Henry Lewis Webb
M, b. 1 December 1867, d. 1 November 1894
Henry Lewis Webb, son of Margaret S. Tatum, was born on 1 December 1867 in Pine Flat, Autauga County, Alabama. He was also known as Major.
Henry married Lula M. Jacks on 18 February 1892 in Troup County, Georgia.1
Henry Lewis Webb was murdered by Peter James Tatum 1 November 1894 near Little Mortar Creek, Autauga County, Alabama. Henry had an affair with Tatum's daughter, Rebecca Ann Tatum. Rebecca, who was his cousin, became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Paul Augustus Tatum, 20 Oct 1894. She died of complications from childbirth 26 October 1894. On Thursday, one week after the Rebecca's death, Henry left his home with a wagon. Nothing more was seen of him until 10 o'clock in the morning when his wagon and mule returned home. Thinking that he was asleep his mother and wife went to the wagon and were startled to discover blood on his clothes. Henry only gave one gasp and died after they reached him. Peter James Tatum was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison 20 Jan 1902. He was pardoned by Governor B. B. Conner 4 Feb 1908.2
On 1 November 1894 Henry Lewis died at near Little Mortar Creek in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 26 leaving Lula M. a widow. He was buried in Pine Level Methodist Church, Pine Level, Autauga County, Alabama.
Henry married Lula M. Jacks on 18 February 1892 in Troup County, Georgia.1
Henry Lewis Webb was murdered by Peter James Tatum 1 November 1894 near Little Mortar Creek, Autauga County, Alabama. Henry had an affair with Tatum's daughter, Rebecca Ann Tatum. Rebecca, who was his cousin, became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Paul Augustus Tatum, 20 Oct 1894. She died of complications from childbirth 26 October 1894. On Thursday, one week after the Rebecca's death, Henry left his home with a wagon. Nothing more was seen of him until 10 o'clock in the morning when his wagon and mule returned home. Thinking that he was asleep his mother and wife went to the wagon and were startled to discover blood on his clothes. Henry only gave one gasp and died after they reached him. Peter James Tatum was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison 20 Jan 1902. He was pardoned by Governor B. B. Conner 4 Feb 1908.2
On 1 November 1894 Henry Lewis died at near Little Mortar Creek in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 26 leaving Lula M. a widow. He was buried in Pine Level Methodist Church, Pine Level, Autauga County, Alabama.
Last Edited=13 Feb 2016
Children of Henry Lewis Webb and Lula M. Jacks
- Thomas Marvin Webb b. 23 Jan 1893
- Henry Lewis Webb Jr. b. 18 Jan 1895
Thomas Marvin Webb
M, b. 23 January 1893
Thomas Marvin Webb, son of Henry Lewis Webb and Lula M. Jacks, was born on 23 January 1893 in Autauga County, Alabama.
Last Edited=16 Jan 2016
Henry Lewis Webb Jr.
M, b. 18 January 1895
Henry Lewis Webb Jr., son of Henry Lewis Webb and Lula M. Jacks, was born on 18 January 1895 in Autauga County, Alabama.
Last Edited=16 Jan 2016
Peter James Tatum
M, b. 12 July 1850, d. 12 September 1934
Peter James Tatum, son of Martha Martin, was born on 12 July 1850 in Stoney Point, Autauga County, Alabama. He was pastor of the Pine Level Methodist Church.
Peter married Martha Scott on 11 August 1870 in Autauga County, Alabama.
Peter James Tatum murdered Henry Lewis Webb on 1 November 1894 in near Little Mortar Creek, Autauga County, Alabama. Henry had an affair with Tatum's daughter, Rebecca Ann Tatum. Rebecca, who was his cousin, became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Paul Augustus Tatum, 20 Oct 1894. She died of complications from childbirth 26 October 1894. On Thursday, one week after the Rebecca's death, Henry left his home with a wagon. Nothing more was seen of him until 10 o'clock in the morning when his wagon and mule returned home. Thinking that he was asleep his mother and wife went to the wagon and were startled to discover blood on his clothes. Henry only gave one gasp and died after they reached him. Peter James Tatum was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison 20 Jan 1902. He was pardoned by Governor B. B. Conner 4 Feb 1908.1
Peter James Tatum and Martha Scott were separated in 1900. They lived apart after that point. In court records Peter had admitted fathering a child by Emma Hunt prior to the murder of Major Webb.
Peter James Tatum died on 12 September 1934 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 84. He died of a heart attack. He was buried in Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery, Autauga County, Alabama.
Peter married Martha Scott on 11 August 1870 in Autauga County, Alabama.
Peter James Tatum murdered Henry Lewis Webb on 1 November 1894 in near Little Mortar Creek, Autauga County, Alabama. Henry had an affair with Tatum's daughter, Rebecca Ann Tatum. Rebecca, who was his cousin, became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Paul Augustus Tatum, 20 Oct 1894. She died of complications from childbirth 26 October 1894. On Thursday, one week after the Rebecca's death, Henry left his home with a wagon. Nothing more was seen of him until 10 o'clock in the morning when his wagon and mule returned home. Thinking that he was asleep his mother and wife went to the wagon and were startled to discover blood on his clothes. Henry only gave one gasp and died after they reached him. Peter James Tatum was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison 20 Jan 1902. He was pardoned by Governor B. B. Conner 4 Feb 1908.1
Peter James Tatum and Martha Scott were separated in 1900. They lived apart after that point. In court records Peter had admitted fathering a child by Emma Hunt prior to the murder of Major Webb.
Peter James Tatum died on 12 September 1934 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 84. He died of a heart attack. He was buried in Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery, Autauga County, Alabama.
Last Edited=13 Feb 2016
Child of Peter James Tatum and Martha Scott
- Rebecca Ann Tatum b. 13 Mar 1874, d. 26 Oct 1894
Citations
- [S451] Larry E. Caver, Death Notices, 1890-1910, pg. 46. Abstracted from 9 Nov 1894 Prattville Progress.
Martha Martin
F
Last Edited=13 Feb 2016
Children of Martha Martin
- Margaret S. Tatum+ b. 24 Aug 1834, d. 26 Jul 1903
- Peter James Tatum+ b. 12 Jul 1850, d. 12 Sep 1934
Margaret S. Tatum
F, b. 24 August 1834, d. 26 July 1903
Margaret S. Tatum, daughter of Martha Martin, was born on 24 August 1834 in Autauga County, Alabama.
Margaret S. Tatum died on 26 July 1903 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 68.
Margaret S. Tatum died on 26 July 1903 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 68.
Last Edited=18 Jan 2016
Child of Margaret S. Tatum
- Henry Lewis Webb+ b. 1 Dec 1867, d. 1 Nov 1894
Rebecca Ann Tatum
F, b. 13 March 1874, d. 26 October 1894
Rebecca Ann Tatum, daughter of Peter James Tatum and Martha Scott, was born on 13 March 1874 in Autauga County, Alabama. She was also known as Becky.
Rebecca Ann Tatum died on 26 October 1894 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 20. She was buried in Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery, Autauga County, Alabama.
The death of Rebecca Ann Tatum was cited as the justification for the murder of Henry Lewis Webb by her father, Peter James Tatum, on 1 November 1894 in near Little Mortar Creek, Autauga County, Alabama. Cousins Henry and Rebecca had a love affair. Rebecca, became pregnant with Henry's child and gave birth to a son, Paul Augustus Tatum, 20 Oct 1894. She died of complications from childbirth 26 October 1894. On Thursday, one week after her death, Webb left his home with a wagon. Nothing more was seen of him until 10 o'clock in the morning when his wagon and mule returned home. Thinking that he was asleep his mother and wife went to the wagon and was startled to discover blood on his clothes. Webb only gave one gasp and died after they reached him. Peter Tatum was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison 20 Jan 1902. He was pardoned by Governor C. C. Comer 4 Feb 1908.1
Rebecca Ann Tatum died on 26 October 1894 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 20. She was buried in Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery, Autauga County, Alabama.
The death of Rebecca Ann Tatum was cited as the justification for the murder of Henry Lewis Webb by her father, Peter James Tatum, on 1 November 1894 in near Little Mortar Creek, Autauga County, Alabama. Cousins Henry and Rebecca had a love affair. Rebecca, became pregnant with Henry's child and gave birth to a son, Paul Augustus Tatum, 20 Oct 1894. She died of complications from childbirth 26 October 1894. On Thursday, one week after her death, Webb left his home with a wagon. Nothing more was seen of him until 10 o'clock in the morning when his wagon and mule returned home. Thinking that he was asleep his mother and wife went to the wagon and was startled to discover blood on his clothes. Webb only gave one gasp and died after they reached him. Peter Tatum was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison 20 Jan 1902. He was pardoned by Governor C. C. Comer 4 Feb 1908.1
Last Edited=18 Jan 2016
Citations
- [S451] Larry E. Caver, Death Notices, 1890-1910, pg. 46. Abstracted from 9 Nov 1894 Prattville Progress.
Julia Ann Ellis
F, b. 21 December 1838, d. 11 April 1907
Julia Ann Ellis was born on 21 December 1838 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Thomas Ellis and Martha Wooten.
Julia married third Lewis May on 29 November 1859 in Good Hope, Edgefield County, South Carolina.
Julia married William "Buck" ABNEY, son of Walter ABNEY and Susan BROOKS, circa 1867 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Thomas and Martha Wooten Ellis. She was the widow of Lewis May (1809-1864.)1
Julia Ann Ellis and William "Buck" ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 August 1870 in Coleman Roads post office, Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as William Abney, a 58-year-old farmer and Julia, his 32-year-old wife. Both were born in South Carolina. He had real estate valued $1500 and personal estate $300.Their children were Emma, 8, at home, and Ralph, 14, attending school. Also living in the household were Thomas Ellis, 25, and Zebedee Deloach, 20 (m), both attending school. All were born in South Carolina. Thomas Ellis was a younger brother of Julia. Emma Lula May was Julia's daughter from her first marriage to Lewis May. Ralph Abney was most likely Ralph Grant, son of Susan E. Abney and Milton Grant. He would have been the same age.2
Julia Ann Ellis and William "Buck" ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 June 1880 in Coleman, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as William Abney, 64, farmer, and his wife, July [Julia], 43, and their two daugthers, Elen, 8, and Sophie, 6.
She applied for and received a pension as the widow of Wiliam Abney. Shew was living in Edgefield County. Her pension was increased 29 Jun 1906 by Act of Congress. She received $12 per month.
Julia Ann Ellis died on 11 April 1907 in Cross Hill, Laurens County, South Carolina, at age 68. She was buried in Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Cross Hill, Laurens County, South Carolina.
Julia married third Lewis May on 29 November 1859 in Good Hope, Edgefield County, South Carolina.
Julia married William "Buck" ABNEY, son of Walter ABNEY and Susan BROOKS, circa 1867 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Thomas and Martha Wooten Ellis. She was the widow of Lewis May (1809-1864.)1
Julia Ann Ellis and William "Buck" ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 August 1870 in Coleman Roads post office, Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as William Abney, a 58-year-old farmer and Julia, his 32-year-old wife. Both were born in South Carolina. He had real estate valued $1500 and personal estate $300.Their children were Emma, 8, at home, and Ralph, 14, attending school. Also living in the household were Thomas Ellis, 25, and Zebedee Deloach, 20 (m), both attending school. All were born in South Carolina. Thomas Ellis was a younger brother of Julia. Emma Lula May was Julia's daughter from her first marriage to Lewis May. Ralph Abney was most likely Ralph Grant, son of Susan E. Abney and Milton Grant. He would have been the same age.2
Julia Ann Ellis and William "Buck" ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 June 1880 in Coleman, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as William Abney, 64, farmer, and his wife, July [Julia], 43, and their two daugthers, Elen, 8, and Sophie, 6.
She applied for and received a pension as the widow of Wiliam Abney. Shew was living in Edgefield County. Her pension was increased 29 Jun 1906 by Act of Congress. She received $12 per month.
Julia Ann Ellis died on 11 April 1907 in Cross Hill, Laurens County, South Carolina, at age 68. She was buried in Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Cross Hill, Laurens County, South Carolina.
Last Edited=30 Jul 2025
Children of Julia Ann Ellis and Lewis May
- Mattie Florence May b. 14 Dec 1860, d. b 1870
- Emma Lula May b. 16 Jun 1862, d. 17 Sep 1879
Children of Julia Ann Ellis and William "Buck" ABNEY
- Ellen ABNEY b. Sep 1870, d. 8 Mar 1891
- James ABNEY b. 19 Sep 1870, d. 2 Jan 1877
- Sophie Caroline ABNEY b. 19 Jun 1874, d. 12 Jun 1953
Citations
- [S1232] This date is an estimate based upon the context. It is NOT proven by any documentation., Estimated marriage date based on his 2nd wife Dempsey Scurry dying in early 1867.
- [S281] William Abney, born abt 1812, Year: 1870; Census Place: Saluda, Edgefield, South Carolina; Roll: M593_1494; Page: 64B, digital image at Ancestry.Com. http://www.Ancestry.Com
Mary Bland1
F, d. 1829
Mary married Walter ABNEY, son of Capt. William ABNEY and Mary CLARK, circa 1820 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was the widow of Jacob Brown.1
She was probably the female over age 45 listed in the household of her husband, Walter ABNEY, in the 1820 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina.2
On 2 April 1826 Mary Bland filed a Bill for Separate Maintenance against her husband Walter ABNEY in Edgefield County:
Mary Bland died in 1829 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Daniel Mangum certified that he read the death citation at Chestnut Hill Church 25 July 1829. Her estate was probated on 2 November 1829 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. William T. Abney, Leroy Brown, and Mastin Abney give bond of $1,500 on the estate of Mary Abney. Warrant for Appraisement is given to William T. Abney, Administrator of the estate of Mary Abney.
10 Nov 1829: Appraisment Bill for Mary Abney, dec'd is made by James Maynard, Edward Clark, and Thomas Ross.
18 Nov 1829: Estate sale for Mary Abney: Buyers include: Leroy Brown, Hardy Bowler, John Brown, Edward Carter, Walter Abney, Samuel Christian. Note: Walter Abney is her son, not her husband who is deceased. Leroy Brown is her son by her first marriage, also the bushand of Arathusa Abney. John Brown is likely also a son by her first marriage.
31 Jan 1831: The return for 1829 and 1830 on the estate of Mary Abney is made by William T. Abney. In April 1830 there is a small payment to William (Buck) Abney, Jr. In November 1830 there is a small payment made to William T. Abney. There is a notation that William T. Abney is also the administrator of the estate of Walter Abney.
5 Mar1832: The return for 1831 and 1832 on the estate of Mary Abney is made by William T. Abney. On March 5, 1832, Mary's estate received $100 from the estate of John R. Abney. On the same date it received by cash $85.50 from each of the estates of Mastin Abney, Simeon Abney, and Edward Clark, guardian. Note: It does not say for whom he was guardian.
She was probably the female over age 45 listed in the household of her husband, Walter ABNEY, in the 1820 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina.2
On 2 April 1826 Mary Bland filed a Bill for Separate Maintenance against her husband Walter ABNEY in Edgefield County:
Mary Abney by her next friend John Brown says that she married her present husband Walter A. Abney and that "for several years thereafter they lived together in tolerable comfort, but that within the last two or three years, from some unfounded cause of complaint never revealed to your oratrix, or from a perverse temperament which utterly disqualifies defendant for the proper discharge of the dates of connubial life, he has pursued towards your oratrix a cause of conduct which has rendered the life of your oratrix but a protracted state of anguish and unhappiness." [Note: A prochein ami (or next friend) is a person who acts for another in a lawsuit, specifically involving minors, disabled individuals, and court representation.]
She also alledged that he had turned his children and servants against her and caused them to treat her with disrespect. As a result, she lost all ability to manage the household. She claimed that "she has been compelled from the continued ill treatment above stated, to abandon the house of the Defendant where her situation has become so intolerable and that the Defendant has refused and still refuses to pay the necessary expenses incurred for her support the reputation [?] by the standard regard to economy."
She also says that Walter Abney has a valuable estate including land, Negroes, stock, etc. worth about $12,000 - $15,000 or more. He has adequate means to pay for her comfortable separate maintenance without infringing on the comforts of the family of the Defendant. She says that she has tried repeatedly to work out a "reconciliation of their unhappy difficulties" and has hoped that Walter Abney would comply with her reasonable requests. . . .
April 18, 1826: Walter Abney answers the complaint. He says that the Bill from beginning to end is a "most false and groundless statement and if there is one single fact correctly stated, I have not been able to find it."
He says that Mary left his house sometime in August 1824 without any provocation and was absent two or three months, leaving him "in a state of great affliction, the whole charge of his family, that the complainant returned in two or three months and found the house of the defendant still open and the defendant ready to receive and treat her as a wife, that she resided with him for some time about 1st of November until the ensuing February and was treated in all respect by the defendant as a wife should be." The whole time Mary was threating to leave the house while he was "exhorting her to remain and conduct herself as a wife and protesting that he would support her no where else than in his own house." He says that in February 1825, she left the house with no quarrel. He says her statement that she has sought a reconciliation is wholly false and that he has not seen her since she left his house nor received any message from her. He says that even after the Bill, he is willing to receive her into his house. He says that the complaints in the bill are insufficient to cause action and asks that the suit be dismissed with costs.
It is not known how this matter was settled.3
She also alledged that he had turned his children and servants against her and caused them to treat her with disrespect. As a result, she lost all ability to manage the household. She claimed that "she has been compelled from the continued ill treatment above stated, to abandon the house of the Defendant where her situation has become so intolerable and that the Defendant has refused and still refuses to pay the necessary expenses incurred for her support the reputation [?] by the standard regard to economy."
She also says that Walter Abney has a valuable estate including land, Negroes, stock, etc. worth about $12,000 - $15,000 or more. He has adequate means to pay for her comfortable separate maintenance without infringing on the comforts of the family of the Defendant. She says that she has tried repeatedly to work out a "reconciliation of their unhappy difficulties" and has hoped that Walter Abney would comply with her reasonable requests. . . .
April 18, 1826: Walter Abney answers the complaint. He says that the Bill from beginning to end is a "most false and groundless statement and if there is one single fact correctly stated, I have not been able to find it."
He says that Mary left his house sometime in August 1824 without any provocation and was absent two or three months, leaving him "in a state of great affliction, the whole charge of his family, that the complainant returned in two or three months and found the house of the defendant still open and the defendant ready to receive and treat her as a wife, that she resided with him for some time about 1st of November until the ensuing February and was treated in all respect by the defendant as a wife should be." The whole time Mary was threating to leave the house while he was "exhorting her to remain and conduct herself as a wife and protesting that he would support her no where else than in his own house." He says that in February 1825, she left the house with no quarrel. He says her statement that she has sought a reconciliation is wholly false and that he has not seen her since she left his house nor received any message from her. He says that even after the Bill, he is willing to receive her into his house. He says that the complaints in the bill are insufficient to cause action and asks that the suit be dismissed with costs.
It is not known how this matter was settled.3
Mary Bland died in 1829 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Daniel Mangum certified that he read the death citation at Chestnut Hill Church 25 July 1829. Her estate was probated on 2 November 1829 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. William T. Abney, Leroy Brown, and Mastin Abney give bond of $1,500 on the estate of Mary Abney. Warrant for Appraisement is given to William T. Abney, Administrator of the estate of Mary Abney.
10 Nov 1829: Appraisment Bill for Mary Abney, dec'd is made by James Maynard, Edward Clark, and Thomas Ross.
18 Nov 1829: Estate sale for Mary Abney: Buyers include: Leroy Brown, Hardy Bowler, John Brown, Edward Carter, Walter Abney, Samuel Christian. Note: Walter Abney is her son, not her husband who is deceased. Leroy Brown is her son by her first marriage, also the bushand of Arathusa Abney. John Brown is likely also a son by her first marriage.
31 Jan 1831: The return for 1829 and 1830 on the estate of Mary Abney is made by William T. Abney. In April 1830 there is a small payment to William (Buck) Abney, Jr. In November 1830 there is a small payment made to William T. Abney. There is a notation that William T. Abney is also the administrator of the estate of Walter Abney.
5 Mar1832: The return for 1831 and 1832 on the estate of Mary Abney is made by William T. Abney. On March 5, 1832, Mary's estate received $100 from the estate of John R. Abney. On the same date it received by cash $85.50 from each of the estates of Mastin Abney, Simeon Abney, and Edward Clark, guardian. Note: It does not say for whom he was guardian.
Last Edited=1 Aug 2026
Child of Mary Bland and Walter ABNEY
- Walter ABNEY Jr. b. a 1820
Citations
- [S696] Find A Grave (website), online http://www.findagrave.com, Walter "Watt" Abney - Find A Grave Memorial# 138419095.
- [S281] Walter Abney, 07 AUG 1820, Fourth Census of the United States, 1820; Census Place: Edgefield, South Carolina; Page: 99A; NARA Roll: M33_118; Image: 187, digital image at Ancestry.Com. http://www.Ancestry.Com
- [S370] Familysearch.org, online http://www.familysearch.org/, Edgefield.Court Records 1800-1870 (#008196347); LDS Image 50 of 792; Edgefield, SC In Equity #308. Mary Abney by her proch amie John Brown vs. Walter A. Abney - Bill for Separate Maintenance.