#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 48 Christopher Miller

#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 48
Prompt: Next to Last

Next to the Last Did Not Last

Christopher Columbus (Lum) Miller

By the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde

Columbus C. Miller (Lum) was the next to last child of John Miller and his wife, Nancy Mary Wilson.  He was born in Rising Fawn, Dade County, Georgia to a deeply religious and outstanding family. He moved to Polk County, Arkansas, with his parents in 1859 at 14 in Montgomery County, Arkansas. He died on 12 April 1891, leaving a wife and three children to mourn him.  The children scattered.  This next to the last line died out. 

Children of Christopher (Lum) Miller and Melinda A. (Sis) Wilson are:

i. James J. Miller, b. Jul 1869, Polk County, Arkansas; d. Abt. 1870, Polk County, Arkansas.

ii.  Nancy Miller, b. Sep 1870, Polk County, Arkansas; m. William F. LEMONS, 09 Oct 1897; b. Polk County, Arkansas. They had one child that died as an infant.

2.iii. Glydas (Dovie) Miller was born 10 February 1879in Polk County, Arkansas, and died 01 Jul 1958 in Siskiou, California.  She married Arlie B. Williams on 24 September 1899 in Polk County, Arkansas.  He was born 15 Nov 1872 in Arkansas and died on 22 Oct 1961 in Siskiou, California.  

12 day of May 1910, Kosoma Twp, Pushmataham Oklahoma, Pushmataha County Oklahoma.  Glydas (Dovie) and her brother Gaylord were living together: 

Gaylord 20 head Arkansas. Georgia, North Carolina.

Gertrude 04niece Arkansas. Arkansas. Arkansas

Name:    Dovie Williams

Age in 1910:    31

Estimated birth year:    1878

Birthplace:    Arkansas

Home in 1910:    KOSOMA TWP, PUSHMATAHA, Oklahoma

Race:    White

Gender:    Female

Series:    T624

Roll:    1271

Part:    2

Page:    295B

Year:    1910 12 May 1910, Pushmataha County, Oklahoma/Miller.

Glydas and her brother Gaylord were living together: 

Gaylord 20 head Arkansas. Georgia, North Carolina.

Gertrude 04 niece Arkansas. Arkansas. Arkansas

1920 U.S. Federal Census Lewiston Nez Pierce, Lewiston City, Idaho - 13 January 1920

Artie B. Williams W M 46 M  Arkansas, Arkansas, Arkansas

Dovie 40   WF 40 M Arkansas North Carolina Georgia

Gertrude Hinley 19 daughter Arkansas, Arkansas, Arkansas

1920 U.S. Federal Census Winchester Village, Lewiston, Idaho22 January 1920

Arley B. Williams W M 47 M Arkansas Alabama Arkansas

alone - they must have separated between 13 January and 22 January, or they are different men.   Glydas (Dovie) and Arlie had one daughter, Gertrude (Lulu) born 21 November 1901 in Polk County, Arkansas, who married: 1. Hinley (died before 1920); she married 2. Johnson.  Gertrude died on 11 March 1981 in Siskiou, California, leaving no heirs. 

iv. Gaylord Miller, b. May 1888, Polk County, Arkansas; d. 02 Oct 1940, Chiloquin, Washington. Gaylord lived with his sister Nancy.  He met his death in an untimely way according to the United Press on 2 October 1940 in Chiloquin, Washington.  

Man Dies from Stab Wounds, Indian Sought after Knifing at Chiloquin,  Gaylord Miller, 52, expires at Agency; Roland Hicks Hunted.

Gaylord Miller, 52, a white logger, died at the Agency hospital at 3 AM Wednesday of a stab wound in the chest, sustained a few hours earlier at an Indian house in Chiloquin. Sheriff Llyod L. Low and District Attorney L. Orth Sisemore, called to Chiloquin Wednesday morning, and said they were looking for Roland Hicks, a young Klamath Indian, as a suspect in the stabbing.

Party described

The officers questioned a number of Indians and other witnesses at Chiloquin and pieced together a story of a "Party" at the house of Rose Hough, in Chiloquin, followed by the knife play that left Miller bleeding on the floor.  They were told that those at the Hough house in the afternoon were Rose Hough, Rufus Hicks, and his wife, Monroe Faithful, Roland Hicks, and Miller.

In the late afternoon, according to the information given by the officers, all left but Roland Hicks, Miller and Mrs. Hough.  District Attorney Sisemore said he was told that Roade and Hicks became involved in an argument and Hicks hit the woman on the jaw.  She showed a "strawberry" on her cheek in support of that statement.  Hicks then left, leaving Miller at the house, according to this account.

Knock on Door

Later, Sisemore said he was told there was a knock at the rear door of the house. Miller heard the noise and went to the door.  Mrs. Hough told the officers she could not see the door from where she was sitting but said that she heard voices.  She said that Miller backed into the living room with his hands on his chest.   He fell down, and blood pumped from a hole in his chest.

Hicks suspected

Mrs. Hough went downtown, and it was some time before she could find an officer.  Miller was then removed to the Agency hospital, where he died of hemorrhage. Sisemore said that Hicks was suspected in the case because of the previous events of the afternoon, the fact he had disappeared, that Mrs. Hough said she saw him running from the house after Miller had been attacked, and remarks ascribed to Miller after the stabbing.    Sheriff Low was looking for Hicks at mid-afternoon and was expected to take him into custody shortly.  It was reported he had told persons at Chiloquin that if Sheriff Low came after him, he would be waiting.  Sisemore said the officers had reason to believe drinking had been going on before the trouble at the Hough house.  Hicks has been a prisoner at the county jail on misdemeanor charges. Miller has been working in the wood is this section for several years.  He lived at the home of Pat Cathright at Chiloquin.  Dr. George H. Adler, the coroner conducted an autopsy on the body of Miller Wednesday afternoon. He said he found the lung had been punctured with a sharp instrument causing a fatal hemorrhage.

October 5, 1940

Hicks accused of 1st Degree Murder in Knife Case.  

First Degree Murder Charges filed by federal officers Saturday morning against Raymond Hicks, 36-year-old Klamath Indian held in connection with the knife slaying of Gaylord Miller, white logger. Hicks was arraigned at 11:am. Saturday before US Commissioner Bert C. Thomas. Counsel for the Indian is an attorney J. J. O'Neil.  No bail, recommitted to the county jail.  The charge grew out of an alleged drinking party in a house at Chiloquin last Tuesday night.  When he answered a knock at the door, Miller received chest stabs and died at the Agency hospital the next morning.  Officers said Hicks had been at the house a short time earlier.

October 11, 1940

Roland Hicks, Klamath Indian, was indicted by the federal grand jury at Medford Thursday on a first degree murder charge.  Hicks is accused In the knife slaying of Gaylord Miller, a white logger, at the Rose Hugg home at Chiloquin. It has been alleged that he left the house after a party, returned to the back door, knocked, stabbed Miller when he answered the knock.  Hicks was quoted by the officers as saying he could remember nothing of the incident.

Christopher Columbus (Lum) Miller was born next to the last in a large family of fine young men and women.  His line did not last.  His line died out with the birth of a granddaughter.

#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 47 Thankful for Me!

#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 47
Prompt: Thankful

Thanksgiving Day - Thankful for Me!

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde

The challenge of writing about the word thankful is easy. I am thankful for my ancestors, or I wouldn't be here.  I am thankful I am.  I am thankful to have the opportunity to research and write about my ancestors because it fleshes out who I am.  Perhaps one day, my descendants will discover that learning about their past is a light to their present. 

I was born in Northwood, Iowa, about a trillion years ago to Ervin Gelnor Vold, the grandson of Norwegian immigrants, and Rose Miller Vold, the daughter of Ruby Anna King (my only German ancestor) and Coy Clifton Miller, whose lineage I have traced to Colonial America.  My father jokingly said he was 'pure,' and he teased my mother that she was Heinz 57.  

Being Norwegian was integral to my identity, perhaps because my grandparents and father spoke Norwegian fluently.  Dad sang Norwegian songs, taught me to count to ten, and named my fingers and toes in Norwegian. We observed Norwegian customs for holidays.  As a child, I assumed and thought I was fully Norwegian.  

My mother had no Norwegian ancestors; my mother's family didn’t come into play until the day I was completing lineage in my first baby's tree. When I asked my mother for names, she wrote down the names of my ancestors on little scraps of paper.  I was amused to think I was also German, English, Irish and Scottish.  

The problem with filling out a family history tree is that once you find one ancestor, two more parents are waiting to be discovered.  Being a compulsive, needing to get things done person yesterday, I began ancestor hunting in earnest.  I always have another line to complete on the tree!  I am so very thankful to all of the people who have helped with my research projects. 

I am thankful and indebted to the Hallinglag, a society of the descendants of Hallingdal, Norway; I am a member, as were my Norwegian grandparents. It is a wonderful genealogy society.  The Norwegian American Museum and Genealogy Museum in Decorah, Iowa, is another great resource.  Traveling to Norway three times put everything into perspective.  

The written (unpublished) history of my Norwegian ancestors dates to the 12th century in Norway, titled The Spirit Runner.  My children have copies of The Spirit Runner in loose-leaf form. 

I love my Norwegian Heritage.  I feel more Norwegian than the DNA estimate of 50% Norwegian; I must be at least 51% Norwegian.  That’s my best guess I’m sticking to it.  I hope to give my grandchildren a strong sense of their Norwegian heritage by gifting them Norwegian rosemaled heirlooms.  Their father’s Forde ancestors are “pure” Norwegian also. 

Yes, there is that other side of my family, the non-Norwegian, Heinz ’57 ancestry, that compelled me to publish their stories in The Spirit in the South, the Stories of Our Grandmother's Spirit(Author House, 2008).  Mom’s Germanic lineage is online at Ancestry.com and on Rootsweb.com titled Wagner Schulz.  National Genealogy Society Quarterly did not allow a title, Nancy Drew Does DNA.  This title was appealing.  It described how I solved the mystery as to why my mother's Virginian grandfather moved to Worth County, Iowa in 1894.  The story was ultimately published by Author House, titled, A Lost Sheep of Shenandoah, March 2022.

In summation, my Norwegian and Heinz 57 ancestors produced me, and I am thankful to every last one of them (even those still hiding from my research) because, without even one of them, I wouldn’t be me, and I like being me! 

#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 46 Martha Bankston Why Not?

#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 46
Prompt:  A Random Fact

Who, What, When, and Where, but not Why?

The  Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde

The date, 21 October 1809, jumped off the page right smack into my face!  Who? My 4^thgreat grandmother’s sister, mother, and many friends submitted to “Believer’s Baptism” on that date by the Rev. Jesse Mercer in Wilkes County, Georgia.  The newly baptized did not include my Martha Bankston Sappington and her father, Lawrence Bankston.  They did not participate.  Why?  

 Martha Bankston was married about 1809 to Caleb, son of Richard Sappington, and Rebecca, daughter of Revolutionary War patriot Frederick “Fadda” Jarrett, and his wife, Martha, daughter of patriots Hugh and Elizabeth Ivey.  Martha and Caleb established a home on 111 acres purchased from Caleb’s parents; it adjoined the Sappington parents’ and siblings’ properties on China Grove Road near Beaverdam Creek in Wilkes County, Georgia.  

Why is one of the many questions I would like to ask Martha Bankston Sappington about her decision not to jump into the Baptist water?  I find her story compelling because it is set amid fierce denominational competition in northeast Georgia and in her own family.

Martha’s father, Lawrence Bankston, descended from a long line of prominent Philadelphia Lutherans, yet his grandmother descended from Dutch Reformed and Quakers. When Lawrence’s grandfather, Lawrence Sr., moved from Philadelphia to North Carolina, he was a member of St. Matthew’s Parish Church (Anglican; Haigler, op. cit.), probably because there was not a Lutheran congregation in proximity; the Anglican Church is similar to Lutheran catechesis and worship. The Anglican Church fell into disrepute with the American Revolution against England, and many Protestant groups arose with evangelical fervor, especially Methodism and a variety of Baptist movements. Lawrence’s father and mother, Peter and Priscilla Bankston, lived amidst fiery Baptist preaching and became founding members of the Mars Hill Baptist Church in Clarke County, Georgia, in 1799.

During this time, Nancy Henderson Bankston’s parents succumbed to the waters of rebaptism. They became charter members of Sardis Baptist Church, having come from Anglican roots in North Carolina and earlier Virginia. Five years later, Nancy and her daughter Isabella Bankston Irvin were also received “by experience” (baptism by immersion). Lawrence Bankston was not a member of his wife and in-laws’ Baptist church at Centreville (now Rayle), Georgia. According to the Sardis Church records, Nancy Henderson Bankston was buried next to her father, Joseph Henderson. Lawrence Bankston was not buried in that cemetery.  The wording in Lawrence Bankston’s obituary pointed to the denominational struggle, stating that Lawrence’s eternal future was unknown, left in the hands of “the Judge who would do what was right.”

I suggest that Lawrence Bankston was not on the rolls or buried in the Sardis Cemetery beside his wife and her parents because he maintained the teachings of his youth. The obituary is telling: the author of the obituary was his son-in-law, a Baptist preacher. He obviously loved Lawrence but had a problem with Lawrence’s religious beliefs or lack thereof. I find good cause that Lawrence Bankston held fast to the Lutheran belief of his youth, as memorized in catechesis, “Baptism is not a human work but an act of God” (The Augsburg Confession, a Commentary by Leif Grane, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, MN 1987, p. 106). My theory gave birth to Martha Bankston’s interpretative essay.

Martha’s mother and sisters were baptized into membership at the newly formed Sardis Baptist Church. That random fact shaped my thoughts as I imagined Martha’s faith instruction from her Lutheran father. Inherent in Lutheranism is the Small Catechism, written by Martin Luther as a tool for parents to teach their children the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments. As a Lutheran, I visualized Martha’s struggle and the discovery of her voice instructing her grandchildren.  I am Martha’s fifth great-granddaughter, a Lutheran minister, and a beneficiary of Martha’s voice.  So, too, I discovered my voice in teaching my children and my children’s children.  The voice of faith continues to echo through generations.

Martha’s Dream:  21 October 1809

Through the gray mist of her dream world, Martha was once again celebrating her mother’s and sister’s believer’s baptisms and a belated celebration of her marriage to Caleb Sappington six months prior.

Martha had been quiet as she watched her sister, Isabella Irvin, her mother, Nancy Bankston, and a large crowd of newly saved dressed in white be plunged into the waters of Long Creek by the Rev. Jesse Mercer, the captivating preacher from Sardis Church. The dripping-wet baptized were now received by experience to Sardis Baptist Church, additional fruit from the religious revivals that gripped Wilkes County.

Images of Grand Pa Joseph Henderson as a young man again, a tall, dignified man who wore ruffled shirts with knee breeches, silver buckles on his shoes, a white powdered wig, and a three-cornered cap. People called him Captain Henderson following his service during the American Revolution. Still, she lovingly called him Grand Pa. Sitting beside him was Grandmother Adelphia Lea, tall, willowy, and elegant without an outward sign of aging. Joseph Callaway and his family were standing by her grandparents, their neighbors on Clarke Creek. Nearby, Grandpa Fadda Jarrett and Grandma Martha Ivey Jarrett were present, too. But how could this be? Grandma Jarrett had died many years ago. Grandpa Fadda’s new wife, Atha Pinkston Jarrett, and the large Jarrett clan were all seated in a circle close to the Hendersons. Hyram! Her brother’s face floated before her, but he was dead! She tried to reach out to him, but he could not be touched. Esther! Sallie! Her dear sisters! How could this be? Hyram, Esther, Sallie, all of the guests, and her grandparents were all smiling and joyful.

The images floated in and out until Martha found herself standing beside her husband, Caleb, as he talked to some of the more prominent members of the community. The topic was Georgia’s new leader, Governor Mitchell. The group was apparently quite divided on their opinions of him. Some came close to worshipping the man as a hero, while others despised everything about him, right down to his clothes. This was really nothing new. The men always seemed to have a problem with anyone in a position of power greater than their own. This constant talk of politics held very little interest for Martha, and so it was that she left her husband’s side to find something more entertaining.

Distracted, Martha caught sight of the beautiful floral arrangements her sister Isabella had gathered from her garden at Liberty Hall, the Irvin plantation. Looking closer, Martha spotted the food and headed to try a few of the many dishes arranged on tables around the lawn. The yellow and red fruits and vegetables burst with flavor as she ate. The bits of cut ham and Isabella’s apple cider were also delicious. However, she decided it would be best to refrain from further consumption until supper was served so the other guests would not think her rude.

She floated among the guests, eavesdropping, until she saw her father, Lawrence “Lary” Bankston, walking into the house toward his study. The social atmosphere had never been his favorite, and he would often sneak off on his own for a bit of peace and quiet…and some tobacco.

Martha needed to talk to Pa about some matters of faith; in particular, she wanted advice concerning the denomination where she should raise her future children. She knew her father’s views differed from her mother’s about the circuit riders preaching hellfire and damnation. She knew he loved God the Creator and trusted in Jesus for his salvation; he had no taste for the doomsday revival messages.

It was with this thought in mind that she went to see her father. She followed him out of the room, through the halls, and into the study. Sitting down, he watched her come through the door and smiled.

“Be a dear and bring me my pipe, would you, my dear Marthy?” he asked her.

“Of course, Pa,” she replied.

She brought his favorite ornately carved wooden pipe, handed it to him, and watched him pack his favorite tobacco into the small round bowl. He took the pipe into his mouth and lit it, puffing on it softly until a light smoke curled into the air. Only after this was done did his full attention return to his daughter. Martha’s words tumbled out.

“Pa, you are the only one who knows that Caleb and I are expecting our first child; I haven’t told Mother yet because I still don’t know which religion to choose for this child. If I don’t choose a believer’s baptism, she will be in such terrible distress. Should I raise my baby to be a Baptist, like Mother and my Henderson grandparents? Grandpa Peter Bankston was a Baptist, too! Do you think if the baby is a girl and I named her Nancy after Mother, she would not be so disappointed if we followed the Methodists? Caleb’s family is of the Methodist persuasion, and there are so many pastors in the family. Or should I consider the Lutheran faith, like Great-Grandpa Lawrence, or Quaker, like my Great-Grandma Rebecca Bankston? My Sappington and Jarrett grandparents were Anglican! Faith is an important part of life, Pa, and I am confused! Isabella’s and Mother’s baptism has really thrown me into disarray.”

“Well, Marthy, you know how I feel about such matters. But this is a choice for your heart. No one else can choose for you and your husband. For myself, well, I try to look at things from god's perspective and not my own. My father taught me the ways of faith from Luther’s Small Catechism, just as he had been taught, to believe God created us, together with all creatures. Look at all God has given us: body, soul, eyes, ears, limbs, and senses. Isn’t it wondrous, Marthy, how God daily and abundantly provides for us without merit or worthiness on our part?”

“Yes, Pa, I do believe what you say. But I am searching for a word from God, for God to speak, to give me an answer. Do you think God speaks to us, Pa? Sometimes it seems that He whispers to me in the night.”

“I have found it to be so, yes. I, too, have known whispers in the night. When I was a boy—and frightened of God—a man of God told me that, because I am baptized, God sees me wearing Jesus’ white robe of righteousness. God sees His son in me! When I was a young man and terror-stricken, facing down an enemy’s rifle, God whispered, ‘Do not be afraid, for I am with you.’ As an adult, when I have questioned God or struggled with doubt, your mother is always the bearer of God’s love, reminding me again to trust. God’s voice was the clearest as I watched life spring into being as you and your siblings were born.

“But, my dearest Marthy, whatever path you and Caleb choose, if you follow your heart, you and your little ones will be welcomed into God’s kingdom. That is God’s will for you. In the end, it is up to you to decide how to best raise them, and that includes deciding which denomination will suit your own beliefs.”

She hugged him tightly, saying, “Thank you for the advice, Pa. I do so love that I can talk to you about anything. I do appreciate it. I’ll do my best with the child; I think I know which direction to follow.”

In truth, however, Martha had made up her mind then and there that she would raise the children in her husband’s faith as Methodists.

#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 45-- Elijah, Goatee to a Beard

#52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Challenge Week 45
Prompt: Bearded

McDannal to McDonald

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde

Elijah, a young man with a goatee, became an old man with a long beard.  Maybe it was just too much work to shave.   I pondered the question by looking at the photo of my great grandfather Elijah McDonald whose beard increased from a goatee to a long beard.  As he aged, he also changed the spelling of his surname from McDaniel to McDonald.  Cousin Tommy Wayne McDonald reports the name was pronounced McDannal before the War Between the States, and after Elijah signed the Oath of Allegiance, he used the name, McDonald.  

I can’t answer the question about his beard, nor can I answer the question about his Scottish roots.  Cousin Tommy Wayne McDonald donated YDNA to learn more about Elijah’s obvious Scottish roots; despite testing with FTDNA, Y-Full, and Full Genomes, we cannot determine Elijah’s grandparents or from whence he came from Scotland.  He does not match the Clan McDonald.   His McDonald lineage was probably from an unidentified Sept in Scotland.  With ongoing thanks to Tommy Wayne McDonald for research and analysis, here is Elijah’s life.  

Elijah McDonald and Martha Brooks 

            Elijah McDonald - Old Man

Timeline 

Elijah McDaniel – McDonald

Elijah was born on 20 May 1834, probably in Talbot County, Georgia, to William and Sarah McDaniel.  William McDaniel was enumerated in the 1830 U.S Federal Census, Chester, Fairfield County, South Carolina.  By 1840 the family has migrated to Talbot County, Georgia. William McDaniel is believed deceased by 1847.  By 1850, the family had moved to Alabama.

1850 U.S. Federal Census Chambers County, AlabamaName Place of Birth Age Other Information

Sarah McDaniel South Carolina 54

Sarah South Carolina 23

Hiram South Carolina 22

Ervin South Carolina 22

Elijah Georgia 16

Elisha Georgia 12

James M. Georgia 11

Mary Alabama 9

Caroline Not Given 20 Wife of Hiram

Note: Marriage bond for Hiram and Caroline found. William McDaniel was second bondsman.

Summary of 1850 Census information leads to the following conclusion:

Wife - Sarah McDonald/McDaniel, widow of William

1. John

2. William

3. Sarah

4. Hiram

5. Ervin

6. Elijah

7. Elisha

8. James M.

9. Mary M.

10. Sarah A.

11. Nancy

12. William Jr. (maybe a grandson)

John could have been on his own in 1850 - Chambers Co, Alabama

William - 37 could have been on his own or dead in 1860 - Pike County,

Hiram - 32 could have been on his own or dead in 1860 - Pike County,

Ervin - 28 could have been on his own or dead in 1860 - Pike County,

Elijah - 26 on his own, married to Martha Brooks in 1860 – Pike County, - living down the road

1860 U.S. Federal Census Pike County, Monticello Township, AlabamaName Place of Birth Age Other Information

Sarah McDonald South Carolina 63

John South Carolina 40

Sarah South Carolina 33

Elisha Georgia 23

James Georgia 20

Mary M. Georgia 18

Sarah A. Al 15

Nancy Al 12

WM J. Alabama 11

Note the names and ages of Sarah McDonald, head of household, Sarah, Elisha, James, and Mary between the two censuses. It would appear that this is Elijah's family. I suspect that John is the eldest child and Sarah A., Nancy, and WM. J. are his children.

1860 U.S. Federal Census - Pike County, Monticello Township, AlabamaName Place of Birth Age Other Information

Wm. McDonald South Carolina 36

Cynthia Georgia 36

Celia M. Alabama 13

General J. Alabama 12

Isham J. Alabama 9

WM. J. Alabama 5

Mary F. Alabama 2

Sarah Alabama 15

Edward() Smith Georgia 23 Farm Laborer

(William McDonald Jr. - above)

1866 Pike County CensusHead of Household

Ages of Males Ages of Females

0-10 10-20 30-40 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40

Caroline MCDANIEL1 3 3 1 1 1

It could be Hiram's wife: She would have been 36 years of age. They would have been married for 16 years.

ELIJAH'S MARRIAGE:

Pike County Courthouse, Oak Street, Troy, Pike County, Alabama, Marriage Records, 1853-1859 p. 236.

On October 23, 1856, Elijah married Martha Brooks, daughter of Jacob Rutledge Brooks of Pike County, Alabama. Caleb Sappington Brooks, Martha's brother, signed their marriage bond, $200.00. They were both twenty-two years old at the time of their marriage.

1860 U.S. Federal Census- Alabama - Pike County, Eastern Division Monticello Post Office:

Census-Roll 21, Vol. 11, Film # 080 3021, p. 185-4 September 1860 -line #21, dwelling # 1269 fam. # 1288.

Elijah McDaniel/McDonald, 25, Georgia farmer with 185 Acres of land, Birthplace, Georgia

Martha, wife, age 26, born in Georgia

Children: Rebecca, age 3, and William J. age 2, both born in Alabama.

1866 Alabama State Census

Elijah and Martha are enumerated in Montgomery County, Alabama

1870 U.S. Federal Census - Alabama- Bullock County, Scotland Beat #21, p. 5. line #28, dwelling # 61, Family # 61 12 August, 1870

Post Office Arborvitae, H. T. MCull, Asst. Marshal; Ancestry.com, RollM653_21, p.361, 1870.

Name: Elijah McDonald

Age in 1870: 35

Estimated Birth Year: 1834

Birthplace: Georgia

Home in 1870: Scotland, Bullock, Alabama

Race: White

Gender: Male

Value of real estate: View Image

Post Office: Arbarvital

Roll: M593_4

Page: 77

Image: 155

Year: 1870

McDonald, Elijah, 35, male white farmer born in Georgia

Martha, age 34, female, white, keeping house, born in Georgia

Rebecca, age 13, female, white, born in Alabama

Laura, age 4, female, white, born in Alabama

No Name, 4 months, male, white, born in May Alabama

Martha and Elijah are enumerated with three children: Rebecca, 13; Laura, 4, and no name, four months old (Caleb Sappington). Sometime between the 1860 Federal Census and the 1866 State Census, William J. McDonald died.  Following the 1870 Federal Census, Elijah and his young family decided to move west towards Arkansas or Texas.  According to Rebecca’s daughter, Retha,  her mother was 13 when "She left Alabama with her family and traveled by raft up the Arkansas River to Fort Smith."

Frank McDonald, Elijah's youngest son by his second wife, writes, "They left Alabama because Elijah's first wife was ill.  She died en route in a wagon."  According to her granddaughter, Retha Looney, she was buried in Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood Cemetery, Sebastian County, Arkansas. There are many unmarked graves in the old section of Liberty Cemetery.

One of Elijah's descendants wrote that Will Johnston of Greenwood, Arkansas, and his sister, Martha Elizabeth Johnston, took in Becky, while another family took in Caleb and Laura.  Will Johnston married Becky in January of 1874, and Elijah married Martha Elizabeth in July 1874. Will and Becky stayed in Greenwood.  Elijah and Martha may have moved to Oklahoma for some time, returning to Montgomery County, Arkansas, by 1890.  Elijah and Martha had four more children, of whom three survived.

Sebastian County Marriage Records- 1873-1880 - Sebastian County Courthouse, Greenwood, Arkansas

"This certifies that I, H. H. Peninger, an ordained minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, did duly join in marriage in Sebastian County Arkansas, on the 12th day of May 1874, the following persons to wit: Elijah McDonald, aged 3 9 years and M.E. Johnston, aged31 years, both of Sebastian County, Arkansas.  My credentials were recorded in Sebastian County, Arkansas, on November 15th, 1873. H. H.Peninger.  The above and foregoing instrument of writing was filed for record in my office on the 29th day of August A.D. 1874.

1880 U.S. Federal Census - N/A They may have moved to Oklahoma Territory. 

1890 U.S. Federal Census Alabama, Ouachita township: Eliak McDonald, Martha, James T., Frank.

Elijah and his second wife, Martha Elizabeth Johnston McDonald; his Father was born in South Carolina. Mother was born in South Carolina. According to the 1890 census, Elijah could read but not write.

1900 U.S. Federal Census Montgomery County, Arkansas, Ouachita Township Dwelling # 32, Family # 32: Film # 1240069

Elijah McDanal (sic) - born 1834 in Georgia - parents both South Carolina - still farming at 66, owned the land free of mortgage, could read, but not write; wife Martha born in 1842 in Tennessee, parents from North Carolina & South Carolina, could read and write (made a mark on the pension request - don't know if she could write), mother of 4, with 3 children living; 2 sons living at home - James T and Frank - both listed as having been born in Arkansas - did farm work. James T. was born in the Indian Territory, according to his birth and death certificate.

Sam Pyler, a resident of Rocky, Montgomery County, Arkansas, told a cousin, Linda Miller, that when he was three years old and orphaned, Elijah and Mattie took him in. Sam Pyler said that Elijah and Mattie were small people.  Elijah had a war injury to the second knuckle that caused it to be bent forward and down. Elijah was good at prayers; he was a devout member of the Methodist Church.  Elijah died in 1904 of tuberculosis.  He is buried next to Mattie in Rocky Cemetery. A descendant of Mattie and Elijah's, La Wanda Higgins, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has several items that belonged to them, including clothing, a razor, and Mattie's hymn book.  She also has Elijah's original documents from the War Between the States.

Memo regarding marriage information from Elijah's second marriage: Marriage information came from Elizabeth Johnston McDonald's bible (Mattie).

The following is not in the Bible:

McDonald, Infant - Born and Died May 26, 1913

Daughter of J. B. and Della McDonald

McDonald, (Double Stone) Della A.1879 - 1969 & James B.1868 - 1942

McDonald, James B. 1910 - 1944

Alabama:  Elijah McDaniel War Record

1. Enlisted at Camp Alabama, Florida July 26, 1861, by Col. Steadman for the enlistment of 12 months. Elijah McDaniel

2. Muster Roll for (Old) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry, July and August 1861, Camp Alabama. Present Elijah McDaniel

3. Muster Roll for (Old) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry. September and October 1861, Camp Alabama. Present. Last paid by L.T.Johnston on August 31, 1861, Elijah McDaniel

4. Muster Roll for (Old) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry, November and December 1861, Camp Alabama. Present.  Last paid by L.T.Johnston on October 31, 1861. Enlistment renewed for 2 years. Bounty Due $50.00. Elijah McDaniel

5. Regimental Return January 1862; He reenlisted for 2 years or the war. On furlough to his residence. Elijah McDaniel

6. Muster Roll for (Old) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry. July 31 to October 31, 1862. Present.  Last paid by Capt. McLure on July 31, 1862.  The Governor of Alabama originally called this regiment January 1861, for 12 months, as 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry. It was reorganized on March 2, 1862, at Fort Barances, Fla.   As of 1st regiment, Alabama Artillery, again reorganized April 1862 at Memphis, Tennessee.   As of 1st Regiment Alabama Infantry. This company subsequently became (New) Company E, 1st Alabama Infantry.

7. Muster Roll for (New) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry. December 31, 1862, to April 30, 1863. Present Enlisted E. McDaniel

8. Muster Roll for (New) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry April 30 to November 30, 1863. Absent without leave.  Enlisted June30, 1861 at Camp Alabama for 1 year by Col Clayton. Elijah McDaniel

9. Muster Roll for (New) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry November 30 to December 31, 1863. Absent without leave. E. McDaniel

10. Muster Roll for (New) Company E, 1st Regiment, Alabama Infantry April 17, 1864, at Fort Gaines, Alabama. Absent without leave.  The soldier returned with satisfactory evidence exonerating him. E. McDaniel

Roll of Captain Jno. H. Wood's Company 'E' of the 1st Regiment Alabama Volunteers,  Army of the Confederate States, Col. Steadman, in compliance with Par. III, G.O> No. 27, A. & I. Genl. O. Richmond, Va.

11. Ross Hospital, Mobile, Ala. Complaint Debitlity, Admitted April13 1864, Returned to duty April 15, 1864. E. McDaniel

12. Fort Hudson, July 1863 Elijah McDaniel was on the list of non-commissioned officers and privates, prisoners of war, who have been this day released upon their paroles.

13. Marshall Hospital, Columbus, Georgia for clothing, 3rd quarter,1864.  Date of issue July 13, 1864. Elijah McDaniel.

14. Roll of Prisoners of War at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois. Captured Island No. 10, April 8, 1862, Elijah McDonne ll, private,  County,  B1st Regiment, Alabama.

15. Roll of Prisoners of War at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois. Captured Island No. 10, April 8, 1862 Sent from Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, to Vicksburg, Mississippi., September 23, 1863, to be exchanged. E McDaniel, private County E 1st Re g't Alabama.

16. Roll of Prisoners of War paroled at Port Hudson, La., July 12 and 13, 1863. Captured Port Hudson July 9, 1863, Elijah McDaniel, private, County E 1st Regiment, Alabama.

17. Roll of Prisoners of War received at Military Prison, Louisville, Kentucky.  Captured Nashville, Tennessee, December 15, 1864.  Elijah McDonald, private  County E 1st Regiment Alabama. Discharged C. Douglas December 20, 1864

18. Roll of Prisoners of War received at Military Prison, Louisville, Kentucky. Captured  Nashville, Tennessee, December 1, 5, 1864. Received December 19, 1864. Discharged on December 20, 1864, and sent to Camp Douglas. Elijah McDonald, private County E 1st Regiment Alabama.

19. Roll of Prisoners of War received at Camp Douglas, Ill., Dec. 23,1864 forwarded from Louisville, Kentucky. Elijah McDonald, private County E 1st Regiment Alabama.

20. Roll of Prisoners of War at Nashville, Tennessee, captured by forces under Maj. Gen. Thomas, commanding Dept. of the Cumberland, forwarded to Capt. S.E. Jones, Add'l A.D.C., Louisville, Ky., Dec 18,1864. Roll dated December 18, 1864. Elijah McDonald

From Elijah's Civil War Records.

Oath of Allegiance - 2 recorded dates

United States Oath: I, Elijah McDonald, of the county of Pike, state of Alabama, do solemnly swear to support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the UnitedStates - Camp Douglas, Illinois - 19 June 1865

(above named has a dark complexion, light hair, and blue eyes, 6 feet high)

bottom = 24 August 1865

Recommended reading: History of Scotland Community by Clara LottCameron, Collections, and Recollections of Bullock County.

p. 91-92. Also see, Bullock County and The War Between the States, p. 139, History of Bullock County,

As the reader notes, Elijah died owning a razor that now belongs to LaWanda Huggins in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We still don’t know why Elijah grew a beard from a goatee!