Note: I believe that William Braswell below was a son William and Mary Braswell and a grandson of Richard and Sarah Braswell of Isle of Wight Co., Virginia. I've love to hear from anyone who connects to any of these people. Please email me. Thank you.
1. William1 Braswell was born circa 1695 Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.1,2 He married Margaret Unknown before 7 Jun 1718.3,4 He died in 1785 Nash Co., North Carolina.5
Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina Deed Books A-H 1720-1757, abstracted by Mary Best Bell:
Book C, page 2, William Bracewell to James Wood, July 31, 1728, 25 pds for 250 acres at mouth of Patterson Branch on Yourah Swamp. Wit: Bryan O'Quin, John Sutton. August Court 1728. Edw. Mashborne D.C/C.
Book C, page 3: William Bracewell to Robert Bracewell, July 31, 1728, 7 pds. for 100 acres on south side of Yourah Swamp at Mirey Branch and Poplar Branch. Wit: Edw. Green, John Sutton. August Court 1728. Edw. Mashborne D.C/C.
Book C, page 5, William Bracewell and wife Margarett to Thomas Daughtry of Nansimond (sic) Co., Va. August 13, 1728, 8 pds. for 200 acres on Yohohoh Swamp at Patterson Branch "William Bracewell son and heir of William Bracewell Dec'd, 8 pds. paid to my father...bond dated 10 Feb. 1718..." Wit: John Dickinson, Peter Hase, James Holland. August Court 1728. Edw. Mashborne D.C/C.
Book C, page 79 William Bracewell to Moses Ginn, Aug. 7, 1728, 10 pds. for 240 acres on Youraha Swamp "betwixt" land of Thomas Daughtry and Hardy Council, part of patent for 640 acres granted March 1717. Wit: Joseph Darden, William Carter. February Court 1728. Ed. Mashborne, D C/C.
Note from Gayle Ellison: , I note your entry on Generation No. 4, #8 William Braswell, born ca 1707 Isle of Wight County, NC, died 1785 in Nash County, NC, married Margaret ?, son of William Braswell and Mary ? regarding Joseph Darden being the witness when William Bracewell sold to Moses Ginn 240 acres on Youraha Swamp 7 August 1728 (Book C-79).
Carey says that the William Braswell who stood as surety for Joseph Darden in Isle of Wight county 30 July 1719 was a Braswell-Towley, son of Susannah's offspring (The Darden Family History, p. 157)
Book C, page 84 James Wood, yeoman, to Bryant Daughtry, yeoman, of Nansemond Co., Va., Feb. 10, 1729, 27 pds. for 250 acres on Yourah Swamp at Patterson Branch, land formerly owned by William Bracewell and sold to Wood by sale dated July 31, 1728. Wit: Richard Sumner, Thomas Daughtry, James Holland. February Court 1728. Ed. Mashborne D C./C
Book C, page 109 William Bracewell to John Bonde merchant, Feb. 26, 1728/29, 50 pds. for 630 acres on north side Meherrin River "land whereon my father live" patent granted Aug. 10, 1720. Wit: James Bryant, Sarah Drake. May 14, 1729. Robert Forster, C/C.
Book C, page 114 Ann Wheeler and Emperor Wheeler to Barnabe Mackinne (Mckinne), March 22, 1728/29, 30 pds. for 350 acrees land on north side Morrattock River "the plantation whereon both do now live" Ann Wheeler widow and son Emperor the remainder of a tract formerly granted to William Bracewell by patent March 4, 1711/12 for 640 acres and resurveyed to contain 700 acres and by Bracewell sold to Henry Wheeler by Wheeler devised to Emperor Wheeler except 160 acres formerly sold to Matthew Ruskins, 160 acres sold to Peter Jones, 100 acres sold to Barnabe Mackinne. Wit: Thomas Craighill, Barnabe Mckinne, Jun., William Opie. E. Mashborne.
Book C, page 119: Moses Ginn & wife Mary to William Bracewell Jun. May 12, 1729, 10 pds for Mary Ginn, late wife of William Bracewell dec'd to "William Bracewell son of William Bracewell and Mary Bracewell alias Ginn, all rights of dower of any kind in the property of William Bracewell dec'd" Wit: John Bonde, John Howard. May 13, 1729, Robert Forester, C/C. "Mary being first privately examined as by act of assembly" This record suggests that William Jr. was at least age 21 on May 12, 1729. No property description is included.
Book C, page 233 John Dew Sr. to William Paul, March 2, 1729, 20 pds. for 260 acres on east side Great Cypress Swamp to Little Cypress Swamp, adj. WILLIAM BRASSWELL. Wit: James Mumford, John Darling.
Book D, page 35, Thomas Hobbey (Hobby) of Edgecombe Precinct to John Jenkins of Edgecombe Precinct, Feb. 12, 1733/34, 20 pds. on Yurahaw Swamp adj. John Blackman, WILLIAM BRASSWELL. Wit: Charles Horne, Joseph Sumner. February Court 1733/34. John Wynns, D C/C
Book D, page 150 William Brasswell of Edgecombe Precinct to the Reverend John Boyd, Minister of the Gospel, May 25, 1734, 30 pds. where John Boyd doth now dwell, on south side Yawrahaw Swamp at mouth of Great Branch adj. Robert Brasswell on Poplar Branch, part of tract of 600 acres granted William Brasswell April 1, 1714. Wit: Alexander Wight, jurat. May Court 1735.
Book D, page 313. William Brasswell of Edgecombe Precinct to Reverand Mr. John Boyd, Minister of the Gospel May 25, 1734, 30 pds. for 300 acres on south side Yawraha Swamp at mouth of Great Branch adj. Robert Braswell, part of tract cont. 600 acres granted said William Braswell on April 1, 1714. Wit: Ellex'r Wight, jurat, William Shuffield, Richard Taylor. August Court 1736. John Wynns D. C/C. "the underwritten was signed and sealed in presence of us the above. Andrew Irwing, jurat.
Book E, page 532 John Jenkins of Edgecombe Co. to Benjamin Johnston, Nov. 2, 1739, 20 pds. for 600 acres on Yorahoh Swamp adj. John Blackman, WILLIAM BRASSWELL. Wit: James Barnett, J. Edwards, jurat. Nov. Court 1739.
Article by Joyce Braswell, PO Box 53, Laurinburg, NC 28353, printed in Vol. 7, #3, Summer 1998 issue of Braswell Branches:
Lord Granville Grants, Grant No. 7, 25 March 1749, 200 acres consideration 300 shillings paid to John Early Granville by William Braswell, land on Little Creek a branch of Pigsbacket, 200 acres, William Braswell paying therefore yearly and every year forever . . . to be paid at the courthouse in the county of Edgecombe at the rate of three shillings for every hundred acres. Surveyed 15 April 1748., William Braswell Jr. and Jacob Braswell were chain carriers. William Braswell signed with an "x". The location of this land was located about two or three miles north of where the town of Nashville now stands.
On 21 March 1742 William Braswell patented 500 acres north of Tar River on Maple Creek in Edgecombe Co. (Patent Book 5, p. 132). The next year he secured 500 acres more north of Stony Creek, Edgecombe County (Patent Book 5, page 157). These grants were located in the central section of what is now Nash Co., NC. He lived on 8 Sep 1722 Morattock River, Chowan Pct., North Carolina.6 He executed a deed on 31 Jul 1728 Yourah Swamp, Bertie Co., North Carolina.7 He and Robert Braswell executed a deed on 31 Jul 1728 Yourah Swamp, Bertie Co., North Carolina.8 He executed a deed on 7 Aug 1728 Yourah Swamp, Bertie Co., North Carolina.9 He executed a deed on 7 Aug 1728 Yourah Swamp, Bertie Co., North Carolina.10 He executed a deed on 13 Aug 1728 Yourah Swamp, Bertie Co., North Carolina.11 He executed a deed on 25 May 1734 Yourah Swamp, Edgecombe Pct., North Carolina.12 He entered a land grant on 21 Mar 1742 Tar River, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.13 He entered a land grant on 28 Feb 1743 Stony Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.14 He entered a land grant on 25 Mar 1749 Pig Basket Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.15 He entered a land grant on 24 Jul 1761 Pig Basket Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.16 He and Samuel Braswell executed a deed on 25 Jan 1762 Pig Basket Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.17 He and David Braswell executed a deed on 23 Mar 1762 Stony Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.18 He left a will on 4 Mar 1785 Nash Co., North Carolina; Will dated 4 March 1785, proven May Court 1785
In the Name of God Amen I William BRASWELL, Sen. of Nash County in the State of North Carolina being weak in body and in a low state of health but of a Disposing mind and memory Thanks be God for the same but remembering the mortality of my body do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament. Principally and first of all I bequeath my soul to God that gave it and my body to be buried at the discretion of my Executors and as Touching my worldly Estate I give in manner and terms as followeth:
Item, I give and bequeath to my loving wife Margaret BRASWELL one feather bed and furniture also all the money she has by her also all the linings and woolings with awosling wheel and cards to be at her own dispose.
Item, I give to my son Jacob BRASWELL one dollar sterling to him and his heirs forever.
Item, I give to my son Arthur BRASWELL a negro wench named Mott and her increase to him and his heirs forever.
Item, I give to my daughter Patience WEST one dollar sterling to her and her heirs forever.
Item, I give to my daughter Dorcas HOOKS one dollar sterling to her and her heirs forever.
Item, I give to my daughter Pattey BRIDGERS one dollar sterling to her and her heirs forever.
Item, I give to my son Samuel BRASWELL one negro man Jack with all the rest of my estate undisposed of to which he is to take care of his mother and not let her suffer during her life.
Item, I do constitute and appoint my son Samuel BRASWELL and John CHITTY, Sen. my whole and sole executors of this my Last Will and Testament and do hereby pronounce and publish the same in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this fourth day of March 1785.
William BRASWELL (Seal)
Wash DANIEL
Micajah BRASWELL
Jacob WARRENTON.
Children of William1 Braswell and Margaret Unknown were as follows:
He and William Braswell executed a deed on 23 Mar 1762 Stony Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.19 He executed a deed on 12 Oct 1763 Stony Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.20
2. William2 Braswell (William1) was born before 1730. He married Martha Unknown before 1750.22 He died in Dec 1778 Nash Co., North Carolina.23
He registered his mark in 1757 Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.24 He and William Hunt executed a deed on 23 Mar 1762 Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.25 He and John Exum executed a deed on 28 May 1771 Tar River, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.26 He left a will on 30 Nov 1778 Nash Co., North Carolina.27
Children of William2 Braswell and Martha Unknown were as follows:
He received his endowment in Jan 1779 Little Creek, Nash Co., North Carolina.30 He and Priscilla Braswell executed a bill of sale on 1 Jul 1797 Nash Co., North Carolina.31
He received his endowment in Jan 1779 Little Creek, Nash Co., North Carolina.37 He executed a deed on 20 Dec 1791 Nash Co., North Carolina.38 He and Thomas Simpson were on a jury on 25 Aug 1834 Smith Co., Tennessee.39
3. Jacob2 Braswell (William1) was born circa 1730 Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.48 He married Mary (--?--).49 He died in Aug 1823 Nash Co., North Carolina.50
He entered a land grant on 26 Feb 1761 Pig Basket Creek, Nash Co., North Carolina.51 He entered a land grant on 23 Jul 1761 Great Branch, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.52 He obtained a land grant on 30 Mar 1780 Pig Basket Creek, Nash Co., North Carolina.53 He was appeared on the tax list in 1782 Nash Co., North Carolina.54 He and David Evans were executed a deed on 10 Feb 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.55 He and Jesse Braswell were parties to a deed on 10 Feb 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.56 He and Nathan Braswell executed a deed on 10 Feb 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.57 He left a will on 22 Aug 1815 Nash Co., North Carolina.58
Children of Jacob2 Braswell and Mary (--?--) were as follows:
She and Peter Hedgepeth executed a deed on 14 Jan 1764 Tucker's Branch, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.63
He executed a deed on 6 Jul 1779 Nash Co., North Carolina.65 He executed a deed on 13 Feb 1798 Nash Co., North Carolina.66 He and Nathan Braswell executed a deed on 13 Feb 1798 Robeson Co., North Carolina.67 He received his endowment on 22 Aug 1823 Nash Co., North Carolina.68
He appeared on the tax list in 1784 Capt. Burns District, Bladen Co., North Carolina, 280 acres, 2 white polls, 3 black polls.70 He and Jacob Braswell executed a deed on 10 Feb 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.71 He lived on 13 Feb 1798 Robeson Co., North Carolina.72 He and William Braswell executed a deed on 13 Feb 1798 Robeson Co., North Carolina.73
He was party to a deed on 10 Feb 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.75 He and Jesse Braswell were parties to a deed on 13 Feb 1798 Robeson Co., North Carolina.76 He received his endowment on 22 Aug 1823 Nash Co., North Carolina.77
She received her endowment in Aug 1823 Nash Co., North Carolina.84
He received his endowment on 22 Aug 1823 Nash Co., North Carolina.89
He and Jacob Braswell were parties to a deed on 10 Feb 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.92 He and Brittian Braswell were parties to a deed on 13 Feb 1798 Robeson Co., North Carolina.93 He lived on 21 Oct 1817 Nash Co., North Carolina.94 He received his endowment on 22 Aug 1823 Nash Co., North Carolina.95
4. Arthur2 Braswell (William1) was born before 1736.96 He died in 1819 Robeson Co., North Carolina.97
He entered a land grant on 26 Feb 1761 Pig Basket Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina, #576.98 He obtained a land grant on 3 Nov 1761 Pig Basket Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina, #588.99 He obtained a land grant on 10 Nov 1779 Pig Basket Creek, Nash Co., North Carolina.100 He was on the tax list in 1782 Nash Co., North Carolina.101,102 He relocated to on 25 Nov 1785 Bladen Co., North Carolina.103,104 He appeared on the census of between 1790 and 1810 Robeson Co., North Carolina.105 He left a will on 18 Jan 1819 Robeson Co., North Carolina.106
Children of Arthur2 Braswell and an unknown spouse were as follows:
She was on the tax list in 1837 Robeson Co., North Carolina, 200 acres valued at $100 on west side of Ashpole and 281 valued at $281 acres also on the west side of Ashpole.109 She executed a deed on 26 Aug 1839 Robeson Co., North Carolina.110
5. Samuel2 Braswell (William1) was born circa 1738 Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.112 He married Sarah Hunt circa 1762.113 He died before Feb 1795 Nash Co., North Carolina.114
He and William Braswell executed a deed on 25 Jan 1762 Pig Basket Creek, Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.115 He and William Hunt were parties to a deed on 10 Nov 1770 Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.116 He was on the tax list in 1782 Nash Co., North Carolina.117 He obtained a land grant on 1 Nov 1784 Stony Creek, Nash Co., North Carolina.118 He left a will on 30 Nov 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.119
Children of Samuel2 Braswell and Sarah Hunt were as follows:
He was party to a deed on 29 Jan 1795 Nash Co., North Carolina.122 He received his inheritance in Feb 1795 Nash Co., North Carolina.123
He received his inheritance in Feb 1795 Nash Co., North Carolina.124 He was party to a deed on 10 Aug 1797 Nash Co., North Carolina.125 He was party to a deed on 10 Nov 1797 Nash Co., North Carolina.126 He was party to a deed on 19 Jan 1798 Nash Co., North Carolina.127
6. Dorcas2 Braswell (William1) was born circa 1764. She married William Hooks on 6 Apr 1784 Nash Co., North Carolina.128
Children of Dorcas2 Braswell and William Hooks were as follows:
7. Priscilla3 Braswell (William2, William1) was born before 1759.133 She married Joseph Exum, son of Thomas Exum II, before 30 Nov 1778 Nash Co., North Carolina.134 She died after 1806 Nash Co., North Carolina.
She and Dempsey Braswell executed a bill of sale on 1 Jul 1797 Nash Co., North Carolina.135
Children of Priscilla3 Braswell and Joseph Exum all born Nash Co., North Carolina, were as follows:
8. Lucreasy3 Braswell (William2, William1) was born before 1762 Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.138 She married William Williams, son of John Williams and Mary Griffin, before 30 Nov 1778 North Carolina.139,140 She died circa 1826 Smith Co., Tennessee.141
She was a church member in 1812 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.142
Children of Lucreasy3 Braswell and William Williams were as follows:
She was in court on 24 May 1824 Smith Co., Tennessee.150 She was in court in 1825 Smith Co., Tennessee.151 She and Samuel Williams were in court on 22 Feb 1830 Smith Co., Tennessee.152 She and Gilbert Williams were appointed administrator of Mary Williams' estate on 7 Dec 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.153
9. Patsy3 Braswell (Jacob2, William1) was born before 1794. She married Unknown Atkinson before 22 Aug 1815.154
Children of Patsy3 Braswell and Unknown Atkinson were as follows:
10. Mary3 Braswell (Jacob2, William1) was born before 1795.160 She married Unknown Jones before 22 Aug 1815.161
Children of Mary3 Braswell and Unknown Jones were as follows:
11. William?3 Braswell (Arthur2, William1) was party to a deed on 2 Apr 1796 Robeson Co., North Carolina.165 He relocated to before 4 Sep 1805 South Carolina.166
Children of William?3 Braswell and an unknown spouse were as follows:
12. Henry3 Braswell (Arthur2, William1) was born on 2 Jan 1756 Nash Co., North Carolina.169 He married Martha Unknown.170 He died on 22 Sep 1840 Marion Co., South Carolina, at age 84.171
He was party to a deed between 1778 and 1780 Nash Co., North Carolina.172 He lived on 30 Jan 1779 Cumberland Co., North Carolina.173 He was on the tax list in 1782 Nash Co., North Carolina.174 He was on the tax list in 1784 Capt. Barnes District, Bladen Co., North Carolina, 715 acres, 1 white poll.175 He relocated to on 5 Dec 1792 Liberty Co., South Carolina.176
Children of Henry3 Braswell and Martha Unknown were:
13. David3 Braswell (Arthur2, William1) married Lydia Unknown.177 He died circa 1845 Robeson Co., North Carolina.178,179
He was party to a deed on 22 Dec 1798 Robeson Co., North Carolina.180 He was on the tax list in 1837 Sester Pond, Robeson Co., North Carolina.181
Children of David3 Braswell and Lydia Unknown were:
He was party to a deed on 20 Mar 1842 Robeson Co., North Carolina.183 He was party to a deed on 8 Jun 1847 Robeson Co., North Carolina.184
14. Aaron3 Braswell (Arthur2, William1) was born on 16 Jun 1787 Robeson Co., North Carolina.185,186,187,188 He married Nancy Williams, daughter of William Williams and Lucreasy Braswell, before 1815. He died between 1870 and 1875 Madison Co., Missouri.189,190 He was buried between 1870 and 1875 Madison Co., Missouri.191
He was party to a deed on 29 Feb 1808 Robeson Co., North Carolina.192 He began military service after 1812 War of 1812, North Carolina.193 He and William Williams Jr. were party to a bill of sale on 13 Oct 1824 Smith Co., Tennessee.194 He and James Simpson were party to a deed on 8 Feb 1828 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.195 He was a chain carrier (an unknown value) in 1829 Warren Co., Tennessee.196 He appeared on the census of 1830 Warren Co., Tennessee.197 He was party to a deed on 28 Dec 1831 Robeson Co., North Carolina.198 He was party to a deed on 28 Dec 1831 Robeson Co., North Carolina.199 He made a purchase on 26 Oct 1835 Warren Co., Tennessee.200 He was on the tax list in Jul 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.201 He appeared on the census of 1850 District 4, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.202 He relocated to before 1852 Madison Co., Missouri.203 He appeared on the census of 1860 Castor Twp., Madison Co., Missouri.204 He appeared on the census of 1870 Madison Co., Missouri.205
Children of Aaron3 Braswell and Nancy Williams were as follows:
He made a purchase at an estate sale on 26 Oct 1835 Warren Co., Tennessee.207 He lived Madison Co., Missouri.208
He was appointed judge in Jul 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.212
He appeared on the census of 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.218 He lived Madison Co., Missouri.219
He appeared on the census of 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.223 He lived Madison Co., Missouri.224
15. Unknown3 Braswell (Arthur2, William1); died before his father who mentioned his daughter-in-law, Betsy Braswell and a grandson, Alexander Braswell in his will married Betsy Unknown.229
Children of Unknown3 Braswell and Betsy Unknown were:
16. Sampson3 Braswell (Samuel2, William1) was born between 1780 and 1790 North Carolina.231 He married Priscilla Williams, daughter of William Williams and Lucreasy Braswell, in 1805 prob. in Nash Co., North Carolina.
He received his inheritance in Feb 1795 Nash Co., North Carolina. He was a minor and Archibald Griffin was appointed as his guardian.232 He executed a bill of sale on 5 Dec 1806 Nash Co., North Carolina.233 He appeared on the census of 1820 Warren Co., Tennessee; 310010-200100 (no slaves). He lived on 24 Jul 1826 Barren Fork of Collins River, Warren Co., Tennessee.234 He appeared on the census of 1830 Warren Co., Tennessee.235 He entered a land grant on 2 Sep 1831 Dry Fork of Smiths Fork, Warren Co., Tennessee.236 He entered a land grant on 20 Aug 1832 Turkey Branch, Warren Co., Tennessee.237 He entered a land grant on 31 Oct 1832 Dry Fork of Smiths Fork, Warren Co., Tennessee.238 He entered a land grant on 1 Apr 1833 Dry Fork of Smiths Fork, Warren Co., Tennessee.239 He entered a land grant on 5 Oct 1835 Dry Fork of Smiths Fork, Warren Co., Tennessee.240 He and Samuel Williams were party to a deed on 25 May 1839 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.241 He made a purchase circa 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.242 He and Samuel Williams were party to a deed on 30 Nov 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.243
Children of Sampson3 Braswell and Priscilla Williams were as follows:
17. Sarah3 Braswell (Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1783 North Carolina. She married Samuel Williams, son of William Williams and Lucreasy Braswell, before 7 Apr 1802 Tennessee. She died after 1850 Tennessee.244
She made a purchase on 7 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.245
Children of Sarah3 Braswell and Samuel Williams all born Smith Co., Tennessee, were as follows:
She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.251
18. Elizabeth4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1768 Edgecombe Co., North Carolina.252 She married Matthew Griffin circa 1790 Nash Co., North Carolina.253 She died before Mar 1849 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.254,255,256,257
She was also known as Betsy. She was a church member between 1810 and 1812 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.258 She received her endowment on 3 Aug 1841 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.259
Children of Elizabeth4 Williams and Matthew Griffin were as follows:
He signed a petition on 20 Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.261
She was a church member in 1850 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.265
He and David Fite were party to a deed on 8 Nov 1843 Dry Creek, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.266 He was on a jury in Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.267 He signed a petition on 20 Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.268
19. Chloe4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1770 North Carolina.269 She married Matthew Melton, son of John Melton and Elizabeth Jones, in 1789 North Carolina.270 She died in 1854 Hancock Co., Illinois.271
She and Matthew Melton relocated to in 1797 Virginia.272 She and Matthew Melton lived circa 1799 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.273 She was a church member in 1812 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.274 She and Matthew Melton appeared on the census of 1830 Warren Co., Tennessee.275 She and Matthew Melton relocated to in 1830 Morgan Co., Illinois.276 She and Matthew Melton relocated to circa 1832 Round Prairie, Hancock Co., Illinois.277 She and Matthew Melton were party to a deed on 1 Jul 1835 Augusta Twp., Hancock Co., Illinois.278 She was in court to appoint a power of attorney on 25 Mar 1852 McDonough Co., Illinois.279 She received her endowment on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.280
Children of Chloe4 Williams and Matthew Melton were as follows:
He appeared on the census of 1840 McDonough Co., Illinois.285
He was a chain carrier on 5 Feb 1827 Warren Co., Tennessee.289 He was executed a deed on 30 Apr 1830 McDonough Co., Illinois.290 He lived in Aug 1831 Hancock Co., Illinois.291
20. Milly4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born between 1775 and 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.295 She married George Robinson, son of Stephen Robinson and Elizabeth Holland, circa 1800. She died before 1819.296
Children of Milly4 Williams and George Robinson all born Smith Co., Tennessee, were as follows:
She received her endowment on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.298 She received her endowment in Mar 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.299
He received his endowment on 7 Jan 1853 Nash Co., North Carolina.302 He received his endowment in Mar 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.303
21. Priscilla4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born in 1781 Nash Co., North Carolina; probably. She married Sampson Braswell, son of Samuel Braswell and Sarah Hunt, in 1805 prob. TN. She died before 1860.
She was a church member in 1810 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.304 She received her endowment on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.305
Children of Priscilla4 Williams and Sampson Braswell were as follows:
22. William4 Williams Jr. (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born in 1784.306 He married Rachel Unknown circa 1805 Smith Co., Tennessee. He died in Jan 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee; Buyers at the estate of William Williams, Jr. were: wife Rachel Williams, C.C. Helton, Thomas J. Williams, William Hayes, Vincent Williams, James Richardson, William McLennon, Hiram Bethel, William Gotthard, John L. Dearman, John Simpson, R.E. Forester, Daniel Fite, Alexander Robinson, John Hays, Shadrick Trammel, Matthew Williams, J.W. Williams, Matthew Williams and Isaac Taylor. The names of his slaves were: Sam, Mason, Isam, Alfred, Henry, Nelson, Annanias, Jasper, Joseph.307,308,309,310,311,312,313
He and William Williams were party to a deed on 6 Dec 1816 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.314 He appeared on the census of 1820 Smith Co., Tennessee.315 He and Samuel Williams were on a jury on 12 Aug 1822 Smith Co., Tennessee.316 He and Aaron Braswell were party to a bill of sale on 13 Oct 1824 Smith Co., Tennessee.317 He was a church member in 1832 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.318 He was party to a deed on 4 Jan 1838 Cannon Co., Tennessee.319 He was party to a deed on 2 Jul 1838 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.320 He appeared on the census of 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.321 He and Henry Hart mortgaged land on 7 Dec 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.322 He and Henry Hart mortgaged land on 13 Apr 1841 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.323 He had a slave who was prosecuted for murder between 1843 and 1844 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.324 He was appointed administrator of the estate of his sister Mary on 3 Jul 1848 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.325 He and Leroy Lee Williams executed a bill of sale on 14 Oct 1848 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.326 He settled an estate in Apr 1849 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.327 He and Matthew Williams settled an estate on 4 Sep 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.328 He and John W. Williams were executors of the estate of his father on 4 Sep 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.329
Children of William4 Williams Jr. and Rachel Unknown were as follows:
He was party to a deed on 19 Mar 1846 District 4, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.332 He and John W. Williams were party to a deed on 1 Feb 1847 Smiths Fork, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.333 He received his endowment on 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.334 He and William Williams Jr. settled an estate on 4 Sep 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.335 He was party to a bill of sale on 2 Oct 1852 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.336 He was in court on 11 Oct 1852 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.337 He was party to a deed on 18 Aug 1853 Dry Fork, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.338 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.339
She received her endowment on 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.341 She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.342
He received his endowment on 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.344
He received his endowment on 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.346 He settled an estate on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.347 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.348
23. Samuel4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1785 Nash Co., North Carolina.349,350 He married Sarah Braswell, daughter of Samuel Braswell and Sarah Hunt, before 7 Apr 1802 Tennessee. He died before 7 Sep 1848 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.351,352,353,354,355,356,357,358
He relocated to circa 1804 Tennessee. He was on a jury on 7 Mar 1808 Smith Co., Tennessee.359 He and William Williams were party to a deed on 15 Jan 1813 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.360 He appeared on the census of 1820 Smith Co., Tennessee.361 He and William Williams Jr. were on a jury on 12 Aug 1822 Smith Co., Tennessee.362 He was listed in Dr. Wright's day book between 1826 and 1833 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.363 He entered a land grant on 9 May 1828 Smith Co., Tennessee.364 He was party to a deed on 20 May 1829 Smith Co., Tennessee.365 He and Mary Williams were in court on 22 Feb 1830 Smith Co., Tennessee.366 He was party to a deed on 22 Oct 1830 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.367 He was party to a deed on 23 Aug 1831 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.368 He was a church member in 1832 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.369 He and Gilbert Williams were mentioned in Dr. Wright's day book between 1832 and 1833 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.370 He entered a land grant on 8 Dec 1832 Smith Co., Tennessee.371 He and Matthew Griffin were party to a deed on 9 May 1834 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.372 He entered a land grant on 18 Mar 1835 Smith Co., Tennessee.373 He entered a land grant on 9 Apr 1837 Smith Co., Tennessee.374 He and Sampson Braswell were party to a deed on 25 May 1839 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.375 He and Henry Hart were party to a bill of sale on 30 Nov 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.376 He settled an estate on 28 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.377 He settled an estate in Nov 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.378
Children of Samuel4 Williams and Sarah Braswell all born Smith Co., Tennessee, were as follows:
24. Gilbert4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1790 Nash Co., North Carolina.379,380 He married Mary Unknown before 1816. He died between Mar 1849 and 7 Jan 1853 Coffee Co., Tennessee.381,382,383
He was on the tax list on 12 Nov 1815 Smith Co., Tennessee.384 He was on a jury on 17 Aug 1818 Smith Co., Tennessee.385 He was party to a deed on 29 Oct 1818 Indian Creek, Smith Co., Tennessee.386 He was party to a deed on 2 Feb 1820 Indian Creek, Smith Co., Tennessee.387 He was party to a deed on 8 May 1820 Smith Co., Tennessee.388 He and George Robinson were in court after 8 May 1820 Smith Co., Tennessee.389 He was in court after 8 May 1820 Smith Co., Tennessee.390 He lived on 12 Feb 1821 Smith Co., Tennessee.391 He entered a land grant on 23 Oct 1824 Smith Co., Tennessee.392 He appeared on the census of 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.393
Children of Gilbert4 Williams and Mary Unknown were as follows:
He was a tailor in 1860 Manchester, Coffee Co., Tennessee.394
25. Lucretia4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1792 Nash Co., North Carolina.395 She married Henry Hart, son of Thomas Hart and Mary Unknown, before 24 Oct 1818. She died after 1860 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.
She was a church member in 1842 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee, shown as Lucreasy Hart.396 She and Thomas Simpson were in court in Oct 1842 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.397 She received her endowment on 11 Oct 1842 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.398 She received her endowment on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.399 She appeared on the census of 1860 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.400
Children of Lucretia4 Williams and Henry Hart were as follows:
She was a church member in 1842 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.402
26. Nancy4 Williams (Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born on 16 Aug 1794 Nash Co., North Carolina.405,406 She married Aaron Braswell, son of Arthur Braswell, before 1815. She died on 28 Aug 1866 Madison Co., Missouri, at age 72.407,408,409 She was buried on 30 Aug 1866 Madison Co., Missouri.410
She was a church member in 1820 Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.411 She relocated to before 1852 Madison Co., Missouri.412 She received her endowment on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.413
Children of Nancy4 Williams and Aaron Braswell were as follows:
27. Richard4 Braswell (Henry3, Arthur2, William1) was born before 1802; Richard had reached the age of majority by 1822 when he purchased land from John Fiveth.414
He was party to a deed on 23 Nov 1822 Robeson Co., North Carolina.415 He was on the tax list in 1837 Robeson Co., North Carolina, 439 acres valued at $315 on lead Jonigan Branch.416
Children of Richard4 Braswell and an unknown spouse were:
He was party to a deed on 22 Oct 1850 Robeson Co., North Carolina.418
28. Willa Paralee Dewilmuth4 Braswell (Aaron3, Arthur2, William1) was born circa 1820 Tennessee.419,420,421 She married Abraham P. Norton circa 1848.422 She died in 1895 Madison Co., Missouri.423 She was buried in 1895 Castor River, Madison Co., Missouri.424
She was also known as Willmost Braswell.425,426 She was a church member before Sep 1852 Mt. Moriah Church, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.427,428 She lived on 2 Sep 1852 Castor River, Madison Co., Missouri.429
Children of Willa Paralee Dewilmuth4 Braswell and Abraham P. Norton were as follows:
29. Duane4 Braswell (Aaron3, Arthur2, William1) was born on 30 Aug 1836 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.444,445 He married Eliza Jane Sullivan on 3 Sep 1861.446 He died on 28 Apr 1880 Marquand, Madison Co., Missouri, at age 43.447,448 He was buried on 30 Apr 1880 Rock Point Cemetery, Madison Co., Missouri.449
He was also known as DeWayne Braswell. He lived Madison Co., Missouri.450 He lived Madison Co., Missouri.451
Children of Duane4 Braswell and Eliza Jane Sullivan were as follows:
30. William4 Braswell (Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1809 Tennessee.458 He married Clarissa Chloe Sellers circa 1832. He married Cloe Elizabeth Shehane 03 Nov 18532 Tennessee. He married Mary Catherine Vier. 14 Oct 1864. He died after 1873 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.
He William "BRASSEL" lived on 100 acres, land which was mentioned in Entry No. 1788 dated 1 April 1826 surveyed for Alexander STEWART on Collins River. Warren County, Tennessee Plat Records Volume 1, page 232-233.
He was mentioned again in Warren County Plat Records, Volume 2 page 93-94 as an adjoining land owner when Jesse BILLINGS entry was surveyed on 15 January 1829 on Mud Creek. Other neighbors were James ROBERTS and William SMITH.
William BRASSEL (also spelled BRAZEAL) entered 100 acres on 1 January 1827 No. 2105, land on Collins River adjoining his own land, and that of Archibald HENNESSEE, James ROBERS, and Jeremiah JACO. Chain carriers: Landy ENGLAND and Wm. BARNES. Surveyed 20 May 1829. (Warren County, Tennessee Plat Records Volume 2, page 125.)
Warren County, Tennessee Plat Records Volume 3, page 232: Entry No. 4051 dated 5 November 1835 surveyed for Wm. BRASWELL 300 acres on the waters of Dry Creek of Smiths Fork, adjoining Thomas SIMPSON, Sampson BRASWELL, ___ SELLERS and Abrham OVERALL. Surveyed 20 October 1836. Jorden SELLERS and Abrham FERRINGTON, CC.
Warren County, Tennessee Plat Records Volume 3, page 234: Wm. BRASWELL and Abrham FERRINGTON were chain carriers for an entry surveyed for Jorden SELLERS on 20 October 1836. He was mentioned in Dr. Wright's day book between 1832 and 1833 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.459
Children of William4 Braswell and Cloe Elizabeth Shehane all born DeKalb Co., Tennessee, were as follows:
Children of William4 Braswell and Clarissa Chloe Sellers were as follows:
31. Leroy4 Braswell (Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1811 Tennessee.462 He married Mary W. Sellers after 1829. He married Lucinda Bray on 11 Nov 1865 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.463
He lived between 1832 and 1833 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.464 He made a purchase at an estate sale on 26 Oct 1835 Warren Co., Tennessee.465 He made a purchase on 7 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.466 He lived circa 1865 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.467
Children of Leroy4 Braswell and Mary W. Sellers were:
She lived circa 1865 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.468
Children of Leroy4 Braswell and Lucinda Bray were as follows:
32. Samuel4 Braswell (Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1812 Tennessee.473 He married Mary W. Adams. He died in 1894.
Children of Samuel4 Braswell and Mary W. Adams were:
33. Lemuel4 Braswell (Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born on 5 Sep 1814 Warren Co., Tennessee.474,475 He married Elizabeth Simpson, daughter of Thomas Simpson and Nancy Moreland, in 1846.476 He died on 6 Mar 1905 Couch, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 90.477,478 He was buried on 9 Mar 1905 New Salem Cemetery, Couch, Oregon Co., Missouri.479,480
He was in court on 1 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.481 He settled an estate on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.482 He was on the tax list in 1890 Oak Grove Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.483,484
Children of Lemuel4 Braswell and Elizabeth Simpson were as follows:
He was on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.488
34. Nathan4 Braswell (Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born in 1816 Tennessee. He married Mahala Unknown. He married Paralee Allen, daughter of Mahala Unknown, before 1878. He died after 1860.
He was Warren County, Tennesee Plat Records Volume 3, page 71: Entry No. 3866 dated 27 October 1834 surveyed for Nathan BRASWELL 640 acres on the waters of Dry Creek waters of Smiths Fork, east boundary of BARNES' 200 acre tract, line of Sampson BRASWELL's tract. Surveyed 9 September 1835. James SNOW and Dempsey BRASWELL, SCCchain carrier for Matthew Sellers' survey on 25 Apr 1832 Dry Fork, Warren Co., Tennessee.492 He entered a land grant on 9 Sep 1835 Dry Fork, Warren Co., Tennessee.493 He and Henry Hart were party to a deed on 25 May 1839 Dry Fork, Smith Co., Tennessee.494 He was on a jury in Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.495 He made a purchase on 7 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.496
Children of Nathan4 Braswell and Mahala Unknown were as follows:
Children of Nathan4 Braswell and Paralee Allen were as follows:
35. Lucretia4 Braswell (Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1817 Tennessee.500 She married Nathan Sellers.501 She married Jacob Adams Jr.502
Children of Lucretia4 Braswell and Nathan Sellers were as follows:
Children of Lucretia4 Braswell and Jacob Adams Jr. were as follows:
36. Unicey4 Braswell (Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1818 Tennessee.506 She married William Cubbins before 1841.507,508
She appeared on the census of 1860 District 4, Liberty (Dry Creek), DeKalb Co., Tennessee.509
Children of Unicey4 Braswell and William Cubbins were:
37. Sampson B.4 Williams (Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 7 Apr 1802 Smith Co., Tennessee.510,511,512 He married Tabitha Millborn West on 6 Aug 1840.513 He died after 30 Jun 1872.514
.515 He was on a jury in Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.516 He made a purchase on 7 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.517 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 Smith Co., Tennessee.518 He appeared on the census of 1860 District 4, Liberty (Dry Creek), DeKalb Co., Tennessee.519 He resided in between 15 Apr 1863 and 15 Apr 1868 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.520 He lived in 1872 Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.521
Children of Sampson B.4 Williams and Tabitha Millborn West all born Tennessee were as follows:
38. Gilbert4 Williams (Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 30 Mar 1809 Smith Co., Tennessee.530,531 He married Sarah Simpson, daughter of Thomas Simpson and Nancy Moreland, on 20 Jul 1839 DeKalb Co., Tennessee. He died on 7 Sep 1891 Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 82.532,533 He was buried on 10 Sep 1891 Williams Cemetery, Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.534
He was also known as Gilbird. A biographical sketch in an Oregon Co., Missouri history book published in 1992, an unidentified author reports, "In 1853 he, along with some of his slaves, came to Oregon County and bought a farm near Greer. . .
"The cave on this farm was used during the Civil War as a hiding place for the family and their food. The story has been told that one time while hiding there, the family could hear soldiers marching and singing. Because the family was good to the slaves, some chose to stay with the Williamses even after they were freed. The home which Gilbert built is now the home of Tommy Parrott, one of his many descendants. The original house has been remodeled and modernized."
In another biographical sketch in the same book (presumably by a different author) the following information was given, "After the Civil War, the slaves remained with the family until, some years ago, Oregon County issued an order forbidding Negroes to remain within the county. The Negroes left and settled around Piedmont, Missouri."
Family tradition states that Gilbert was injured during the Civil War and collected a pension later. It's possible that he was the G. Williams enrolled in McBride's Div. when slightly wounded in action near Springfield, Mo. August 10, 1861. Report dated Aug. 10, 1861 at the Camp on Wilson's Creek. Confederate men in Missouri didn't use full names when enrolling because the penalties were severe if discovered by the Union troops. He and Samuel Williams were mentioned in Dr. Wright's day book between 1832 and 1833 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.535 He owed a debt to the estate of William Sullivan on 26 Oct 1835 Warren Co., Tennessee.536 He was on a jury in 1840 District 4, DeKalb Co., Tennessee, Gillind (sic) Williams was appointed juror for District 4 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee, June 1840 per DeKalb County Minute Book 1838-. He appeared on the census of 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.537 He was on a jury in May 1845 District 4, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.538 He was elected in Jan 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee, Justice of the Peace.539 He and Mary Williams were appointed administrator of Mary Williams' estate on 7 Dec 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.540 He settled an estate between Feb 1848 and May 1848 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.541 He and Samuel Williams settled an estate on 7 Sep 1848 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.542,543 He settled an estate on 4 Jul 1849 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.544 He made a purchase on 7 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.545 He received his endowment on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Missouri.546 He and Terry Williams were party to a deed on 20 Sep 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.547 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.548 He appeared on the census of 1860 Oregon Co., Missouri.549 He and Simeon Marion Williams were party to a deed on 1 Jan 1876 Oregon Co., Missouri.550 He and William Logan Williams were party to a deed on 12 Apr 1878 Oregon Co., Missouri.551 He was party to a deed on 15 May 1883 Oregon Co., Missouri.552 He was party to a deed on 12 Jul 1884 District 3, Oregon Co., Missouri.553 He was party to a deed on 25 Aug 1885 Oregon Co., Missouri.554 He was on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.555
Children of Gilbert4 Williams and Sarah Simpson were as follows:
Williams and Mary Armstrong;558 died 1 Jan 1929 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 83;559,560 buried 4 Jan 1929 Hall Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.561
He began military service on 7 Jun 1861 Oregon Co., Missouri, in Co. D, 7th Mo. Cav.562,563 He was a blacksmith and a preacher per Dora Phillips.
On 16 Nov. 1869 William L. Williams and Nancy Williams, his wife, sold 160 acres to Gilbert Williams for $40. Deed Book 23 pp. 19-20.
On 1 Jan. 1875 Gilbird and Sallie Williams of Oregon Co., MO sold 100 acres to Wm. L. Williams of Oregon Co., MO for $200.00. The land was described as: NE quarter of the SW quarter and east half of Lot No. 1 of NE quarter and a fraction off of SE corner of the west half of Lot 1 of NE quarter giving half a pond? and a fraction of NW of east corner of NW quarter of the fourth east quarter of Section No. 1 Twp. No. 24N of R4W containing 100 acres more or less. Signed by Gilbert, Sally made a mark. Witnessed by H.T. Bridgefort and W.H. Parrott. Oregon Co., MO Deed Book 15 p. 80.
Wm. L. Williams appeared on the 11th Census of U.S., Special Schedule, Surviving Soldiers, and Widows, Etc. which was printed in the Oregon County Genealogical Society Newsletter, Sept. -Nov. 1992 issue. His rank was pvt in Co. D, 2 Mo Cav. He enlisted 6/7/61 and was discharged 5/ /65. He was a Confederate. At the time of the census he resided in Woodside Township. A commerative stone was placed on his grave in November 1998 by Curtis Hopper, member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (descendant of Wright Simpson). The stone reads,
William Logan Williams, 5 Serg Co. D, 2 MO Cav, Mo. State Gds, Confederate States Army, February 6, 1845 - Jan. 1, 1929.
Logan was approved on July 23, 1913 for a pension for ex-Confederate soldiers. At the time of his application he was almost age 68 and resided in Lula, Oregon Co., MO. He stated that he was wounded "in breast in Battle of Minn Creek." He stated that he had no property, no land or anyone who should support or care for him. In a memorandum of service he stated that he entered the service in July 1863 and enrolled in the Cavalry in E.T. Fristoe's Regt. His Capt. was S.W. Greer and his 1st Lt. was Ira Hall, 2nd Lt. was John B. McKinny. He took part in battles at Pilot Knob, fight at Jefferson City, Mo. and a fight at Boonesville, the Battle of Min Creek and others. He further stated that he was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy, Col. J.R. Woodside Camp, Alton, Mo. Also in his pension file was the following letter he'd written, "Nov. 16, 1915. I was not at home when this letter came have just got home. Will send to you my papers can _____ my service in the army if this is not rite let me hear from you and if We ever can you will hear from us with a true hart wishin you grate luck. W.L. Williams
In 1915, Joe J. Russell, member of the House of Representatives received a copy of a letter from the War Dept., Adjutant General's office in which the following was stated, "There are no rolls on file in this office of Fristoe's Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Confederate States Army, The Union records of prisoners of war show that W.L. Williams, 5th Sergeant, Company L, Fristoe's Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Confederate States Army, was surrendered May 11, 1865, and that he was paroled at Jacksonport, Arkansas, June 5, 1865. "
A newspaper clipping of Logan Williams' obituary was given to me by Mrs. Doyle Williams of Oregon Co., Missouri and a typed copy of the same was provided by Pauline Simmons of West Plains, Missouri.:
Logan Williams was born February 6th 1845 in the state of Tennessee. He was married to Nancy Simmons and to this union was born four children. , Marion Williams and Mary Armstrong still surviving and the other two passing away years ago. He is survived by three brothers and two sisters: Sim, Pete, and Ira Williams, Polly Parrott, and Jocie Parrott. He is survived by five grandchildren. For the past seven months he had made his home with G.A. Arnold, and departed this life after an illness of only five days, January 1, 1929, at the age of 83 years, 10 months, and 25 days.
Mr. Williams professed a faith in Christ at 20 years of age, living a devoted life to his maker until his death, serving, being one of the active Baptist ministers until advanced age removed him from the stage of action a few years ago, but his memory will remain in the mind of those recalling his work in building church houses and an active part taken in the upbuilding of humanity. He was placed to rest at the Hall Cemetery after a fitting funeral service conducted by the Rev. Perry F. Bennett Wednesday, January 2, 1929. This obituary is incorrect about Logan living with G.A. Arnold - it should have stated that the lived with G.A. Simmons circa 1863. He ended military service on 11 May 1865 Jacksonport, Arkansas.564,565 He was party to a deed on 16 Nov 1869 Oregon Co., Arkansas.566 He and Gilbert Williams were party to a deed on 12 Apr 1878 Oregon Co., Missouri.567 He was on the tax list in 1890 Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.568 He appeared on the census of 1890 Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri.569 He was Rev. Logan Williams preached at Bethany on the 2nd Sunday, from a column titled "Greer Items" in the Oregon County South Missourian Democrat on 21 Jul 1904 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri. He obtained a pension on 1 Jul 1913 Lula, Oregon Co., Missouri.570 He gave the eulogy at a funeral on 17 Oct 1918 Oregon Co., Missouri.571
He Norma Wisecarver sent the following information from an obituary she found: Thomas Edgar Williams died, son of the late Gilbert Williams and Lina Williams of Oregon County. Thomas was born in 1889 and died at 88 years of age. His son is Emmett Williams of Thayer, Missouri. Norma also reported that Emmett had visited Uncle Guy Williams and stated that they were related.
He On 1 Jan. 1876 Gilbert and Sallie Williams gave an undisclosed amount of land to Simon Williams (it was also made out to an M. Williams, his wife? but the second name was rubbed out) "for in consideration of the sum of Nothing." Signed by Gilbert and Sallie Williams (no mark) and witnessed by David M. Bentley and John Simpson. Sallie relinquished her dower. Thomas C. Simpson, Judge. Oregon Co., Mo Deed Book 23, pp. 14-15.
Dora Phillps says that Sim Williams owned a grocery store and adopted a daughter named Lory. He and Gilbert Williams were party to a deed on 1 Jan 1876 Oregon Co., Missouri.580 He was on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.581
39. Samuel4 Williams (Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 27 Apr 1811 Smith Co., Tennessee.582,583 He married Mary M. Fite on 2 Mar 1847 Wilson Co., Tennessee. He died after 8 Jul 1871.584
He and Sampson Braswell were party to a deed on 30 Nov 1840 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.585 He was on a jury in Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.586 He was in court in Apr 1844 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.587 He was in court in Dec 1844 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.588 He was in court in Jul 1845 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.589 He and Gilbert Williams settled an estate on 7 Sep 1848 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.590,591 He settled an estate on 4 Jul 1849 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.592 He received his endowment on 7 Jan 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.593 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.594 He settled an estate on 1 Nov 1858 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.595 He appeared on the census of 1860 District 4, Liberty (Dry Creek), DeKalb Co., Tennessee.596 He lived on 8 Jul 1871 Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.597 He lived on 8 Jul 1871 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.598
Children of Samuel4 Williams and Mary M. Fite were as follows:
40. Sarah4 Williams (Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 10 Apr 1815 Smith Co., Tennessee.604 She married Peter Hacket Jr., son of Peter Hackett Sr. and Anna Garrett, on 21 Jun 1849 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.605 She died on 7 Jan 1861 Smith Co., Tennessee, at age 45.606
She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.607
Children of Sarah4 Williams and Peter Hacket Jr. all born Smith Co., Tennessee, were as follows:
41. Terry4 Williams (Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1819 Smith Co., Tennessee.613 He married Lucresia (--?--) before 1846.
He was on a jury in Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.614 He appeared on the census of 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.615 He made a purchase on 7 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.616 He and Gilbert Williams were party to a deed on 20 Sep 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.617 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.618 He settled an estate on 2 May 1857 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.619 He settled an estate on 17 Jan 1859 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.620
Children of Terry4 Williams and Lucresia (--?--) both born Tennessee were as follows:
42. Simeon4 Williams (Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1823 Smith Co., Tennessee.623 He married Mary Unknown before 1847. He died after 1850.
He was on a jury in Dec 1843 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.624 He was on a jury in Jan 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.625 He made a purchase on 7 Oct 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.626 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.627 He was a blacksmith before 1860 Liberty (Dry Creek) District 4, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.628
Children of Simeon4 Williams and Mary Unknown all born Tennessee were as follows:
43. Mary5 Griffin (Elizabeth4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born in 1791 Nash Co., North Carolina.635 She married James Stanford circa 1830.636,637 She died after 1870.
As of Mar 1849, she was also known as Molly Griffin.638 She appeared on the census of 1860 District 4, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.639
Children of Mary5 Griffin and James Stanford all born Tennessee were as follows:
He appeared on the census of 1860 District 4, Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.643
44. Sarah5 Griffin (Elizabeth4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born in 1795 Nash Co., North Carolina.646 She married Joseph Evans after 1810.
Children of Sarah5 Griffin and Joseph Evans all born Tennessee were as follows:
45. Elizabeth5 Griffin (Elizabeth4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born in 1798 Nash Co., North Carolina.650 She married David Fite after 1826. She died before 1870.
Children of Elizabeth5 Griffin and David Fite all born Tennessee were as follows:
46. Priscilla5 Griffin (Elizabeth4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born between 1810 and 1820. She died before 4 Jun 1850.654
Children of Priscilla5 Griffin and an unknown spouse were as follows:
Children of Priscilla5 Griffin and (--?--) Goodman were:
47. Charlotte5 Griffin (Elizabeth4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born before 1820. She married Franklin Garrison before 1845.660 She died before 1848.
Children of Charlotte5 Griffin and Franklin Garrison were as follows:
48. Elizabeth5 Melton (Chloe4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1793 North Carolina.666 She married Henry Woodward before 1820 Warren Co., Tennessee; probably.667 She died after 1860.668
Children of Elizabeth5 Melton and Henry Woodward were as follows:
49. Henry5 Melton (Chloe4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born on 4 Oct 1810 Tennessee.688 He married Lorainny Whittington on 20 Nov 1834 Hancock Co., Illinois.689 He died on 5 Apr 1870 Hancock Co., Illinois, at age 59.690
He began military service on 29 Apr 1832 Illinois Black Hawk War.691 He was executed a deed on 1 Jul 1835 St. Mary's Township, Hancock Co., Illinois.692 He was executed a deed on 28 Jan 1836 McDonough Co., Illinois.693 He appeared on the census of 1840 McDonough Co., Illinois.694 He appeared on the census of 1850 McDonough Co., Illinois.695 He appeared on the census of 1860 St. Mary's Township, Hancock Co., Illinois.696 He appeared on the census of 1870 St. Mary's Township, Hancock Co., Illinois.697
Children of Henry5 Melton and Lorainny Whittington were as follows:
He appeared on the census of 1880 McDonough Co., Illinois.702
As of 28 Mar 1861, her married name was Woodward.708
He appeared on the census of 1880 Hancock Co., Illinois.726
50. Jonas5 Robinson (Milly4Williams, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born in 1807 Smith Co., Tennessee.731 He married Frances Hensley. He died in Sep 1856 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.
He received his endowment on 7 Jan 1853 Nash Co., North Carolina.732 He received his endowment in Mar 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.733
Children of Jonas5 Robinson and Frances Hensley were as follows:
51. Temperance5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1806 Smith Co., Tennessee. She married Hiram Fite before 1836. She died before 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.739,740
Children of Temperance5 Williams and Hiram Fite were as follows:
She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.743
He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.746
She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.749
52. Elizabeth5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born on 11 Feb 1810 Smith Co., Tennessee. She married John Simpson, son of James Simpson and Ruth Alexander, circa 1832 Tennessee. She died on 14 Dec 1888 Kaufman Co., Texas, at age 78.
She appeared on the census of 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.750 She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.751 She was party to a deed on 19 Jan 1855 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.752
Children of Elizabeth5 Williams and John Simpson were as follows:
She Leonard McCown's family tradition is that Emma had Indian blood.
53. Rebecca5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1812 Smith Co., Tennessee.761 She married John Hayes before 1835.762
She settled an estate in Jan 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.763 She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.764
Children of Rebecca5 Williams and John Hayes both born Tennessee were as follows:
54. John W.5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1819 Tennessee.767,768 He married Martha A. Unknown before 1848. He married Orpha A. Simpson, daughter of James Simpson and Ruth Alexander, on 14 Apr 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.769
He and Matthew Williams were party to a deed on 1 Feb 1847 Smiths Fork, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.770 He was in Jul 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.771 He received his endowment on 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.772 He and William Williams Jr. were executors of the estate of his father on 4 Sep 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.773 He settled an estate on 1 Sep 1851 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.774 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.775 He was party to a bill of sale on 31 Jan 1854 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.776 He appeared on the census of 1860 Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.777
Children of John W.5 Williams and Martha A. Unknown all born Tennessee were as follows:
Children of John W.5 Williams and Orpha A. Simpson both born Tennessee were as follows:
55. Nancy5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1824 Smith Co., Tennessee.783 She married William C. Avant before Jun 1852.784 She died after 1887.
She received her endowment on 26 Sep 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.785 She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.786
Children of Nancy5 Williams and William C. Avant all born Tennessee were as follows:
56. Leroy Lee5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1826 Smith Co., Tennessee. He married Cansada Sellers on 8 Aug 1849 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.
He and William Williams Jr. executed a bill of sale on 14 Oct 1848 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.790 He received his endowment on 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.791 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.792
Children of Leroy Lee5 Williams and Cansada Sellers were:
57. Thomas Jefferson5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born circa 1827 Tennessee.795 He married Elizabeth (--?--) before 1850.
He received his endowment on 13 Mar 1850 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.796 He received his endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.797
Children of Thomas Jefferson5 Williams and Elizabeth (--?--) both born Tennessee were as follows:
58. Paralee5 Williams (William4, Lucreasy3Braswell, William2, William1) was born on 7 May 1832 Murphreesboro, Rutherford Co., Tennessee.800 She married Josiah L. Bass on 12 Mar 1851 Tennessee.801 She died after 1880.802
She received her endowment on 28 Oct 1853 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.803
Children of Paralee5 Williams and Josiah L. Bass were as follows:
59. Dempsey5 Braswell (Duane4, Aaron3, Arthur2, William1) was born in 1876.804 He married Carrie Reeves on 20 Sep 1904.805 He died in 1939 Marquand, Missouri.806 He was buried after 20 Sep 1904 Mouser Cemetery, Madison Co., Missouri.807
Children of Dempsey5 Braswell and Carrie Reeves were:
60. Peter Sampson5 Braswell (William4, Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born on 24 Dec 1844 Tennessee. He married Martha Mosier on 17 Jan 1864 DeKalb Co., Tennessee. He died on 26 Aug 1894 at age 49.810
Children of Peter Sampson5 Braswell and Martha Mosier were as follows:
61. Priscilla J.5 Braswell (William4, Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born on 10 Dec 1847 DeKalb Co., Tennessee. She married Augustas W. Patterson on 2 Feb 1864 Smith Co., Tennessee.839 She died on 25 Mar 1923 Pea Ridge, Cannon Co., Tennessee, at age 75.
Children of Priscilla J.5 Braswell and Augustas W. Patterson were:
62. Jacob Leroy5 Braswell (Samuel4, Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born on 14 Sep 1849 Murphreesboro, Rutherford Co., Tennessee. He married Mary Frances Fitzhugh on 4 Jul 1871. He married Cordelia Quantrell Bogan on 6 Jan 1882 McKinney, Collin Co., Texas. He died on 4 Dec 1937 Melissa, Collin Co., Texas, at age 88.
There were no children of Jacob Leroy5 Braswell and Mary Frances Fitzhugh.
Children of Jacob Leroy5 Braswell and Cordelia Quantrell Bogan were:
63. Thomas Jefferson5 Braswell (Lemuel4, Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born on 28 Sep 1852 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.840,841,842 He married Artemitia Josephine Huddleston in Jan 1878.843 He married Martha Belle Whitten in May 1888.844 He died on 9 Jan 1920 at age 67.845 He was buried on 9 Jan 1920 Huddleston Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.846
He was admitted to the bar in 1878 Oregon Co., Missouri.847 He was elected between 1881 and 1882 Oregon Co., Missouri, county as representative in the 31st, 32nd, and 45th General Assemblies.848,849 He was employed as a prosecuting attorney between 1888 and 1894 Oregon Co., Missouri.850 He was on the tax list in 1890 Piney Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.851
Children of Thomas Jefferson5 Braswell and Artemitia Josephine Huddleston were as follows:
He Preserve Yesterday, Enrich Tomorrow: Oregon County, Missouri History Book, pg. 79: "Herbert Braswell (1885-1948) was a farmer and highway maintenance worker. He helped spread the first blacktop road in Oregon County. . . .
William Herbert courted his school teacher sweetheart by horseback. Their favorite places to go were community parties where supervised dancing, square dance, and ole-time fiddling was an art! "
Children of Thomas Jefferson5 Braswell and Martha Belle Whitten were as follows:
She "My great grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Braswell, is listed as TJ in his mother (my gg grandmother Elizibeth Simpson Braswell's obit). My grandmother was Caroline Elizibeth Braswell Bolen. I faintly recall attending the funeral of my uncle, Mack Braswell, in Alton when I was very young. My father is Robert H. Bolen. I am his oldest son Sam (aka Robert Samuel) and we live in the Dallas, Texas area. from Sam Bolen, Email: Spinkt@aol.com.
64. Samuel W.5 Braswell (Lemuel4, Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born on 6 Jul 1855. He married Leatha Jane Couch on 8 Oct 1876 Oregon Co., Missouri.874 He died on 28 Dec 1928 Enis, Texas, at age 73.
He was on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.875
Children of Samuel W.5 Braswell and Leatha Jane Couch were as follows:
65. Peter Lemuel5 Braswell (Lemuel4, Sampson3, Samuel2, William1) was born on 24 Jun 1862.887 He married Flora McClelland. He died on 13 Dec 1933 at age 71.888 He was buried on 16 Dec 1933 Hickory Grove Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.889
He was on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.890
Children of Peter Lemuel5 Braswell and Flora McClelland were as follows:
66. Samuel Thomas5 Williams (Gilbert4, Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born circa 1841 DeKalb Co., Tennessee. He married Perneta Elizabeth Bolton on 6 Mar 1862 Oregon Co., Missouri.895 He died in 1917 Koller, Shannon Co., Missouri.896
He began military service on 6 Jul 1861 Missouri.897 He was Chaplain between 6 Jul 1861 and May 1865.898 He ended military service in May 1865 Missouri.899 He was on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.900 He was party to a deed on 26 Jul 1895 Oregon Co., Missouri.901 He appeared on the census of 1900 Oregon Co., Missouri.902
Children of Samuel Thomas5 Williams and Perneta Elizabeth Bolton were as follows:
He was appeared on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.913
67. Nancy Emeline5 Williams (Gilbert4, Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 19 Oct 1842 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.919,920 She married William Amos Moss on 3 Jun 1863 Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri; Emeline & first husband, William Moss, had three children: Jannie
Strain, Paralee Warren and Eliza Bailey. Jannie and Paralee preceded
their mother in death.921,922 She married Spencer Sargent Simmons on 16 Mar 1882 Oregon Co., Missouri.923 She died on 11 Dec 1928 Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 86; At the time of her death she was aged 86 years, 1 month and 4 days.924,925 She was buried on 13 Dec 1928 Hall Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.926
Children of Nancy Emeline5 Williams and William Amos Moss all born Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri, were as follows:
There were no children of Nancy Emeline5 Williams and Spencer Sargent Simmons.
68. Peter Carroll5 Williams (Gilbert4, Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 29 Nov 1852 DeKalb Co., Tennessee.937,938 He married Harriet England on 3 Jan 1873 Oregon Co., Missouri; Peter's obituary says he and Harriett England had 12 children, one of
whom died in infancy.939 He married Susan Parrott on 2 Oct 1874 Oregon Co., Missouri; Peter's obituary says that Susan and he had 3 children, one of whom
died in infancy and the other two preceded him in death - they were
Janie Haigwood and Sampson Williams.940 He married Rebecca Margaret Cates on 13 Jul 1884 Oregon Co., Missouri.941,942 He died on 19 Jun 1943 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 90.943,944
He An article appeared in the South-Missourian Democrat, Alton, MO:
Uncle Pete Williams, 85 has Been Postmaster at Greer 48 Years
"A staunch Democrat Appointed by President Benjamin Harrison, Republican, has since been continuously in office, serving under 7 Republican and 3 Democratic Presidents.
"Presidents of the United States have come and presidents have gone--the national administration has changed numerous times during the past 43 years, but during that period Greer, Mo., has kept the same postmaster, Peter C. Williams, or 'Uncle Pete' as he is familiarly known, and who on January 10, 1938, will round out 48 years as postmaster of the Oregon county village.
PROBABLY OLDEST IN COUNTY
"Uncle Pete, who celebrated his 85th birthday anniversary only a few days ago, probably not only is the oldest postmaster in the United States, but also probably holds the country's record for long time service in one office.
"He has just completed a brief visit at the home of his grandson-in-law and granddaughter, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hall, on St. Louis Street in West Plains, which marks one of the very few times he has been away from his job in the post office for more than a day during the entire 48 years he has held the office.
"Greer has never known but the one postmaster, Uncle Pete having been appointed at the time the post office at that place was established, in 1890, and having served continuously since that time.
"Although he was then and still is a staunch democrat, he received his first appointment under the late Benjamin Harrison, republican president of the United States. He has since served under six other republican and three democratic presidents.
"When asked how he happened to be appointed to the office by President Harrison, Uncle Pete replied with a twinkle in his keen brown eyes: 'Well, you see, back in them days there just weren't hardly any republicans at all in Oregon County, and there didn't seem to be any around Greer who wanted to be the postmaster."
FIRST POST OFFICE IN HIS HOME
"During the first few years after the Greer post office was established Uncle Pete conducted it in one corner of the front room in his home. Later he erected a store building and opened a country store, into which he moved the office.
"In recent years, however, he has not been operating the store, but has continued to maintain the post office in the store building.
"Since his first appointment to the office the succeeding presidents, both democratic and republican, have reappointed Uncle Pete because it has been the wish of the people who receive their mail through the Greer post office.
"Once many years ago somebody decided the Greer post office should be moved a mile or two over to the mill at Greer spring, the great spring on Eleven Points river, named for the same pioneer family from which the post office took its name. Moving of the post office meant also a change in postmasters.
"A petition was circulated to ask for the move, but Uncle Pete's friends circulated a petition opposing it. The petition for the move received 12 signers, while more than one hundred patrons signed the petition to keep the office in Uncle Pete's store with Uncle Pete as the postmaster.
"Later after rural routes came into the community, the post office department decided it might be well to discontinue the post office at Greer, but again such a protest was voiced that the post office remained and Uncle Pete was reappointed postmaster for another term.
"When the post office at Greer was first established there were no rural mail routes and people came as far as six and seven miles to get their mail through the little office, which is not far from Eleven Points river and 7 miles east of Alton, county seat of Oregon county.
"Why I can remember when folks from all the way over on Big Hurricane creek used to come to Greer to get their letters," the white-haired postmaster reminisced.
FIRST MAIL ONCE A WEEK
"'Back in 1890 we got mail in Greer only once each week,' Uncle Pete told a reporter for The Quill while he was in West Plains a few days ago. 'A few years later we thought we were getting to be important when the mail came twice a week. Now we get mail every day.'
"'The worst thing now is,' he continued, 'these rural mail routes have taken a lot of my patrons and good roads and automobiles have cut down my money order business.'
"Uncle Pete doesn't complain. He seems perfectly happy.
"I just don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get up every morning and go over there and open that little office,' he said. 'I've been doing it so many years I'd feel plumb funny if I didn't.'
"Uncle Pete has delivered mail to three and four generations of some families in his community.
"Also various post office inspectors have come and gone since he has been on the job and as he recalled them in an interview with The Quill he said with a laugh.
"'You know C.H. Baker's the post office inspector who comes down here from Springfield--sure you know him. Well bless your life, I was runnin' that post office at Greer before he was born.'
"And speaking of post office inspectors--when Uncle Pete gets to heaven he probably will meet a flock of them who will greet him with a 'well done, thou good and faithful servant,' because the inspectors have always found books balanced and his office in shipshape."
Another article appeared in the South-Missourian Democrat, Alton, MO dated on June 26, 1980:
A Bit of History. . .
"Presidents of the United States have come and presidents have gone - - the national administration has changed numerous times during the past 43 years but during that period Greer, Mo. has kept the same postmaster, Peter C. Williams, or 'Uncle Pete' as he is familiarly known and who on January 10, 1938, will round out 48 years as postmaster of the Oregon County village."
"That was the lead to a feature article printed in the December 2, 1937 issue of the West Plains Daily Quill about the late Peter C. Williams.
"The article, which appeared on the front page of the paper, was written when Williams was visiting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hall, his granddaughter and her husband.
"He was appointed as postmaster when the office was established at Greer. Although he was a staunch democrat, he was appointed to the position by the late Republican U.S. President, Benjamin Harrison. He served under six other republican and three democratic presidents.
"The Quill writer explains, 'When asked how he happened to be appointed to the position to the office by President Harrison, Uncle Pete replied with a twinkle in his brown eyes: 'Well, you see, back in them days there just weren't hardly any republicans at all in Oregon County, and there didn't seem to be any around Greer who wanted to be the postmaster.' One wonders if Uncle Peter would be surprised to know that there are still hardly any republicans at all in Oregon County.
"The post office was first established in a corner of the Williams' living room. Later, he built a country store and moved the post office in that building.
"When the post office was first established, it received mail only one day a week, then twice a week, three times and at the time of the 1937 interview, mail was delivered every day. Finally rural route deliveries phased this service out.
"The Quill reporter wrote, 'Postmaster Williams is a native of Tennessee, having been born near Smithville, in DeKalb County, but came with his parents to the Missouri Ozarks when he was one year old. He was reared on a farm only one-half mile from where the post office of Greer is now located.
"His father, the late Gilbert Williams, prominent among the pioneer settlers of Oregon county, was a Tennessee slave owner and brought slaves with him to Oregon county when he moved there in 1841. After the Civil War the slaves remained on with the family until some years ago, when Oregon County issued an order forbidding Negroes to remain within her borders.
"Mr. and Mrs. Williams raised two sons and two daughters, Sampson Williams, Hayden Williams, Mrs. F.R. Tinsley and Mrs. Harriett Cates.
"Living descendants who are Oregon Countians include the great grandsons, Doyle F. Williams and Ivan Tinsley and great-great grandchildren: Claude Williams, Dennie Williams, Neta Brewer and Sidney Williams.
"He was the great grandfather of the late Corvin and Carol Cates. Other great grandchildren are Geneva Tinsley of St. Louis, Mo."
Calvin Tinsley (email: <CPTinsley@aol.com> sent the following correction: In the Oregon Co. News of the descendants of Peter C. Williams Ivan Tinsley,Carol and Corwin Cates and Geneva Tinsley are grand childern not great grand children of Peter C. Williams Doyle Williams is a great grandson
Another article appeared in the South-Missourian Democrat, Alton, MO dated Feb. 8, 1940 titled:
P.C. Williams Retires as Postmaster
"Peter C. Williams, 87 years old, retired as Postmaster at Greer, effective February 1st. Uncle Pete, as he is known to his many acquaintances, had served as Postmaster at Greer for just a few days over fifty years and during all that time the post office has been quartered in the same building. Under the retirement, Mr. Williams will receive a government pension, the exact amount has not yet been determined.
"This week Mr. Williams received a personal letter from Postmaster James A. Farley, in which letter Mr. Williams was highly commended for his service; he also received a personally autographed picture of Mr. Farley.
"After Mr. Williams' retirement, Mr. J.F. Bell, merchant of Greer, was appointed postmaster and the office is now located in the Bell Merchantile store."
Uncle Pete is mentioned in a biographical sketch which appeared in an Oregon County history book published in 1992: "Peter Carroll built a house just north of where the old store building now stands at Greer. This building is near 100 years old although the hand-hewed logs and homemade nails are covered and the house looks like a late model. Peter was appointed postmaster of Greer in 1890 by President Benjamin Harrison. He first operated the post office in his home; in about 1902 he built a store near his home. This building was used as a post office and store until his death in 1943. After his death, his daughter, Lora Tinsley, finished the term. He was the oldest postmaster in the United States at the time of his death." He was Appt'd postmaster of Greer, Mo by Pres. Benjamin Harrison in 1890. He was retired on 1 Feb 1940 Retired as postmaster.
Children of Peter Carroll5 Williams and Harriet England were:
She was joined the United Baptist Church at Cates Pond.947
Children of Peter Carroll5 Williams and Susan Parrott were as follows:
William Howard Morman wrote an article titled "History of Greer Mill" which was published in The Missouri Historical Review Volume LXVI Number 4 July 1972. In 1909 Sampson Williams and Louis Parrott purchased the Greer Mill building and machinery. Soon after they sold it to Ira M. Williams and George F. Morman.
A newspaper clipping of Sampson's obituary was given to me by Mrs. Doyle Williams of Oregon Co., Missouri:
Sampson Williams was born at Greer Nov. 21, 1878 and died at Christa Hogan Hospital Nov. 14, 1923, at the age of 44 years, 11 months and 24 days.
Mr. Williams was a prominent business man of the town of Alton.
Funeral services were held by the writer, at his home and from there the friends and relatives went to the family burial ground near Greer where the services were continued and the body laid to rest.
He leaves his wife, three daughters, Nova, Gladys and Sylvia, his father Pete Williams, step-mother Mrs. Williams, a sister Mrs. Lora Tinsley, a brother Haden Williams of Greer and a sister Mrs. Harriett Cates of east of Alton.
May God's blessing be upon the bereaved. --Joseph H. Jones.
Children of Peter Carroll5 Williams and Rebecca Margaret Cates were as follows:
69. Elisabitt 'Polly'5 Williams (Gilbert4, Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 8 Mar 1857 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.954,955 She married Jesse W. Parrott, son of Luther Benjamin Parrott and Arena England, on 2 May 1873 Oregon Co., Missouri; Her obituary states that she had 11 children, five of whom survived
her: Billy Parrott, Alton, Ira Parrott, St. Louis, Mrs. Edith Adkinson
of San Jose, CA, Mrs. Effie Fisher of St. Louis and Mrs. June Barnes
of Brosley, MO.956 She died on 19 Mar 1942 Moore, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 85.957
Children of Elisabitt 'Polly'5 Williams and Jesse W. Parrott both born Missouri were as follows:
70. Josephine5 Williams (Gilbert4, Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 21 Jan 1859 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.960,961,962 She married William Harve Parrott, son of Luther Benjamin Parrott and Arena England, in 1874 Oregon Co., Missouri.963 She died on 20 Jul 1936 Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 77.964,965,966 She was buried on 21 Jul 1936 Bailey Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.967,968
Children of Josephine5 Williams and William Harve Parrott were as follows:
71. Ira Moss5 Williams (Gilbert4, Sarah3Braswell, Samuel2, William1) was born on 4 Feb 1863 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.979 He married Catherine Harrod, daughter of William McKamey Harrod and Nancy Ellen Allison, on 6 Aug 1886 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.980 He died on 15 Sep 1936 Pike, Carter Co., Missouri, at age 73; Two obituaries for Ira have been given to me. The first was typed from a microfilmed copy of a newspaper, presumed to have been the South-Missourian Democrat by Pauline Simmons:
"Ira Williams passed away September 15, 1936, at the home of his daughter at Winona, Mo. He was a former resident of this county, having lived at Greer many years. He leaves three sons, Everett, Clyde and Guy, and three daughters, Mrs. Laura Bockman, Mrs. Ella Dunigan, and Mrs. Geo. Mormon. He was laid to rest in the Hickory Grove cemetery Wednesday the 16th, beside his wife, who preceded him in death several years ago."
The second was a newspaper clipping given to me by Mrs. Doyle Williams of Oregon Co., Missouri, also presumably from the South-Missourian Democrat:
"Ira Moss Williams was born February 4, 1863, passed away September 15, 1936. Age 73 years, 7 months and 11 days. He was married to Miss Katheryn Harrod in 1887. To this union 7 children were born, one died in infancy. His wife passed away April 19, 1919. Those living are, Mrs. Alta Morman, Fremont, Mo; Mrs. Ellen Dunnigan, Houston, Mo.; Everett Williams, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Laura Bockman, Winona, Mo.; Guy Williams, Mt. View, Mo.; Clyde Williams, Winona, Mo. He has one brother, Pete Williams, Greer Postmaster, one sister, Polly Parrott. He has 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He passed away at his daughter's home, Mrs. Alta Morman of Fremont, Mo. and was laid to rest at the Hickory Grove Cemetery September 16. Rev. J.W. Bockman of Winona conducted funeral services, assisted by Bro. J.W. Arnold. He became a member of the Christian Church at an early age and held that faith until death. He was willing and ready to go.981,982,983 He was buried on 18 Sep 1936 Hickory Grove Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.984
He received his endowment on 31 May 1886 Oregon Co., Missouri.985 He was on the tax list in 1890 Oregon Co., Missouri.986 He was a Miller
Only two structures remain standing, the old mill building and the Greer home nearby where my father, Clyde Williams was born. Nothing remains of the old log camp house, the corral or the rock-lined well. According to an article in the West Plains Quill, Ira Williams was the operator of the Greer Mill in 1916 when a photo was taken of him there. The mill closed permanently in 1920.
An undated newspaper clipping was given to me by Gerald W. Harrod, 1027 W. Oregon St., Moses Lake, WA 98837. The article was titled, "Here's How the Town of Greer Got Its Name." The editor commented, "Your editor can recall as a boy traveling by wagon and team with my father to the mill at Greer Spring from his farm some five miles east of Alton about forty-six years ago. We took a wagon load of wheat to have it ground into flour. Leaving home at daybreak or just before we spent the entire day on the trip and it was after nightfall when we returned home. As a small boy, it seemed to us that the place was humming with activity with numerous people waiting their turn. The mill was being operated by Mr. Ira Williams at that time, in the present building. It was powered from the spring by means of a cable"
between 1909 and 1920 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.987 He appeared on the census of 1920 Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.988
Children of Ira Moss5 Williams and Catherine Harrod were as follows:
He was described as Height: 6' 1", The Current Wave, February 16, 1967: Clyde Williams died at 4 a.m. Tuesday morning at Columbia, Mo. Mr. Williams was 65 years old.
Obituary clipped by Martha, appeared in The Current Wave, March 2, 1967
Clyde Harvey Williams, son of Ira Moss and Kathleen Williams, was born January 17, 1902 at Greer, Missouri, and departed this life February 14, 1967 at the age of 65 years and 27 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister - Lena, and one brother, Everett.
He is survived by his wife, Bertha; three daughters: Geneva Lockman, Winona, Mo., Martha Ann Williams, and Susan Tate of San Antonio, Texas; one son: Norman Houston Williams of Miami, Florida, who is serving in the Armed Forces in Thailand; one brother: Guy Williams, Winona, Mo; three sisters: Alta Morman, Springfield, Mo., Ellen Dunigan, Houston, Mo, and Laura Bockman; seven grandchildren, and a host of other relatives. He will be sadly missed by many friends.
Services were held at the Assembly of God Church with Rev. Dolman Roderman officiating. Burial was in Falling Springs Cemetery under direction of the Clary Funeral Home of Winona. He was educated in 1913 Clyde was in the photo of Black Jack School children. He was a merchant, Winona, Shannon Co., MO between 1944 and 1948. He was merchant , Tulsa, OK between 1949 and 1950. He was a merchant, Monarch Springs, MO between 1950 and 1956.