, born South Carolina; James W., son, aged 16, born South Carolina; Martha M., daughter aged 14, born South Carolina; Estelle G., daughter, aged 11, born South Carolina; Rosa E., daughter, aged 9, born South Carolina; Isabelle D., daughter, aged 7, born South Carolina. Also enumerated were William H., son, aged 5 born in Georgia; and Susan G., daughter, aged 2 born in Georgia.

There is a deed from Sarah Perrie to William H. Remley, dated December 24, 1883 for 100 acres recorded in Effingham County, Georgia.

Mariah petitioned the court of Effingham County Georgia in 1894 to have 40 acres of land set aside for a homestead because her husband William H. Remley was "aged and infirm by reason of chronic diseases of Rheumatism, asthma and disease of the intestines". She petitioned the court because "her husband refuses to apply for setting apart of a homestead of realty out of his lands and for exception of his personalty under the laws now of force in this state". The plat approved by the court was actually for 39 acres. The court case required that a list of his "personalty" or list of property included: One bay mare, small, 4 years old, worth $50.00; one black horse, medium sized, about 12 to 15 years old, worth $50.00; 7 head of cows and yearlings, worth about $35.00; 10 hogs, overall value $10.00; 1 open black buggy, value of $20.00; one iron axle barn cart valued at $5.00; household items, such as 3 chairs, 1 book case, 2 bedsteads and bedding and 1 small bureau were valued at $19.00; a White sewing machine in bad condition was valued at $10.00; 3 saddles, two of which are considered riding saddles were valued at $11.00; 4 hoes and 4 plows (and one stick?) were valued at $3.00; 2 sets plow and ??? gear, valued at $2.00 and finally, one shot gun and fixtures was valued at $8.00. His total personal estate was valued at $221.00. The case lists two creditors, Ben Wamock of Savannah and Dr. H. E. Archer of Grayton, Georgia.

As a result of this petition, we find in Effingham County probate records:

Georgia Effingham County

Office of Ordinary of

said County:

To A.K. Powers, County Surveyor of said county.

You are hereby reauired to enter on the lands of Wm. H. Remley lying in said county containing forty acres more or less and lay off for a homestead for Mariah M. Remley and her family either the whole, or so much of said lands as will not exceed in value the sum of Thirteen hundred and seventy nine (1379) Dollars, and make a plat thereof. And you are hereby further ordered to make return thereof, and the value of the land so platted for homestead, under oath to my office on or by the 3rd day of September 1894, this 21st day of August 1894.

Allen N. Kieffer(?)

Ordinary

Mariah's homestead contained 39 acres:

William died in March of 1900 in Effingham County, Georgia. No death record has been discovered. His burial place has not been discovered.

Mariah was found enumerated on the 1900 U.S. Census of Effingham County, Georgia in the household of her son James W.: Mariah, mother, born June 1837 (or could be 1834, original record hard to read), age 65, widow, one child, which survives, born South Carolina, both parents born South Carolina, housekeeper.

Mariah was enumerated in the 1910 U.S. census of 12th Militia District, Effingham County, Georgia with her son James H. Remley, she is shown as 75 years of age, a widow, 11 children, 9 of whom survive, born South Carolina, both parents born South Carolina

Maria died Jan 13, 1920 at Egypt, Effingham County, Georgia per her death certificate. It is interesting to note that the death certificate does not state her place of interment and I have not discovered it. Despite several searches by volunteers living in the area, we have not found evidence of her burial at the Mizpah Cemetery as her obituary claims.

Mariah's obituary reads:

"The death angel claimed Mrs. M. M. Remley on the 13th inst, and her remains were laid to rest the following day at Mizpah cemetery, the funeral services being conducted by the Pastor, Rev. S.W. Brown. A great many friends and relatives attended the funeral.

She left to mourn her loss nine children, twenty-five grand children and sixteen great grand children, besides many relatives and friends.

Mrs. Remley was born at Waltoboro, S.C., June 30th, 1834, joined the Methodist church in early life, and in 1875 moved her membership to Mizpah church. She remained faithful to her Lord until He called her home. Her husband preceded her to the grave about twenty years ago, and two of her children also went before.

The children now living are H.P. and J.W. Remley of Egypt, Mrs. J.P.. Nettles of Tusculum, W.B. Remley of Graham, Ga., Rosa McGreog of 203 Jones East, W.H. Remley of 579 Barnard St., Savannah, Mrs. H.R. Franklin of Waycross, Mrs. J. E. Bowen and Mrs. Marion Blanton of Ridgeville, Ga, all of whom were present at the funeral except W.B. Remley.

Mrs. Remley was very considerate of those about her, and she was also very patient. My her children imitate her.

Is life worth living? It depends upon your believing. If it ends with this short span, then is man no better than the beasts that perish. But a loftier hope we cherish.

Life out of death is written wide, across life's pages on every side; we cannot think as ended our dear dead ........

With room is.......and fear; love laughs at thought..ending then or here. God would lack meaning if this world were all, and this short life but one long funeral.

God is, Christ loves, Christ lives; and by His own returning gives the pleasure of immortality. The first fruit, He and we, the harvest of victory, the life beyond shall this life far transcend, and death is the beginning, not the end. A Friend"

Wish list, keeping it basic: Discover place of burial for both. Photo of William would be sweet. I have one photo of Maria, if I were greedy, more photos would be nice, ok, I am greedy, PHOTOS!! Adding a layer on the wish list, adding some subtance: Revisit land records of Effingham County, can I determine more about Mariah's story by following any deeds I could find?

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 9, The Remleys and Grants, Part 1

This is week 9 of my participation Amy Johnson Crow's, once a week challenge to blog about one ancestor a week, tell their story, biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on that one ancestor. More about the challenge can be found at her Blog, No Story Too Small.

Today I am going to talk about my great-grandmother, Minnie Maude Remley.

Some of the facts: Minnie Maude Remley was born about 1875 in Walterboro, Colleton County, South Carolina, even her death certificate does not show her birth date, just giving her age as 71 years.

Minnie died November 26, 1948 at Richmond Cedar Works, Norfolk County, Virginia. Her death certificate states the remains were sent to Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. We believe she is buried with her sister's family at the St. Andrews Cemetery, Darien, McIntosh County, Georgia. There is no headstone, but, Jeannette Austin, compiler of the work, "30,638 Burials in Georgia" listed Minnie and her husband, Joseph E.Bowen as having been buried in that cemetery.

I know very little more than the bare facts about Minnie. No stories were passed down and I have discovered nothing more than she was a mother, wife, lived, died.

Minnie's obituary was located in the Wednesday, November 27, 1946 issue of the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Virginia:
"Mrs. Minnie Maude Bowen, 71, died at her residence, Richmond Cedar Works, Norfolk County, yesterday at 3 a.m. after an illness of five years.
A native of Walterboro, S.C., she lived in this section 21 years and was a member of Oak Grove Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph E. Bowen; a son, H. E. Bowen, of Norfolk County, a grandchild, and several sisters and brothers.
The body was removed to the Francis A. Gay Funeral Home, South Norfolk, and will be forwarded this afternoon to the Gibson and Hart Funeral Home, Brunswick, Ga., where services will be held Friday afternoon. Interment will be in the family plot at Brunswick."

I cannot even be 100% sure that the photo I have of her, which was so graciously shared by a Remley cousin, is actually Minnie. We believe it is, however - -

I do have her family bible, here is where she recorded the births of her children. Only Hayden lived to marry and have a son of his own. It should be noted that the handwriting on the three pages of records is the same. I have no idea, however, if it is actually her handwriting. I have nothing else of hers to compare it to. The bible is the only thing that I do have that was hers.

Wish list for Minnie:

Verification that the photo I have, is in reality, Minnie.

Additional records, church, newspaper, civil, land, anything.

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