Person Page - 19

     William d'Abney, son of John D'ABNEY, was born circa 1362 in Derbyshire, England.¹ William d'Abney was also known as The Forester.

William d'Abney witnessed the release by John Wele of Taddington and William Clerk of Hope, chaplain, to John Bower of Hope and Rose his wife, on 29 September 1394, of lands and tenements in the village and fields of Hope, which they had of the gift and feoffment of the said John and Rose, with reversion to Thomas Swynok and Ellen his wife, daughter of the said John Bower, and, if the same die without issue, to the brothers and sisters of the gild of St. Mary of Dronfield in Hope, Derbyshire, England. Witnesses were: Richard Forester, vicar of Hope, Robert Woderove, William Abney, Henry Sun, and Nicholas Scharpe.^2,3

Records of a court held at Tyddeswall in 22 Richard II (1398), listed Wm. de Abney as one of the foresters of Derbyshire.⁴

As recorded in the Patent Rols in the time of Henry IV on 11 Jan 1408, "Commission to Roger Leeche, 'chivaler,' Thomas Folgeamp, esquire, and John Stafford, esquire, to arrest Robert Eyr the elder, William Abney of Hope, Robert Eyr the younger and Nicholas his brother, John Balge of Aston and William Eyr of Thornhill and keep them safely until they find security that they will appear before the king in Chancery in the quinzaine of Easter next to answer the king and Thomas Brichfefiled and Cecily his wife and until they deliver up Joan the daughter and heiress of Nicholas Padley sometime husband of the said Cecily, and to kepp the said Joan safely when thus delivered up, and to certify thereon to the king in Chancery." There was nothing else recorded regarding this matter or its outcome.⁵

William d'Abney was In 1408 Walter Pyg and Alice, his wife, of Haselbach, conveyed to Sir John de Strelley, knight, and Joan his wife, a messauge and 2 bovates of land in the field and village of Hasselbach. Witnesss were Nich. Montgomery, Robert le Ayr de Hope, forester, William de Abnay of the same, Richard Pygot, and John le Smyth of Tydeswall. Given at Haselbach on Lord's Day next after the feast of S. Martin [November 11] in winter, anno [in the year] 9 Henry IV [1408] in November 1408 in Hope, Derbyshire, England.⁶

On 14 April 1409 William d'Abney of Hope granted land in Hope, Derbyshire, England, to Ralph de Staueley [Stanley?], knight, Richard de Sudberry, rector of Crofton (county York), Richard Pygot of Hokelowe and Richard ABNEY, his son, including all his lands and tenements in Hope and elsewhere in the county. Witnesses: William Woderove of Hope, Robert Eyre, forester, John Kyrkeyard, and Richard de Baggeschawe.⁷

William d'Abney was included on a tax list in 1431 in Hope, Derbyshire, England. The Exchequer Lay Subsidies in the reign of Henry VI gives the names of the principal inhabitants of Hope: Hugo Eyre of Hognaston, County Derby, genr. 20s: William Eyre of Hathersage 13s 4d, Robert Eyre of Padley, armig. 100s, Nicholas Eyre, genr. 40s, William Abney of Hope, yeoman 13s 4d [13 shillings, 4 pence], Robert Eyre of Padley, armig. 40s.

Yeomen were originally a class of free British landholding farmers in the late 14th century to the 18th century who owned their own farms. The amount of land owned and the wealth of the English yeoman varied from place to place. Many yeomen were prosperous, mixed with the minor county or regional gentry and some even rented land to gentleman landowners. Some were entitled to be classed as gentlemen but did not pursue it, as it was cheaper to remain a yeoman. Some yeomen of the later Tudor and Stuart period shared the heritage and ancestry of the occupational medieval yeoman, as attested mainly by weapons found above the fireplace mantles (especially in the border shires) of the West Midlands of England.

Most yeomen had servants or labourers with whom they would work if they had the means to afford such services. Some yeomen had more wealth than the minor gentry, but remained classed as yeomen by choice rather than by necessity. Often it was hard to distinguish minor gentry from the wealthier yeomen, and wealthier husbandmen from the poorer yeomen.

Sir Anthony Richard Wagner, Garter Principal King of Arms, wrote that "a Yeoman would not normally have less than 100 acres" (40 hectares) and in social status is one step down from the Gentry, but above, say, a husbandman. (English Genealogy, Oxford, 1960, pps: 125-130).

The Concise Oxford Dictionary, (edited by H.W. & F.G. Fowler, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1972 reprint, p. 1516) states that a yeoman is "a person qualified by possessing free land of 40/- annual [feudal] value, and who can serve on juries and vote for a Knight of the Shire. He is sometimes described as a small landowner, a farmer of the middle classes."⁸

The following appeared 1431: "William Abbeney of Hope in the said county, yeoman, on Friday said he had a free tenement in demesne in the same place, which is held in socage, and it is valid throughout the year."

In the feudal system the demesne (di-MAYN; from Old French demeine ultimately from Latin dominus, "lord, master of a household") was all the land, not necessarily all contiguous to the manor house, which was retained by a lord of the manor for his own use and support, under his own management, as distinguished from land leased by him to others as sub-tenants. Socage was a form of rent paid by the farmer at set intervals to the feudal lord. The term tenement in demesne suggests that this was land that William Abbeney possessed as a tenant of a feudal lord. This tenamentum (tenement or holding) could never be taken back from a free tenant as long as the socage was paid and he had heirs. This would make it in affect his demesne.⁹

Recorded on 25 Mar 1432 a lease from William Abnay of Hope to Richard Dutton of the same, a messuage of land etc. in "le Castelton clyff" in Casteton.¹⁰

William d'Abney died before 1468 in Hope Parish, Derbyshire, England.

     Nancy Jane Rebecca WATTS, daughter of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, was born on 8 February 1860 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹

Nancy Jane Rebecca WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 25 August 1860, in the household of her parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in Collins Beat, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was seven months old.²

Nancy Jane Rebecca WATTS appeared on a state census, enumerated 1866, in the household of her father Daniel Henry WATTS in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was one of two females age 10-20. But that is incorrect as she was only six.³

Nancy Jane Rebecca WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 10 July 1870, in the household of her parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in 15th Precinct, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was listed as Rebecca Watts age 10.⁴

Nancy married William Henry LOGAN on 13 September 1877 at home of Daniel H. Watts in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Their first home was a one-room log house with a dirt floor. The children slept on on cotton bales.⁵

Nancy Jane Rebecca WATTS died on 13 July 1935 in Northport, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 75.^5,6 She was buried in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

     John Dempsey WATTS, son of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, was born on 1 November 1861 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹ John Dempsey WATTS also went by the name of Garner.

John Dempsey WATTS appeared on a state census, enumerated 1866, in the household of his father Daniel Henry WATTS in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was one of three males under age 10.²

John Dempsey WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 10 July 1870, in the household of his parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in 15th Precinct, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was eight years old.³

Garner WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1880, in the household of his parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in Smallwoods, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was nineteen years old and his occupation was farm laborer.⁴

John married Jessie Eugenia Bankston on 6 June 1886 in Olmstead Station, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The license was applied for 4 June 1886. The ceremony was performed by C. B. Olmstead, justice of peace.⁵

John Dempsey WATTS and Jessie Eugenia Bankston appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 June 1900 in Kingdom Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as John D. Watts, a farmer, age 38, born September 1862 and his wife, Jessie, age 27, born September 1872. They had been married 14 years and Jessie was the mother of three children with two living. With them were their children Woodie O. Watts, age 11, born October 1888, and Daniel G[ay] Watts, age 9, born August 1890, both of whole were listed at school. Also living with them at the time was a niece, Lottie M. Wilson, age 16, born April 1884.⁶

John Dempsey WATTS and Jessie Bankston appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 23 April 1910 in Ward 4, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The household was listed as John D. Watts, a 45-year-old sawyer in a lumber mill, and his 39-year-old wife, Jessie E. Watts. This was the first marriage for both and they had been married 22 years. Jessie was the mother of two children, all living. They rented their home at 272 13th Street. Living with them were their sons, Woodie O., an 18-year-old carpenter, and Daniel G., a 16-year-old machinist and auto repairer. All of them could read and write. Also in the household were Jessie's mother, Amanda Bankston, a 76-year-old widow and mother of six with four living. Curtis Ray was a 21-year-old boarder who worked as a planner in a lumber mill. Everyone in the household was born in Alabama.⁷

In 1913John was employed as a machinist in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The city directory showed them living at 1453 15th Avenue.

As of 1916, John Dempsey WATTS and Jessie Eugenia Bankston were living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The City Directory showed him as a wood worker. They lived 2103 25th Avenue.⁸

John Dempsey WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 21 January 1920, in the household of his son, Daniel Gaylord WATTS, in Cottondale, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.⁹

John Dempsey WATTS died on 28 November 1949 in Peterson, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 88.^10,11,12,13 He was buried in Big Hurricane Cemetery.¹⁰

     Joshua Bradford WATTS, son of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, was born on 14 October 1865 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹ He was also known as Brad. He was a school teacher in Andrews Chapel Church, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.²

Joshua Bradford WATTS appeared on a state census, enumerated 1866, in the household of his father Daniel Henry WATTS in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was one of three males under age 10.³

Joshua Bradford WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 10 July 1870, in the household of his parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in 15th Precinct, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was four years old.⁴

Brad WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1880, in the household of his parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in Smallwoods, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was lised as thirteen years old. The data on the three youngest children seems to have been jumbled. Brad was actually 15, the age given for his younger sister, Thansy.⁵

Joshua Bradford WATTS married Martha Rebecca Skinner on 2 April 1885 in at the residence of George Weaver, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. J. B. Watts and Martha A. Woodell applied for the license 31 Mar 1885, with the bond posted by Joshua and his father, Daniel H. Watts. The ceremony was performed by C. B. Olmstead, justice of peace.⁶

Brad WATTS and Martha Rebecca WATTS adopted Lydda Luella WOODELL circa 1886 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Brad WATTS and Martha Rebecca Skinner appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 6 June 1900 in Keoppels Beat, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Joshua B. Watts, a laborer, age 34, born October 1865, and his wife, Martha A. Watts, 41, born May 1859 in Texas. They had been married 15 years and Martha was the mother of five children, only three still living. The daughter included their daughers, Mindie E. Watts, age 11, born November 1888, and Mary E. Watts, 9, born September 1890. Joshua's mother, Dorothy E. Watts, 63, born August in Alabama, also lived with them. She was a widow and the mother of eight chidren with six living. Her parents were born in South Carolina. Lastly, the household included Martha's daughter from her first marriage, Lydia L. Herren, age 20, born November 1879, and her son, Drury L. Herren, age 1, born March 1899. Lydia had been married two years and was the mother of one child. Living next door was the family of Rufus and Sarah Herren.⁷

Joshua Bradford WATTS and Martha Rebecca Skinner appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 25 April 1910 in Vance, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Brad Watts, a 45-year-old sawyer in a saw mill, and his 49-year-old wife, Martha. This was his first marriage and Martha's second. She was the mother of four with three living. Her parents were born in Texas. They rented their home on the Huntsville Road. Their children were Minda, 20, and Esther, 18. There was also Martha's daughter from her first marriage, Lydia, a 28-year-old widow and her children, Dewey Herring, 11, and Nora Herring, 2. Everyone but the two youngest children could read and write.⁸

As of 1916, Joshua Bradford WATTS and Martha Rebecca Skinner were living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The City Directory shows Mrs. Lydia Herren boarding with them. Brad was working as a laborer.

Brad WATTS and Martha Rebecca Skinner appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 8 January 1920 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The household was listed as Lydda [Lydia] Herrin along with her parents, Joshua B. Watts, 54, and Martha S. Watts, 54.⁹

Joshua Bradford WATTS died on 14 October 1955 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 90.¹⁰

His obituary appeared circa 16 October 1955 in the The Tuscaloosa News, published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It read: J. B. Watts Dies at Age 90-- J. B. (Uncle Brad) Watts, 90-year-old retired sawmill operator died early Saturday morning at the residence of a grandson, E. C. Crocker, 2215 Jemison Avenue, with whom he had made his home for the last 14 years.

Funeral services will be held at 4 PM today from the Andrews Chapel Methodist Church, with the Rev. M. Meahand and the Rev. James Allred officiating. Burial will be in Snyder Cemetery, Jones and Spigener directing.

Mr. Watts was born in Tuscaloosa County Sept. 14, 1865, and had spent his entire life here. He was a member of Trinity Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daugthers, Mrs. Minda Arnhart of Tuscaloosa and Mrs. Lege Martin of Vance; a step-daughter, Mrs. Lydda Crocker of Tuscaloosa, 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and a brother, Lewis Watts of Centreville. He was buried in Old Snider Cemetery.

     William Lewis WATTS was born on 2 April 1870 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He and his sister, Bethania, were twins. William Lewis WATTS was known to most folks as Lewis.

William Lewis WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 10 July 1870, in the household of his parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in 15th Precinct, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. "Louis" and his twin sister, Bethania, were three months old.¹

William Lewis WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1880, in the household of his parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in Smallwoods, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was recorded incorrected as Lina, a female, age 11. I believe this was actually Lewis. The age would be right. The information on the three youngest children was incorrect and jumbled.²

William married first Minnie Lee GILLILAND, daughter of Hugh McClure GILLILAND and Nancy Catherine Fulmer, on 26 March 1893 in Bibb County, Alabama. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride's father.^3,4

Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 15 April 1910 in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Lewis Watts, a 38-year-old coal miner and his 33-year-old wife, Minnie. They had been married 17 years and Minnie was the mother of seven children, six still living. They owned their home. Their children were Cratha, age 16 and working dumping coal in the mines; Early, 12; Lester, 10; May, 7; Cleon, 4; and Bertha, 2. Everyone was born in Alabama.⁵

William Lewis WATTS appeared in the household of his son-in-law, Dock Beavers, on a census enumerated 8 January 1920 in Parson Precinct, Tuscaloosa County. The household was listed as Doc Beavers, a 22 year-old laborer in a coal mine; his wife, Dorothy Beavers, age 16; their daughter, Mary Beavers, age one month; father-in-law, Lewis Watts, a 48 year-old coal miner and his wife, Minnie Watts, age 39; along with their children, Lester Watts, an 18 year-old coal miner; Cleon Watts, age 13; Bertha Watts, age 11; and Katie Watts, age 7.⁶

William Lewis WATTS filed for divorce from Minnie Lee GILLILAND circa 1922. The story is that Lewis accused his wife of cheating on him and divorced her. His children went with their mother and did not come around much after that according to Phyllis Stovall.⁷

Lewis married second Fannie THOMPSON, daughter of Martin THOMPSON and Mary Ann Steele, on 25 December 1924 in the bride's family home, Bibb County, Alabama. The nuptials were performed by justice of the peace G. Wood Stewart. The couple never had children. A wedding announcement said that he was from Norris and she from West Scottsville.⁸

According to Randall Watts, Lewis traded some land as a dowry for Fannie Thompson. "Everyone that I know that knew him said that he was a very kind old man. My mother really like him and respected him very much. That says a lot considering she did not like many Watts. She also said that Fannie was the finest Christian woman she had ever known." This opinion was confirmed by Wynell Burt Welsh, who visited William and Fannie with her parents, Irby and Birdie Watts Burt. Nell recalled William as very kind and having a wonderful sense of humor, and that Fannie was a very attractive and intelligent woman.^7,9

William Lewis WATTS and Fannie THOMPSON appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 4 April 1930 in Eoline, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as William L. Watts, a 60-year-old farmer and Fannie, his 42-year-old wife. This was a first marriage for Fannie at age 37. This was William's second marriage, he had first married at 24. They owned their farm and living next door was Fannie's parents, Martin and Mary Thompson. Eoline is located about five miles west of Centreville on Hwy. 82.¹⁰

William Lewis WATTS died on 2 July 1958 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 88.^11,12 He was buried in West Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Bethania Ann WATTS, daughter of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, was born on 2 April 1870 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Bethania Ann WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 10 July 1870, in the household of her parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in 15th Precinct, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She and her twin, Louis, were three months old.¹ Bethania Ann WATTS also went by the name of Becky.

Bethania Ann WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1880, in the household of her parents Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER in Smallwoods, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was listed as Thansy Watts, age 15. This is incorrect, her actual age was 10.²

Bethania married first James M. LOGGINS, son of William J. Loggins and Mary Francis WEAVER, on 3 December 1888 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. At the home of Daniel H. Watts.³

Bethania married second James Berry Rodgers on 20 March 1909 in Lawrence County, Alabama. He was the son of Thomas J. Rodgers (1845-1932) and Nancy Catherine Hendon Rodgers (1852-1939.) She was buried in Thaxton Cemetery, Thaxton, Pontotoc County, Mississippi.

Bethania Ann WATTS died on 24 April 1968 in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, at age 98.⁴

     William Henry LOGAN was born on 9 May 1860 in Alabama. William Henry LOGAN also went by the name of Bill.

William married Nancy Jane Rebecca WATTS, daughter of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, on 13 September 1877 at home of Daniel H. Watts in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Their first home was a one-room log house with a dirt floor. The children slept on on cotton bales.¹ He was buried in Macedonia Cemetery.

William Henry LOGAN died on 18 March 1943 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 82.

     Martha Rebecca Skinner was born on 9 May 1859 in Texas, the daughter of John and Mary Skinner.

Martha married William A. WOODELL on 18 September 1876 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The wedding took place at the home of Mrs. M. Weaver.¹

Martha married Joshua Bradford WATTS, son of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, on 2 April 1885 at at the residence of George Weaver in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. J. B. Watts and Martha A. Woodell applied for the license 31 Mar 1885, with the bond posted by Joshua and his father, Daniel H. Watts. The ceremony was performed by C. B. Olmstead, justice of peace.²

Brad WATTS and Martha Rebecca WATTS adopted Lydda Luella WOODELL circa 1886 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Martha Rebecca Skinner and Brad WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 6 June 1900 in Keoppels Beat, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Joshua B. Watts, a laborer, age 34, born October 1865, and his wife, Martha A. Watts, 41, born May 1859 in Texas. They had been married 15 years and Martha was the mother of five children, only three still living. The daughter included their daughers, Mindie E. Watts, age 11, born November 1888, and Mary E. Watts, 9, born September 1890. Joshua's mother, Dorothy E. Watts, 63, born August in Alabama, also lived with them. She was a widow and the mother of eight chidren with six living. Her parents were born in South Carolina. Lastly, the household included Martha's daughter from her first marriage, Lydia L. Herren, age 20, born November 1879, and her son, Drury L. Herren, age 1, born March 1899. Lydia had been married two years and was the mother of one child. Living next door was the family of Rufus and Sarah Herren.³

Martha Rebecca Skinner and Joshua Bradford WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 25 April 1910 in Vance, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Brad Watts, a 45-year-old sawyer in a saw mill, and his 49-year-old wife, Martha. This was his first marriage and Martha's second. She was the mother of four with three living. Her parents were born in Texas. They rented their home on the Huntsville Road. Their children were Minda, 20, and Esther, 18. There was also Martha's daughter from her first marriage, Lydia, a 28-year-old widow and her children, Dewey Herring, 11, and Nora Herring, 2. Everyone but the two youngest children could read and write.⁴

As of 1916, Martha Rebecca Skinner and Joshua Bradford WATTS were living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The City Directory shows Mrs. Lydia Herren boarding with them. Brad was working as a laborer.

Martha Rebecca Skinner and Brad WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 8 January 1920 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The household was listed as Lydda [Lydia] Herrin along with her parents, Joshua B. Watts, 54, and Martha S. Watts, 54.⁵

Martha Rebecca Skinner died on 11 December 1930 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 71.^6,7 She was buried in Snider-Scales Cemetery.

Her obituary appeared 13 December 1930 in the an unknown place , published in an unknown place , an unknown place . A Tuscaloosa newspaper. It read: "Mrs. Watts Succumbs-- Mrs. Martha Rebecca Watts, 80, died at her home here 803 Fifth Avenue, Thursday night. She was a member of the Anders Chapel Methodist Church and had been a resident of Tuscaloosa for ten years. Surviving are her husband J. B. Watts; three daughters, Mrs. J. E. Arnhark [Mindie], Mrs. Lige Martin [Mary Esther] and Mrs. W. R. Crocker [Lydda]; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at the Anders Chapel Church Saturday at 11 AM, Rev. Paul Marshall officiating, J. D. Foster in charge."

     Fannie THOMPSON, daughter of Martin THOMPSON and Mary Ann Steele, was born on 29 July 1887 in Alabama.¹

Fannie married Lewis WATTS, son of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, on 25 December 1924 in the bride's family home, Bibb County, Alabama. The nuptials were performed by justice of the peace G. Wood Stewart. The couple never had children. A wedding announcement said that he was from Norris and she from West Scottsville.² Fannie was a Sunday School teacher at Haysop Baptist Church, although she was a Methodist herself, and attended the West Scottsville Methodist Church.³ Fannie was described as very bright, attractive and friendly by Waynell Burt Welsh who had visited the couple with her parents. She remembered Fannie as much younger than her husband, but that the couple seemed to be well suited. Nell also described William as a friendly man with a good sense of humor.⁴

Fannie THOMPSON and William Lewis WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 4 April 1930 in Eoline, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as William L. Watts, a 60-year-old farmer and Fannie, his 42-year-old wife. This was a first marriage for Fannie at age 37. This was William's second marriage, he had first married at 24. They owned their farm and living next door was Fannie's parents, Martin and Mary Thompson. Eoline is located about five miles west of Centreville on Hwy. 82.⁵

Fannie THOMPSON died on 5 January 1975 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 87.^1,6 She was buried in West Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     James M. LOGGINS, son of William J. Loggins and Mary Francis WEAVER, was born in October 1856 in Alabama.

James married Bethania Ann WATTS, daughter of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, on 3 December 1888 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. At the home of Daniel H. Watts.¹

James M. LOGGINS died after 1930.

     Martha Jane KINNARD was born on 15 January 1888 in Alabama, the daughter of Esau Kinnard and Isabel Hill.

Martha married Charlie McCoy WATTS, son of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, on 12 September 1906 at the home of J. E. Kinnard in Bibb County, Alabama. L.^1,2

Martha Jane KINNARD and Charlie McCoy WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 3 May 1910 in Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as C. M. Watts, a 24-year-old whose occupation was hauling logs, and his 21-year-old wife, Martha. This was the first marriage for each and they had been married five years. Martha was the mother of two children, both living. Both could read and write, and were renting their home. Their children were Craythern [Crathon], 2, and Otis, 8 months old. They were mistakenly listed as female. Living next door were Martha's parents, J. E. and S. S. Kinard. Mr. Kinard operated a general store.³

Martha Jane KINNARD and Charlie McCoy WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 7 February 1920 in James Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as C. M. Watts, a 32-year-old blacksmith, and his wife, Martha, age 31. Their children were Craythan, 12; Otis, 10; Pascal, 6; Cecil, 3 years 9 months; and Eldridge, 8 months old. They lived on the Scottsville road.

Martha Jane KINNARD and Charlie McCoy WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 16 April 1930 in James Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as C.M. Watts, 44-year-old woods forman for a saw mill; Martha, his 42-year-old wife; and their six children: Otis M., 20; Pascal, 16; Cecil, 14; Eldridge, 10; Wayne, 7; and Gesner, 1 year, 6 months. Otis ran the family farm and his brothers, Pascal and Cecil worked for him.⁴

Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 16 August 1945 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama.

Martha Jane KINNARD died on 22 June 1962 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 74.⁵ She was buried in Brent Memorial Cemetery, Brent, Bibb County, Alabama.

Martha's obituary was printed on 26 July 1962 in the Centreville Press newspaper, published in Centreville, Alabama. It read: "Mrs. Martha Watts Succumbs After Long Illness-- Mrs. Martha Watts, age 74 years, passed away at the Bibb County Hospital June 22nd, after a long illness. All was done for her that loving hands could, but God saw fit to call her home out of her suffering with patience. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, Charlie M. Watts; six sons, Crathon Watts of Centreville, Otis Watts, Pascal Watts, Wayne Watts and Cecil Watts of Tuscaloosa; and one daughter, Mrs. Van Caffee, of Tuscaloosa; two brothers, Midge Kinnard of Georgia and Chuck Kinnard of Bessemer; three sisters, Mrs. Rillie Wilson of Ohio, Mrs. Emma Montgomery of Tuscaloosa, Mrs. Lillie Bradford of Bessemer; 24 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Pallbearers were the grandsons, L. T. Watts, George Watts, William Watts, Earle Watts, Melvin Watts and Coy Watts. Funeral services were held on June 24th at Scottsville Baptist Church with interment in the Brent Memorial Cemetery, with Jack Lee Funeral Home in charge."

     Arthur Talmadge BICE was born on 31 December 1881 in Coosa County, Alabama.¹

Arthur married Minnie Ann Ronada WATTS, daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, on 7 November 1906 in Bibb County, Alabama.²

Arthur Talmadge BICE and Jacob Wesley DANIELL appeared in a newspaper article 24 March 1910 in the The Blocton Enterprise, published in West Blocton, Alabama. Lowreytown-- Mr. Arthur Bice of Scottsville moved his family to this place Saturday. He is going to work with J. W. Daniell at the saw mill.

With no end in sight for World War I, the United States instituted it's third and final registration. It included all men who were between the ages of 18 and 21, and 31 to 45 years of age. This added younger men than the previous registrations, those who were born between September 12, 1897 and September 12, 1900; and added an older group of men, born between September 12, 1873 and September 12, 1888. Arthur filled out a draft card on 12 September 1918 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. He was 36 years old and employed by D. A. Read's saw mill in Eoline. His date of birth was listed as 31 Dec 1881. He was discribed at tall and slender, with brown eyes and black hair. Minnie Bice was his nearest relative. The draft registrar was E. P. Burt.¹

Arthur Talmadge BICE died on 16 March 1933 in Selma, Dallas County, Alabama, at age 51. His residence was in Jones, Alabama.^3,4 He was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama.

His obituary appeared 16 March 1933 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Arthur Bice, Formerly of Brent, Dies Today-- Arthur Talmadge Bice died in the Selma Baptist Hospital at 12:15 a.m. today after an illness of about two weeks. He was a well known farmer in that section and had lived in Selma for the past six years, moving from Brent where he was connected with the veneer mill for a considerable period. News of his death was received by friends here this morning.

Funeral service will be held in the Methodist Church at o'clock Friday morning with internment directed by Foster's Funeral Home in the Scottsville cemetery.

Mr. Bice is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie Watts Bice, a daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bice of Jones, Ala., his mother Mrs. Sara L. Bice of Tolbert and Talmadge, also of Jones, and two brothers, Marion of Jones and J. M. of Atlanta.

     Tolbert Orlander BICE, son of Arthur Talmadge BICE and Minnie Ann Ronada WATTS, was born on 22 September 1910 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Tolbert Orlander BICE died on 9 October 1995 in Jones, Autauga County, Alabama, at age 85. He was buried in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Jones, Autauga County, Alabama.

     Jesse Carey SKINNER, son of David Skinner and Minnie Lee YOUNG, was born on 24 February 1895 in Brent, Bibb County, Alabama. He was also known as Jess.

Due to a need for men to serve during World War I, the United States instituted a draft. The first registration was for men between the ages of 21 and 31. As a result, this first registration included men born between June 5, 1886 and June 5, 1896. Jesse filled out a draft card on 5 January 1917 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. Jesse Cary Skinner was 22 years old, born 24 Feb 1895 and living in Centreville. He said he was a natural born citizen born in Harrisburg, Alabama. His occupation was sawmilling and he was employed by Dave Skinner[his father] in Scottsville. He was described as a single white male, tall and slender, with brown eyes and auburn hair.¹

During World War I, Jesse Carey SKINNER enlisted in the U. S. Nay on 13 June 1918 in Birmingham, Alabama. He was rated as an Engineer 2nd Class. He was honorably discharged 10 Feb 1919 at Fort Lyon, Colorado. This comes from a veterans grave marker application 6 Mar 1963 by his widow Inida, who signed her name as Endia E. Skinner.²

Jesse married India Ellen WATTS, daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, on 11 March 1923 in Bibb County, Alabama.³ He was described as having brown hair and eyes. He was at various times a sawmill worker, mill owner and employee at a paper mill in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Jesse Carey SKINNER and India Ellen WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 15 March 1923 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Mr. J. C. Skinner and Miss India Watts were married at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Watts of Scottsville, on Sunday. The young couple will make their future home in Blocton. The young man called in and had The Press sent to his future address, as he is leaving the old home to establish one of his own, and he started out right, by wanting to keep uo with the news of his home county.

Jesse Carey SKINNER died on 23 February 1963 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, at age 67.⁴ He was buried in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park, Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.⁵

     Mae Leah STEWART was born on 6 January 1899 in Bibb County, Alabama, daughter of Virgil Albert STEWART and Jo Ella Murphy. She was the granddaughter of George Jefferson Stewart.^1,2

Mae married John Cleveland WATTS, son of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, on 25 December 1915 in Bibb County, Alabama.³

John Cleveland WATTS and Mae Leah STEWART appeared in a newspaper article 27 February 1919 in the Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Route Four Items-- Mr. and Mrs. John Watts and children spent Thursday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Stewart.

Mae Leah STEWART and John Cleveland WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 8 January 1920 in the Lomax Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as John C. Watts, 29, and his wife, Mae L. Watts, 20. Living with them were their sons, Marvin O. Watts, age 3 years and two months, and Albert J. Watts, age one year and 8 months. They were renting their house on the Centreville and Marion Road. John worked as a woods foreman for a lumber mill.⁴

Mae Leah STEWART appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 April 1930 in James Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Mae Watts, 31, widow; her son, Marvin, 13; and daughters, Adelia, 8, and Johnie M., 1 year 4 mths. Mae's occupation was farming and she rented the farm. Marvin was listed as farm labor. He and Adelia attended school.⁵

Mae Leah STEWART died on 31 December 1991 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 92. She was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

Her obituary appeared 2 January 1992 in the Birmingham Post-Herald, published in Birmingham, Alabama. Mae Leah Stewart Watts died in Centrevile at age 92. She was survived by sons A. J. Watts, Centreville; daughters Johnnie Tidwell, Calera and Mrs. Elbre Mitchell, Centreville; Stepmother Mary S. Allbee, Missouri; half-brothers George Stewart, Brent; Erskine Stewart, Marion; Jarman Stewart, Oklahoma; step-sisters Christina French, Brent and Mary Dean Jincks, Missouri.

     Luke P. YOUNG, son of Zachariah YOUNG and Edpsey Caroline Yates, was born in 1886 in Bibb County, Alabama.

An unknown person married an unknown person , daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, on 26 December 1915 at her parents home in Bibb County. The wedding service was performed by Rev. Westinger. Luke's mother is thougt to be Cherokee Indian.¹ Caroline Cline reports that Luke was the younger brother of her grandmother, Minnie Lee Young, who was twelve at the time he was born, and was a "great favorite" of hers. "Uncle Luke was a farmer all of his life. He and Aunt Norma lived in the original Young farmhouse until it burned around 1938. At that time they moved into one of the tenant houses, and Aunt Norma died shortly thereafter in her late 30's, I believe. She was a fine woman, according to my grandmother, who had a great memory." Caroline added that, "Uncle Luke had a slight speech impediment which made listening to him fascinating to me as a young child."²

Luke P. YOUNG died in 1963 in Bibb County, Alabama. He was buried in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

     Hettie Marvin KORNEGAY was born on 26 May 1904.¹

Hettie married Talmadge WATTS, son of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, on 13 September 1925 at the home of Ed Kornegay in Bibb County, Alabama. Wood Stewart, J. P. officiated the ceremony.^2,3

Hettie Marvin KORNEGAY and Talmadge WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 4 April 1930 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as George T. Watts, 23, a laborer in a saw mill; his wife H. Marvin, 25; and their three children: Van B., 3; James W., 1; and Adelia, 3 mths old. Talmadge and Marvin had been married four years, he had married at 19 and she at 21. Both could read and write. They rented a house on Aldine Street in Centreville.⁴

Hettie Marvin KORNEGAY died on 19 May 1994 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 89.^1,5 She was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Sophia SNIDER, daughter of Jacob SNIDER and Susannah Oswalt, was born in 1766 in Lexington District, South Carolina.²

The folllowing land transaction was dated 27 Jun 1814, for $2000 140 acres on waters of the Saluda River, John Snider and Abraham Sanford and Nicholas See, George Snider, William Sanford, Susannah and Sophia Snider to Mathias Snider. Proved and acknowledged 16 Aug 1814.³

Sophia SNIDER purchased a government land patent 9 January 1833 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Her land was located in section 31, township 21 and range 8 west. This was off King's Mill Road.⁴

Sophia married Henry WEAVER Jr., son of Henry WEAVER Sr. and Eve Oswalt, on 4 May 1837 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was the widow of a Mr. Kizier. Henry Weaver and Sophia Kizier applied for their marriage license 2 May 1837.^5,6,7

Sophia SNIDER appeared on a census, enumerated 1840, in the household of Henry WEAVER Jr. in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.⁸

Sophia SNIDER was named an heir in the will of Henry WEAVER Jr. dated 6 October 1842 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Sophia SNIDER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1850 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Sophia Weaver, age 84, value of real estate was $300, her place of birth was unknown, she was blind and could neither read nor write. Ennumerated with her was Martha Smith(?), age 35 and born in South Carolina.⁹

Sophia SNIDER died between 1855 and 1858 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

     George Washington KEADLE was born in 1815 in South Carolina.² He was a farmer.

George married Martha L. Mattox circa 1842.

George Washington KEADLE and Martha L. Mattox appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 19 September 1850 in Division 59, Meriwether County, Georgia. The household was listed as George W. Keadle, a 31-year-old carpenter born in South Carolina and Martha, his 25-year-old wife from the same state. Also in the household were Orry[Arrie] Keadle, an 8-year-old female; Martha, age 7; Morandy, a 4-year-old female; and a 1-year-old female infant [Cis].³

George Washington KEADLE and Martha L. Mattox appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 21 July 1860 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as George W. Keadle, a 45-year-old farmer and his wife, Martha L., 38. Both were born in South Carolina and had personal property valued at $100. With them were their children: Orra [Arrie], 18; Cis, 10; Ransom, 6; and Araminta, one month old. All of the children were born in Georgia except Araminta, who was born in Alabama. Also in the household was Williams Pery, an 16-year-old farmer from Alabama.⁴

     Martha L. Mattox was born in 1822 in South Carolina.

Martha married George Washington KEADLE circa 1842.

Martha L. Mattox and George Washington KEADLE appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 19 September 1850 in Division 59, Meriwether County, Georgia. The household was listed as George W. Keadle, a 31-year-old carpenter born in South Carolina and Martha, his 25-year-old wife from the same state. Also in the household were Orry[Arrie] Keadle, an 8-year-old female; Martha, age 7; Morandy, a 4-year-old female; and a 1-year-old female infant [Cis].²

Martha L. Mattox and George Washington KEADLE appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 21 July 1860 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as George W. Keadle, a 45-year-old farmer and his wife, Martha L., 38. Both were born in South Carolina and had personal property valued at $100. With them were their children: Orra [Arrie], 18; Cis, 10; Ransom, 6; and Araminta, one month old. All of the children were born in Georgia except Araminta, who was born in Alabama. Also in the household was Williams Pery, an 16-year-old farmer from Alabama.³

     Nancy Ann HAWKS was born in 1815 in Alabama.¹

Nancy married George Wesley YEAGER, son of Ezekiah Everett YEAGER and Mary Polly Lee, on 19 November 1851 in Bibb County, Alabama. The ceremony was performed by John W. Keadle, Justice of the Peace.^2,3

Nancy Ann HAWKS and George Wesley YEAGER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 21 July 1860 in West side Cahaba River, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as George Yeager, a 53-year-old farmer, born in Alabama, and his 45-year-old wife, Ann, born in Alabama. He had real estate valued at $500 and personal property valued at the same amount. Living with them were their children: Milton P. Yeager, 9 and Eastha Yeager, 3. Alson in the household was George's niece, Lucinda Wright (age 6). The reason for this is not known.^4,5

Nancy Ann HAWKS died in 1864 in Bibb County, Alabama.

     Milton P. YEAGER, son of George Wesley YEAGER and Mary "Polly" LINN, was born in 1851.¹

Milton P. YEAGER appeared on a census, enumerated 21 July 1860, in the household of his father Nancy Ann HAWKS in West side Cahaba River, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was listed as Milton P. Yeager, age 9.^2,3