Person Page - 4

     Bathshua STRATTON was born circa 1630 in Leicester, England.

Bathshua married George ABNEY, son of Paul ABNEY and Mary Brokesby, circa 1652 in Leicester, England. They had five sons.

George died on 3 May 1661 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, at age 47 leaving Bathshua ABNEY as a widow.^1,2,3,4

Bathshua married second Rev. Joseph LEE on 7 February 1661/62 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. He was the rector of Cotesbach near Lutterworth, Leicestershire. It was the second marriage for both.^5,6,7,8

Bathshua left a will dated 8 January 1706 in Leicester, England. It was proved 22 Sep 1712. She left the greatest part of her estate to her only living son, Dannett. Dannett was already in Virginia by this time and never returned to England to claim his estate. The estate was escheated to the crown.^9,6,7

Bathshua STRATTON died on 31 August 1712 in Leicester, England.

     Paul ABNEY, son of Edmund ABNEY and Katherine LUDLAM, was born circa 1588 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. He was a tradesman. His apprenticeship expired at the Feast of the Purification of our Lady in 1607.^1,2

On 17 Mar 1609 Paul Abney of the Borough of Leicester, yeoman, was bonded in the sum of £76 to Edward Bass of Stapleford, yeoman.³

Paul married Mary Brokesby, daughter of George Brokesby and Elizabeth Goodwin, in 1611 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. She was the daughter of George Brokesby, of Stapleford, Leicestershire (descendant of King Henry II), by Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Goodwin, of Stapleford. They had six sons and seven daughters.^4,5,6,1

Paul ABNEY entered pedigree in Herald's Visitation of Leicestershire in 1619.⁷

Robert Hudson, citizen and haberdasher of London leased to Robert Miller of Leicester, mercer, and Paul Abney of Leicester, gentleman, for 21 years at £148 per acre land in Netherhighfeild in the parish of Melton Mowbray, being part of the ground called Highfeilds and a parcel of ground called Hay Medowe, parish of Melton Mowbray.⁸

Paul ABNEY entered pedigree in Harold's Visitation in 1634.

Paul ABNEY died on 10 June 1635 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.^4,9,1 He was buried in St. Mary de Castro Churchyard, Leicester, England.² His estate was probated on 18 June 1635 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. Will of Paul Abney, no date, proved 18 June 1635. He devised his wife his farm in the South Field and the house wherein he dwelt. Ground bought of Mr. Morton to wife for life, and after to descend to his son, John. All his personal estate to his children equally, George to have a double portion. His brothers, Mr. Phillip Brooksbie, and Mr. Dannett Abney, his executors.¹⁰

     Mary Brokesby, daughter of George Brokesby and Elizabeth Goodwin, was born circa 1590 in Stapleford, Leicestershire, England.

An unknown person married an unknown person , son of Edmund ABNEY and Katherine LUDLAM, in 1611 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.^1,2,3,4

Mary Brokesby died in 1637 in Leicester, England. She was buried in St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, England.

     Edmund ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Ellen WOLSELEY, was born in 1562 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England. He was a gentleman and Lord Mayor of Leicester. Being the youngest son, he had received only 50 pounds inheritance. Edmund moved from Willesley, Derbyshire to Leicester where he started in trade. He was admitted as a freeman in 1594 and a member of the Council in 1599, and Lord Mayor of Leicester in 1587.^1,2,3,4

Edmund ABNEY witnessed outbreaks of the bubonic plague or Black Death between 1563 and 1666 in England. Plague epidemics ravaged London in the 1563 London plague, in 1593, 1603, 1625, 1636, and 1665, reducing its population by 10 to 30% during those years. The 1665–66 Great Plague of London was the final major epidemic of the pandemic, with the last death of plague in the walled City of London recorded fourteen years later in 1679.

Edmund ABNEY was named an heir in the probate of the estate of George ABNEY on 7 January 1578 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England. As the third son, he was left 40 pounds. His brothers older brothers James and Robert both inherited estates.^5,6

Edmund married Katherine LUDLAM, daughter of William LUDLAM and Isabella DANNET, in 1587 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. Her father, William Ludlam, was an alderman and Lord Mayor of Leicester. All of the Abneys in America descended from the marriage of Edmund and Catherine.^2,7,3,4

Edmund left a will dated 17 March 1603 in Leicester, England. Will of Edmund Abnye, of the Borow of Leicester, gentleman, dated 17 Mar 1603, proved 24 Jan 1604. To Catherine, his wife, a messuage within the Southgate, in Leicester, in which they dwelt, whilst Paul, his son, was apprentice, his term of apprenticeship expiring at the Feast of the Purification of our Lady, 1607. His wife was also to have a cottage at Belsthorpe, Rutland. Paul to pay to his mother £26 . Dannett, his son, to have £13 out of the Belsthorpe property, at his marriage, or when 21. Catherine, Mary and Isabel, his daughters. Richard Pudsey, of Chilcott, in Derby, gentleman, and Edward Turner, of Leicester, gentleman, his overseers. His brother, James, owed him £71.

Edmund ABNEY died on 25 January 1604 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.^8,9 He was buried on 1 April 1604 in St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, England.^1,10,3,4 On the side wall of St. Mary's chancel is the following: To the memory of Edmund Abney born at Willesley Hall, Derbyshire, married Katherine Ludlam of the parish. Buried in the chancel 1604. Paul Abney, his son and heir, born circa 1590, married Mary Brooksby of Stapleford, buried in the chancel 1634. George Abney, his son and heir, born 1613, married Bathshua in the time of the Civil War, buried in the chancel 1631. Erected by John Rutledge Abney of New York, their descendant in the seventh generation from the said George. "Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

     Katherine LUDLAM, daughter of William LUDLAM and Isabella DANNET, was born circa 1566 in Leicester, England.¹

Katherine married Edmund ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Ellen WOLSELEY, in 1587 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. Her father, William Ludlam, was an alderman and Lord Mayor of Leicester. All of the Abneys in America descended from the marriage of Edmund and Catherine.^2,3,4,5

Katherine LUDLAM died after 1604 in Leicester, England. She was buried in St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, England.

     George ABNEY, son of John ABNEY and Margaret d'Ingwardby, was born circa 1499 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.¹ He was Lord of Willesley. He inherited Willesley from his father in 1505. He was a descendant of Magna Carta surety baron Saher de Quincy.

George ABNEY purchased Newton and Swebebeston from William Devy of Littleton in Gloucestershire, England.

George married Ellen WOLSELEY, daughter of John Wolseley and Anne STANLEY, circa 1536 in Derbyshire, England. They were the parents of 21 children, 11 sons and 10 daughters.^2,3,4

George ABNEY witnessed outbreaks of the bubonic plague or Black Death between 1563 and 1665 in England. Plague epidemics ravaged London in the 1563 London plague, in 1593, 1603, 1625, 1636, and 1665, reducing its population by 10 to 30% during those years. The 1665–66 Great Plague of London was the final major epidemic of the pandemic, with the last death of plague in the walled City of London recorded fourteen years later in 1679. His estate was probated on 7 January 1578 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England. On 4 Jan 1570, George Abney, of Willesley, in the County of Derby, gentleman, made his will, which was proved the 7th Jan 1578. “To be buried in the Churchyard of the Chappell at Willesly. Whereupon I Will that there be a gravestone laid with the picture of me and my wife and my children, with the dates of our deaths… To John Abney …£20, to Edmond… £40; Thomas, my youngest son, £40; to Robert, all the goods, etc., now at the house belonging to the house, with the appurts, wch I have lately given him in Newton Burgalon, in the County of Leicester. To daughter, Anne Hawsey, £10. To godchildren. George Whatton, George Vincent, George Hawsey, and George Abney, £10 each. Legacies to servants: Cisely Smythe, Ric. Fenton, Robert Smythe, Adam Durnell, Henry Joyse, Jo. Pkin, Mary Joyse, Anne Owers, Johan Smythe, Henry Martyn, and James Clystan. To the poor within the town of Wellesley, Ashby Pakington, Mesam, Okethorpe, Dunsthorpe, Or, Sheale, Blackfordby, Boythorpe. His signet of gowide, with his arms graven therein, to his eldest son, whom he appoints Executor, the Earle of Huntingdon to be Overseer. Witnesses, Henry Edgall, Rich. White, George Starkey, and Wm. Ward, also Farmer. (Yeatman, Derbyshire, Vol. V, Sec. IX, pg. 63-64).

Apparently James failed to give Edmund the £40. In Edmund's will, he revealed that his brother, James (Lord of Willesley) owed him £71 (probably the £40 plus interest.)^5,6

George ABNEY died on 1 March 1578 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.^7,8,9,10 He was buried in chancel (beneath the floor), Willesley Chapel, England.

"On the floor of the chancel are two alabaster slabs, the figures and inscriptions of which are much worn. On the oldest one is incised the figure of a man in plate armour, with his wife by his side, and at their feet three girls and three boys. The following is the inscription - that part of it in brackets is supplied from notes taken in August, 1662, by Elias Ashmole: (Hic jacet Johis Abney . . . et Maria) uxor ejus quiquidem Johes obiit primo die mensis Decembris anno dni millimo (D quinto).

On the other one are the figures of a man in civilian's dress, his wife in a French cap and brocaded petticoat, and nine children below them, apparently three boys and six girls. The following is the inscription: Here lieth the bodies of (George) Abney esquier and Ellene his (wife) deceased the firste day of Marche in the year of our Lord God 1578 and the saide Ellene deceased the 3rd day of December in the year of our Lord God M°V°lxxi [1571].

John Abney, of the first of these monuments, was the eldest son and heir of William Abney, by the co-heiress of Ingwardby; George Abney, of the second monument, was the eldest son and heir of John."^11,8,12

     Ellen WOLSELEY, daughter of John Wolseley and Anne STANLEY, was born circa 1514 in Wolseley, Staffordshire, England.

Ellen married George ABNEY, son of John ABNEY and Margaret d'Ingwardby, circa 1536 in Derbyshire, England. They were the parents of 21 children, 11 sons and 10 daughters.^1,2,3 She was a direct descendant through her mother of Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor and King of France. The line of descent includes Kings Henry I, II and II, and King John I.⁴

Ellen WOLSELEY died on 3 December 1571 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.^4,5,6 She was buried in chancel (beneath the floor), Willesley Chapel, England. An alabaster slab in channel shows the figure of a man in civilian dress and his wife in French cap and brocaded petticoat. There are nine children shown below them, apparently three boys and six girls. An inscription reads: "Here lieth the bodirs of George Abney esquier and Ellene his wife deceased the first day of Marche in the year of our Lord God 1578 and said Ellene deceased in the iii day of December in the year of our Lord God M°V°lxxi." [Note: Translate this back into Latin and you get Anno Domini M[illesim]o quinque [centissim]^7,8o septuaginta uno. The numbers are adjectives and agree in case with the word "Anno", so end in "o" which has been, as often it was in charters, written as a superscript and very seriously abbreviated. Mo means thousand and Vo or Vc means 500. Lxxi is 71, so thee year is 1571.]

     John Wolseley was born circa 1475 at Wolseley Hall in Colwich, Staffordshire, England. He was the son of Ralph Wolseley and Margaret Aston. He was Lord of Wolesley.

John married Anne STANLEY, daughter of Lord George STANLEY and Eleanor Sutton, in 1492 in Staffordshire, England. She was the sister of John Stanley of Bromwich Hall, Staffordshre. He was the son of Ralph Wolseley and Margaret Aston. They had three son (Anthony, Ralph and John Wolseley) and four daughters (Eleanor, Joan, Mary and Ellen.)¹

John Wolseley died in 1553 in Colwich, Staffordshire, England.

     Anne STANLEY, daughter of Lord George STANLEY and Eleanor Sutton, was born circa 1472 in Staffordshire, England.

Anne married John Wolseley in 1492 in Staffordshire, England. She was the sister of John Stanley of Bromwich Hall, Staffordshre. He was the son of Ralph Wolseley and Margaret Aston. They had three son (Anthony, Ralph and John Wolseley) and four daughters (Eleanor, Joan, Mary and Ellen.)¹

     Lord George STANLEY was born in 1440 in Hammerwich, Lichfield Parish, Staffordshire, England, the son of Sir Thomas Stanley and Elizabeth Langton, daughter of Ralph Langton. Thomas Stanley, died 1463, was the son of Sir John Stanley and Isabel de Lathom.¹ He was Sheriff and Escheator of Staffordshire.

George married Eleanor Sutton, daughter of Sir John Sutton VI, K. G. and Elizabeth BERKELEY, after 16 November 1471 in Hammerwich, Lichfield Parish, Staffordshire, England. She was the widow of Sir Henry Beaumont of Wednesbury, Staffordshire. They had four children, Thomas Stanley, Catherine Stanley, John Stanley, Esq., Lord West Bromwich, and Anne Stanley.^2,3

Lord George STANLEY died in 1508 in Wednesbury, Staffordshire, England. He was buried in Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, England.

     Eleanor Sutton, daughter of Sir John Sutton VI, K. G. and Elizabeth BERKELEY, was born circa 1439 at Dudley Castle in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, England.^1,2 She was also known as Ellen Dudley.

Eleanor married first Sir Henry Beaumont circa 1460 in Dudley Castle, Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, England. He was Sheriff of Staffordshire, the son of Sir Henry Beaumont (descendent of King Henry III) of Wednesbury and Joan Heronville. They had two children: Constance and John Beaumont.³

Henry died on 16 November 1471 leaving Eleanor Sutton as a widow.³

Eleanor married second Lord George STANLEY, son of Sir Thomas STANLEY, after 16 November 1471 in Hammerwich, Lichfield Parish, Staffordshire, England. She was the widow of Sir Henry Beaumont of Wednesbury, Staffordshire. They had four children, Thomas Stanley, Catherine Stanley, John Stanley, Esq., Lord West Bromwich, and Anne Stanley.^4,1

Eleanor Sutton died circa 1513 in Wednesbury, Staffordshire, England.⁴ She was buried in Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, England.

     Sir John Sutton VI, K. G. was born on 25 December 1400 in Dudley Castle, Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, England. He was the 1st Lord Dudley, 4th Baron Dudley.^1,2

Dudley Castle was built by the Normans around 1071. The infamous John Dudley rebuilt it in the Renaissance style only to be beheaded by Queen Mary for tyring to put Lady Jane Grey on the thorne of England.

John married Elizabeth BERKELEY, daughter of Sir John BERKELEY and Elizabeth Betteshorne, in 1421. They had 5 sons (Sir Edmund; John, Esq; Humphrey; William, Bishop of Durham, Chancellor of Oxford University; and Oliver) and 3 daughters (Margaret, wife of Sir George Longueville; Jane, wife of Thomas Mainwaring; and Eleanor.)^3,4

John served in France under King Henry V and on 7 November 1422 as Lord Stewart brought home the king's body and was chief mourner and standard bearer at Henry's funeral. He was named Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1428 and constable of Clun Castle 3 Nov 1435.²

On 15 February 1439 John was summoned to Parliament where he was named Lord Dudley.²

In 1451, during the War of the Roses, on returning from Ireland John was captured by Richard, Duke of York, in Gloucester and sent to prison at Ludlow Castle, Shropshire.²

Early on in the Wars of the Roses he was a resolute defender of the House of Lancaster, but changed his allegiance to York. At the Battle of St Albans 1455 John Lord Dudley of Worcestershire took part with his son Edmund, where he was taken prisoner along with Henry VI. Despite previous loyalty to the Lancasterian cause he was soon on diplomatic missions for Yorkists acting as ambassador in negotiations with Burgundy and Brittany. At the Battle of Blore Heath he was present on 23 Sep1459 along with his son Edmund Sutton. Dudley was wounded and again captured. At the Battle of Towton 29 Mar1461 he was rewarded after the battle for his participation on the side of Edward, Earl of March, son of Richard, Duke of York. On June 28 of that year, Edward IV was proclaimed King in London. Following the Battle of Bosworth Field 22 Aug 1485, Dudley was created Sheriff of Sussex by the new King Henry VII.^2,3,5

Sir John Sutton VI, K. G. was made a Knight of the Garter in 1460. He received the title Stewart of the Lordship of Montgomery 2 Feb 1459/60, Constable of Wigmore Castle 20 May 1460 and Constable of the Tower 1470-1483.²

Sir John Sutton VI, K. G. died on 30 September 1487 at Dudley Castle in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, England, at age 86.¹ He was buried in St. James' Priory, Dudley, England.

     Elizabeth BERKELEY was born circa 1400 in Beverstone, Gloucestershire, England, daughter of Sir John BERKELEY and Elizabeth Betteshorne.¹

Elizabeth married Sir Edward Cherleton before 1408. He was the 5th Lord Cherleton, Lord Powis, son of Sir John Cherleton, 3rd Lord Cherleton, Lord Powis and Joan de Stafford. They had no issue.¹

Edward died between 15 March 1420 and 1421 leaving Elizabeth BERKELEY as a widow.

Elizabeth married second Sir John Sutton VI, K. G. in 1421. They had 5 sons (Sir Edmund; John, Esq; Humphrey; William, Bishop of Durham, Chancellor of Oxford University; and Oliver) and 3 daughters (Margaret, wife of Sir George Longueville; Jane, wife of Thomas Mainwaring; and Eleanor.)^2,1

Elizabeth was a legatee in the 1459 will of her sister, Eleanor Hungerford, Countess of Arundell, who bequeathed her a row of pearls.

Elizabeth BERKELEY died on 8 December 1478 in Dudley Castle, Staffordshire, England.¹ She was buried in St. James' Priory, Dudley, England.

     John ABNEY, son of William ABNEY, was born circa 1476 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.^1,2 He was a knight and Lord of Willesley. His father William and Thomas Stoke had held Willesley and Potlock jointly. At some point the two agreed to exchange their shares in the two estates. This made John Abney the first sole Lord of Willesley.

John married Margaret d'Ingwardby circa 1494. They were the parents of six children, three boys and three girls.

John ABNEY died on 1 December 1550 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.^3,4,5 He was buried in chancel of St. Tomas Church (beneath the floor), Willesley Manor, England.

On the floor of the chancel are two alabaster slabs, the figures and inscriptions of which are much worn. The oldest one is that of John Abney and on it is incised the figure of a man in plate armour, with his wife by his side, and at their feet three girls and three boys. The following is the inscription - that part of it in brackets is supplied from notes taken in August, 1662, by Elias Ashmole: (Hic jacet Johis Abney . . . et Maria) uxor ejus quiquidem Johes obiit primo die mensis Decembris anno dni millimo (D quinto).

The second tomb is that of George Abney, the eldest son and heir of John.⁶

     Margaret d'Ingwardby was also known as Mary which is how her name in Latin, Maria, is sometimes translated.

Margaret d'Ingwardby was born circa 1480 in England.³

Margaret married John ABNEY, son of William ABNEY, circa 1494. They were the parents of six children, three boys and three girls.

Margaret d'Ingwardby died circa 1580 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.³ She was buried in St. Tomas Church, Willesley, England.

     William ABNEY, son of John ABNEY and (?) de Ingwardby, was born circa 1422 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.¹ He was Lord ex parte of Willesley and Potlock with Thomas de Stoke. Apparently William, or his son John, gained Stoke's portion of the manor as John Abney was sole Lord of Willesley. Possibly Stoke received Potlock in exchange. William assumed the Arms previously born by William D'Ingwardby: Or on a chief gules a demi-lion rampant or between the paws of a pellet. Motto: Fortiteret honeste. The previous coat of the Abneys was: Argent on a cross sable five bezants. This crest went to the Measham line in 1569.²

William ABNEY accepted a presentment against the heirs of William Ingwardby, signifying that the estates and lands of the heirs of William Ingwardby was then in the possession of William Abney, son and heir of John Abney in 1459.³

William ABNEY died after 1471 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.¹

     John ABNEY, son of William d'Abney, was born circa 1394 in Derbyshire, England.¹

John married (?) de Ingwardby, daughter of William de INGWARDBY, circa 1419 at St. Thomas Church in Willesley Parish, England. She was the eldest of the two daughters and co-heirs of William de Ingwardby, and brought to the Abney family the manors of Willesley and Potlock, county Derby; with lands in Packington, county Leicester. The second daughter married Thomas Stokes, esq. of Tamworth. John Abney on his marriage took the arms of Ingwardby, a demi-lion, rampant, or, resting the left paw on an antique shileld.

From Debrett's Baronage of England: " The family of Wiveleslie (the ancient name of Willesley) was possessed of the lordship at a very early period. In the year 1160, Michael de Wiveleslie, was lord of the manor, and granted lands to John de Yngwereby then living at Willesley ; Nicholas de Yngwereby, his son, m. Cecilia Wychard de Meysam, widow of Nicholas Wychard, and da. of sir Wm. de Meysam, from whom, and from the Wiveleslies he obtained further grants of land at Willesley. His son William, m. about 1290, Albreda de Wiveseleye, or Wiveiislie, da. of Michael, and sister of Ado de Wiveseleye, and obtained the rest of the lands together with the lordship. They were succeeded by their son Nicholas, who m. Isabella, and was succeeded by William their son, who was succeeded by his only son William de Ingewardeby de Willesleye, who left 2 das., co-heirs of his estates ; the eldest, about the year 1400, m. Jno. de Abney, or Abbeney."²

John ABNEY was a witness to a quitclaim 25 March 1419 in Offerton, Derbyshire, England, from Margery, daughter of Roger Barker of Hathersegg, to John Wylde of Abneye, all lands she inherited on the death of her mother in Offerton. Witnesses: Roger Massy of Hylowe, Richard Stafford, and John Abney. This was last record of John Abney prior to his becoming Lord of Willesley.³ He was the first Lord ex-parte of Willesley, along with Thomas de Stoke. His arms were Argent on a cross. Sable, five bezants.

Willesley is mentioned as a significant manor in the Domesday book. Willesley is listed among the large number of manors that are owned directly by Henry de Ferrers and its value was assessed as twenty shillings TRE ( In Latin is Tempore Regis Edwardi. This means in the time of King Edward before the Battle of Hastings.) and sixteen shillings in 1086.

Willesley lies on the border of Leicester and Derby, about two miles from Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The manor was given by Wulfic Spott to the abbey of Burton, under which it was held in the 13th and 14th centuries, by the family of Ingwardby. The earliest member of this family was Michael of Wivelesley (Willesley) living in the reign of Henry I (1100-1135). When male heirs failed the surname disappeared.

The following appeared in 1431: "Johannes Abney de Willesley in comitatu Derby, armiger, habuit et tenuit dicto die Veneris in dominico, ut liberum tenementum suum, terras et tenementa in Willesley, per vicesimam partem, f. m." A rough translation from Latin is: John Abney of Willesley, in the county of Derby, esquire, had and held on Friday the said demesne as his freehold lands and tenements in Willesley, by the twentieth part, knights fee. [f. m. = feodum militis].

Demesne is a feudal term meaning the land was in a man's personal possesion and control. In the context of manorial surveys describing the landholdings within a manor, a messuage was a farmstead, i.e. the house and ancillary farm buildings at the centre of a landholding, whereas a tenement was the entire landholding, the farmstead plus its associated farmland. A knight's fee was a measure of a unit of land deemed sufficient from which a knight could derive not only sustenance for himself and his esquires, but also the means to furnish himself and his equipage with horses and armour to fight for his overlord in battle. It was effectively the size of a fee sufficient to support one knight for one year in the performance of his feudal duties of knight-service. A knight's fee could be created by a magnate or by the king himself by separating off an area of land from his own demesne, and establishing therein a new manor for the use of a knight who would become its tenant by paying homage to his new overlord. This homage was a vow of loyalty to provide knight-service, generally to a maximum of 40 days per annum, signifying that he would have to fight for his overlord in battle. No cash rent was payable.⁴

On 10 Oct 1431 William Arderne of Overton Sauce, Leicestershire, son and heir of William de Assheby of Coventry made a gift with warranty to John de Gregore esq., John Abney of Willesley, esq., Nicholas de Stafford, esq., Richard Bron of Repyndon clerk, and William Husbond of Stretton super Dunnesmore, all his lands and tenements in Coventry in Earl Street (in vico comitis) between the tenements of the said William Husbond and the tenement formerly belonging to William atte Crosse, to hold the same of the chief lord of the fee. Witnesses: William Dilcok, mayor of Coventry, John Lichfield and William Kerver, baliiffs of the same, William Crudworth, William Frysby, Richard Dene, mercer, William Prantys, clerk, and others.⁵

In 1434 John Abbeney and Thomas Stokes were among those in county Derby to take oath to King Henry VI.⁶

John ABNEY was a witness to a quitclaim 21 January 1449 in Roston, Derbyshire, England, from William Babyington, knight, to Roger Gyldreson, senior, of all those lands, etc., in Rosliston [Roston], which lately belonged to Walter Marys or John Marys, his son. Witnesses: John Gresley, John Abney, and John Cursun.⁷

John ABNEY died after 1449 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.

     Stephen SHELTON, son of Burrell SHELTON and Ann Lane, was born on 12 September 1797 in Halifax County, North Carolina.

He was probably one of the 3 males under age 10 listed in the household of his father, Burrell SHELTON, in the 1800 Federal Census of Halifax, Halifax County, North Carolina.¹

He was probably one of the 2 males age 10 to 16 listed in the household of his uncle and guardian, Willis SHELTON, in the 1810 Federal Census of Halifax County, North Carolina, Willis, Stephen's uncle, took him in after the deaths of his parents.² In 1814 their uncle, Willis SHELTON, was named legal guardian in Halifax County, North Carolina, of Stephen SHELTON, Ladimon SHELTON, Mary SHELTON, William SHELTON and Willis SHELTON following the death of their parents.

In October 1814 Stephen SHELTON received a 30 acres lot of land from the probate of the estate of Burrell SHELTON in Anson County, North Carolina. He drew Lot 3 of the land divided amongst the children of the deceased.³

On 20 February 1818 Stephen SHELTON, Ladimon SHELTON, William Wooten and Martha SHELTON, his wife, all of Halifax County sold to George Threadgill in Anson County, North Carolina, ninety acres of land (being lots 1, 2 and 3 listed above, received as heirs of Burrell Shelton).⁴

In 1820 Stephen SHELTON and Ladimon SHELTON were included on a tax list in Halifax County, North Carolina.⁵

Stephen saw military service on 13 September 1821 in Alabama when according to the Register of Officers he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 23rd regiment, 7th brigade of the 3rd division of the Alabama state militia. It said that he resigned 22 Oct 1823.⁶

Stephen married Martha GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, on 17 May 1822 in Autauga County, Alabama.

He purchased a government land patent 22 April 1825 in Autauga County, Alabama. He patented 79.92 acres in the East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of section 23, township 16N, range 15E. The land was located near the Alabama River about four miles southwest of Washington and three miles south of Wadsworth.⁷ Stephen sold a tract of land to James Howard and William D. Pickett on 14 October 1828 in Autauga County, Alabama. The three plats consisted of 80 acres in east half of southwest quarter of section 19, township 18, range 15; 153 acres in southwest quarter of section 13, township 16, range 15; and 80 acres in east half of northeast quarter of section 23, township 16, range 15.⁸

He was a member of Autauga Masonic Lodge 31 between 1829 and 1831 in Autauga County, Alabama.⁹ He bought land from Isaac R. and Catherine Price on 10 April 1830 in Vernon, Autauga County, Alabama. For $700 he bought a Negro woman, Mindy, age 30 and a one half acre parcel of land formerly known as J. H. Coolidge's lot. Stephen acted as security for J. H. Coolidge and Co.¹⁰

Stephen SHELTON appeared on the 1830 Federal Census of Capt. Franklin's District, Autauga County, Alabama, 1 male 5-9 [Burrell Willis], 1 male 20-29 [his brother Willis Shelton], 1 male 30-39 [Stephen], 2 females under 5 [Sarah, Martha], and 1 female 20-29 [Martha]. They had 26 slaves.¹¹

William GRAVES, Sarah GRAVES, Charles GRAVES, Mrs. Louisa Jane GRAVES and Martha SHELTON, John M. McLeans and Elizabeth McLeans sold a tract of land to James Huie on 5 December 1832 in Autauga County, Alabama. The deed proclaimed that John M. McLeans and Elizabeth McLeans, his wife, and Charles Graves and Louisa, his wife, and William Graves and Sarah, his wife, and Stephen Shelton and Martha, his wife, for $2100 paid by James Huie sold him the east half of fractional section 24 on the Alabama River, township 16, range 15, being the land where Stephen Shelton now lives, except for the part of the said fractional section as lies on the south side of Long Pond, also part of the said fractional section 24 lying in the North half of said fractional section and on the south side from the middle of the Long Pond being part of the section in the possession of William Graves and afterwards in the possession of Stephen Shelton, containing 303 acres. Signed by Charles Graves, Louisa J. Graves, Stephen Shelton, Martha Shelton, William Graves, Sarah Graves, John M. McLean and Elizabeth McLean.¹²

He purchased a government land patent 26 April 1833 in Autauga County, Alabama. He purchased 80 acres from the Cahaba Land Office consisting of east half of northeast quarter of section 23, township 16, range 15. The patent was signed by President John Quincy Adams.¹³ He and Martha GRAVES sold a tract of land to James Huie on 27 April 1833 in Autauga County, Alabama. They sold him 80 acres consisting of east half of northeast quarter of section 23, township 16, range 15 for $560.¹⁴

Stephen SHELTON purchased a government land patent 7 June 1833 in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama. He purchased 39.33 acres of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 5 of township 17, range 16E. This would have been located on Upper Kingston Road about the present location of the entrance to Melmar Drive..¹⁵

Stephen purchased a government land patent 19 September 1835 in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama. This patent was for 40 acres in Northeast 1/4 of Southwest 1/4 of section 5, township 17N, range 16E. It was located just north of Prattville on Upper Kingston Road, in the area of present day Wilderness Park.¹⁶ He bought land from Robert Stewart on 20 April 1836 in Autauga County, Alabama. He paid $450 for 80 acres in the south half of the northeast quarter of section 17, township 17, range 16 on Autauga Creek.¹⁷ Stephen bought land from Sheriff A. Sample on 18 April 1840 in Autauga County, Alabama. The land formally belonged to Travis Harris and contained 80 acres of west half of northeast quarter of section 4, township 17, range 15.¹⁸

Stephen SHELTON appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Autauga County, Alabama, 2 males under5 [William, David], 1 male 5-10 [Stephen F.], 1 male 10-15 [Burrell], 1 male 30-40 [Stephen], 1 female under 5 [Josephine], 1 female 5-10 [Louisa], 2 females 10-15 [Martha, Sarah], and 1 female 20-30 [Martha Graves]. They had 25 slaves.¹⁹

Stephen SHELTON learned of the death at school of his 15-year-old daughter, Martha, on 9 August 1844 in Tuskegee. Her school master, J. H. Lloyd, wrote a letter to her father on August 10th discribing her illness and death: "... in one hour after [2:00 PM], a most remarkable and sudden change came over her and although but a few hours before she had been laughing and joking with some of the schoolmasters she began to sink in a very rapid manner, the Doctors did all in their power to arrest the progress of disease, but all was unavailing and your poor daughter finally sank to her everlasting rest, at 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon. It would be useless for me to attempt to offer consolation to a parent under such awfully melancholy a circumstance. I know what such a bereavement is and that there is but one source to which we can look for consolation, yet, it may be a subject of future solace to know that your daughter’s amiable deportment had endeared her to all, teachers and schoolmates, and although she has left us when far away from those most dear to her, and who were ever present in her thoughts, yet I would assure them that with the exception of their of their personal presence she had every attention that could be given to her."^20,21

Stephen SHELTON was appointed by the commissioners court overseer of the Rocky Mount Road in beat 5 from the head of the hollow near Brevards to near Bridge Creek Road in February 1847. Rocky Mount Road ran from Rocky Mount probably along the path of present Old Farm Road and Old Ridge Road to Bridge Creek.²²

He was on a jury to establish and make public the road leading from Prattville intersecting the road leading from Rocky Mount to Kingston near Malcolm Smith's old mill on Pinesy Wood Creek on 30 July 1847.^23,24

In January 1848 Stephen sold his plantation house on upper Northington Street in Prattville to Amos Smith. Mr. Smith, who worked for Daniel Pratt Gin Company, was the man who suggested "Prattville" as the name for the infant town. The place, known as "Mt. Airy", had recently been struck by a tornado and was in need of extensive repairs and additions. The Smith family moved into the lovely home on 28 December 1848.²⁵

He and Martha GRAVES moved from Alabama to Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, in late 1848. He and Martha GRAVES appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1850 in Wards 3 and 4, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. The household was listed as Stephen Shelton, 53, farmer, born North Carolina; Martha Shelton, 45, born Georgia; William Shelton, 15; David Shelton, 13; Josephine Shelton, 11; Autauga Shelton, 9; Augusta Shelton, 6; and Laura Shelton, 3. All of the children were born in Alabama. Also in the household were Levi Presley, age 28, and Louisa [Shelton] Presley, age 18. Levi was a Protestant-Methodist preacher. He was born in South Carolina and Louisa in Alabama.²⁶

Stephen purchased a government land patent 7 December 1859 in Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. He patented four parcels of land totalling 190 acres. These included west 1/2 of northwest 1/4, the southeast 1/4 of northwest 1/4, and the northwest 1/4 of southwest 1/4 of section 7, township 20N, range 6E. The fourth parcel was the northeast 1/4 of the southeast 1/4 of section 12, township 21N, range 5E.²⁷ He witnessed the land patent of Martha GRAVES on 7 December 1859 in Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana.²⁸

Stephen SHELTON died on 18 February 1860 in Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, at age 62. According to the 1860 Mortality Schedule the cause of death was "Dropsy", which is congestive heart failure. His funeral notice read: "Died at his residence on the morning of the 13th instant, at 6 o'clock, A. M., Stephen Shelton, in the 64th year of his age. The friends and acquaintances of the family are requested to attend the funeral at his late residence tomorrow evening at half past 2 o'clock. Funeral sermon by the Rev. J. L. Wright, Bastrop, February 18, 1860." He was buried in "Old" Cemetery, Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana.²⁹

     Martha GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 9 September 1805 in Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Martha married Stephen SHELTON, son of Burrell SHELTON and Ann Lane, on 17 May 1822 in Autauga County, Alabama.

She was probably the female age 20 to 29 listed in the household of her husband, Stephen SHELTON, in the 1830 Federal Census of Capt. Franklin's District, Autauga County, Alabama, She would have been 25 years old.¹ She and Stephen SHELTON sold a tract of land to James Huie on 27 April 1833 in Autauga County, Alabama. They sold him 80 acres consisting of east half of northeast quarter of section 23, township 16, range 15 for $560.²

She was probably the female age 20 to 30 listed in the household of her husband, Stephen SHELTON, in the 1840 Federal Census of Autauga County, Alabama, She would have actually been age 35.³

She and Stephen SHELTON moved from Alabama to Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, in late 1848.

Martha GRAVES and Stephen SHELTON appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1850 in Wards 3 and 4, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. The household was listed as Stephen Shelton, 53, farmer, born North Carolina; Martha Shelton, 45, born Georgia; William Shelton, 15; David Shelton, 13; Josephine Shelton, 11; Autauga Shelton, 9; Augusta Shelton, 6; and Laura Shelton, 3. All of the children were born in Alabama. Also in the household were Levi Presley, age 28, and Louisa [Shelton] Presley, age 18. Levi was a Protestant-Methodist preacher. He was born in South Carolina and Louisa in Alabama.⁴

Martha GRAVES purchased a government land patent 7 December 1859 in Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. She patented 32 acres of southeast 1/4 of northeast 1/4 of section 12, township 21-N, range 5-E.⁵

Martha GRAVES appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 22 June 1860 in Ward 4, Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. The household was listed as Martha Shelton, 50, a farmer with $4000 in real estate and $10,120 in personal property; along with Frank, 21, a carpenter; David, 23, a lawyer; Autauga, 17; Augusta, 16; and Laura, 14. Martha was born in George and all of the others in Alabama. The slave schedule listed 9 slaves.⁶

She appeared on a census, enumerated 25 June 1870, in the household of her son William Graves SHELTON in Ward 4, Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. She was recorded as Martha Graves, age 62, keeping house, born Georgia.⁷

Martha GRAVES died on 15 July 1875 in Lowndesboro, Lowndes County, Alabama, at age 69.

     Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., son of Jesse Anderson BROWN and Obedience LEGGETT, was born on 20 July 1810 in Stewart County, Tennessee.¹ He was a farmer.

He was probably the male age 15 to 19 listed in the household of his father, Jesse Anderson BROWN, in the 1830 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.²

Jesse was arrested on 25 April 1831 in Bibb County, Alabama. The case, "State of Alabama vs. Ichabod Henderson and Jesse Brown", claimed that Jesse and Ichabod "assembled together in a warlike manner with force and arms and terrorized the citizens of Bibb County." They were arraigned before a grand jury and went to trial by jury. Both were ordered to pay .01 cent and court costs to the State of Alabama.³

Jesse married first Mary CAMP, daughter of Abisha CAMP and Sarah Rebecca LOONEY, on 4 September 1831 in Bibb County, Alabama. The wedding was performed by Ransom McElroy, J.P. The license was filed July 30.⁴

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP were members of Enon Baptist Church. For some reason they left the church in November 1831 when "Sister Mary Brown requested a letter of dismissal which was granted." However, she returned in September 1832 when the church "opened the door for the reception of members and Sister Polly Brown came forward and was received by letter." Polly also appeared on a membership list in April 1838, along with Asa A. Brown, Madison Brown, Obedience Brown, Patsey Brown, Martha Brown, Betsey Brown, Jerusha Brown, and Nancy Brown.⁵

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. witnessed the probate of the estate of Jesse Anderson BROWN in April 1834 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. David L. Brown, the administrator of the estate presented his account of the proceeds of the estate sale totaling $112.87. The money was divided as follows: To Charles Elliot for medical services $4.75, to David R. Boyd for medical services $11.62, to Elisha Wilson for medical services $28.25, to the officers of the county for their services $15.56, to Lewis Kennedy as counsel for administrator $10 and said administrator be allowed to retain for his services $16, leaving in the hands of said administrator $26.69 to be distributed among sundry creditors in proportion of their claims. The administrator was ordered to pay the following claims: to Jesse Brown, Jr. $15.04, to David L. Brown .80 cents, to David Ward .83 cents, to George Leith .32 cents, to B. Griffin $1.33, to C. C. Bailey $6.78, to Mathis C. White .28 cents, to Absolum Pratt $1.18, and to Evan Foshee .30 cents.⁶

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Obedience LEGGETT purchased a government land patent 26 September 1834 in Six Mile, Bibb County, Alabama. They bought 159.63 acres of the southeast quarter of section 9, township 23, range 10-E near the present site of Enon Baptist Church. Joshua Brown also received a land grant this same day in Tuscaloosa County. Their relationship is unknown.^7,8

It was probably Jesse, Jr. rather than his father who developed Brown Springs. According to a letter from Mr. S. L. Johnson to the Centreville Times, it was Jesse Brown, the brother of David Brown, who owned the springs. He wrote: "Jesse Brown located five or six springs and cut hollow sections from gum trees and lowered these into the springs in the same manner that hollow tile is used now. These five or six springs were all supposed to give forth a different mineral water. As a boy and living about two miles northeast of the springs I played about them and drank water from each of them and it seemed that the waters had a different taste. The springs were called Mineral Springs until about 40 years ago [1907] they became the property of a man named Gary in Selma and since that time have been known as Gary Springs, and the water in the spring which is presently used was commercialized and the buildings erected. Prior to that time people came and made camp in the summers and used the waters from several of the springs."⁹

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., Mary CAMP, and Obedience LEGGETT sold a tract of land to George Howard on 12 September 1835 in Bibb County, Alabama. The deed reads that "Jesse A. Brown and his wife Mary Brown and Obedience Brown" agreed to sell to George Howard for $400 the southeast quarter of section 9, township 23 north, range 10 east containing 160 acres. The deed contains the signatures of Jesse and Mary. Obedience signed with her mark. It was witnessed by William Caddell, clerk, who recorded the deed 14 Sep 1835.¹⁰ He assigned a government land patent to Edmund King 1 October 1835 in Perry County, Alabama. The transaction for 80.27 acres was made at the Tuscaloosa General Land Office. The tract of land included the west half of the northeast quarter of section 5, township 23-N, range 3-W.¹¹

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama, one male age 20-29 [Jesse]; one male age 15-19 [???]; one male age 5-9 [???]; one male under 5 [Waymon]; one female age 20-29 [Polly]; two females age 5-9 [Sarah, Obedience]; and one female under 5 [Emily]. Also living with them was one female age 60-69 [Obedience Leggett]. They owned no slaves.¹²

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. appeared in a newspaper article 20 January 1841 in the Flag of the Union, published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Fifteen Dollars Reward!-- The above reward will be given for the apprehension and securing in any jail or otherwise of a man by the name of THOROUGHGOOD PATE, about 21 or 22 years of age, five feet ten or eleven inches high, with several white spots in his hair and beard, particularly on the right side of his head, and round, black eyes. The said individual has taken and carried off with him a sorrel mare, about six years old, about sixteen hands hight, large white face, and white legs, which had been levied on by attachment, and was in the lawful custody of the officer levying the process. Ten dollars will be paid for the man alone, and the above reward for the man and the mare.-- Jesse A. Brown, Bibb county, near Centerville, Dec. 29, 1840.

Jesse was appointed Justice of the Peace on 28 April 1847 in Bibb County.¹³

Jesse was found in an 1848 Tax List for Bibb County, District two. He was taxed for land in section 11, township 23, range 10 east. It was valued at $225. There was another name in this entry as land owner, __ Carter. Jesse was also taxed for one poll and one wood clock.¹⁴

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Polly CAMP appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 5 November 1850 in Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Jesse A. Brown, age 40, farmer, born Tennessee; Polly, age 39, born Georgia; Sarah A., age 17; Obedience C., age 16; Emily A., age 14; Wyman L., age 11; Melissa A., age 9; Pardee, age 7; Holly W., age 4; and Drucilla, age 1 year. All the children were born in Alabama. Also living in the household was Obedience Brown, age 89, born South Carolina. The value of Jesse's property was listed as $800.¹⁵

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 August 1860 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Jesse A. Brown, age 51, born Tennessee; Mary, age 50, born in Georgia; Sarah A., age 25; Wyman L., age 22; Malissa A., age 17; Parilee, age 16; Holly, age 14; and Amanda, age 8. Ben Rayfield, age 25, a farm laborer lived with them. The value of Jesse's real estate was $800 and the value of his personal estate was $500. Jesse and Wyman's occupation was farmer, while that of Mary and the girls was "domestic". All of the children, except Sarah, were shown attending school.¹⁶

Mary died before 1866 in Bibb County, Alabama, She was not listed in the 1866 state census. He had seven children at home in that census leaving Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. as a widow.

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. appeared as head of household on a state census enumerated 1866 in Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as 1 male 10-20 [Holly], 1 male 20-30 [Waymon], 1 male 50-60 [Jesse], 2 females 10-20 [Drucilla & Almira Jane], and 2 females 20-30 [Mary & Melissa]. There was one male disabled in the war [Waymon]. The family lived in township 23, range 10 east.¹⁷

Jesse married second Malinda Jane Sanderson on 14 January 1868 in Bibb County, Alabama. She was the widow of Rev. John L. Adams who had died in the war. She was the daughter of Richard C. and Sarah S. Sanderson of Perry County.¹⁸

Jesse was appointed Notary Public on 1 October 1868 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.¹⁹ Jesse was elected sheriff of Bibb County in 1869, serving until 1872. According to political legend, Jesse, a Democrat, resorted to a trick to defeat Republican John Latham during the dark reconstruction years. Jesse publicly professed to be a Republican convert, winning election, then when the chancery court met the following May, refused to call the racially mixed jury expected of a Republican.^20,21

Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Malinda Jane Sanderson appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1870 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Jackson Brown, age 59, sheriff, born Tennessee; Jane, age 39, keeping house, born Tennessee; Amanda [Almira?], age 21, born Alabama; [George] Washington Adams, age 14, white male, born Alabama; and Edward Adams, age 12, white male, born Alabama. They were sons of Jane's from her first marriage. Jesse's son "Henry" [Holly] Brown was living next door.²²

Before 1880 Jesse Anderson died in Bibb County, Alabama, leaving Malinda Jane a widow. He was buried in Brown Family Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama. There is no tombstone. In fact, although there appears to be about 50 graves in the cemetery, there is only one tombstone remaining.

     Mary CAMP, daughter of Abisha CAMP and Sarah Rebecca LOONEY, was born in 1810 in Georgia. Mary CAMP also went by the name of Polly.

Mary married Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., son of Jesse Anderson BROWN and Obedience LEGGETT, on 4 September 1831 in Bibb County, Alabama. The wedding was performed by Ransom McElroy, J.P. The license was filed July 30.¹ She and Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. were members of Enon Baptist Church. For some reason they left the church in November 1831 when "Sister Mary Brown requested a letter of dismissal which was granted." However, she returned in September 1832 when the church "opened the door for the reception of members and Sister Polly Brown came forward and was received by letter." Polly also appeared on a membership list in April 1838, along with Asa A. Brown, Madison Brown, Obedience Brown, Patsey Brown, Martha Brown, Betsey Brown, Jerusha Brown, and Nancy Brown.²

Mary CAMP, Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., and Obedience LEGGETT sold a tract of land to George Howard on 12 September 1835 in Bibb County, Alabama. The deed reads that "Jesse A. Brown and his wife Mary Brown and Obedience Brown" agreed to sell to George Howard for $400 the southeast quarter of section 9, township 23 north, range 10 east containing 160 acres. The deed contains the signatures of Jesse and Mary. Obedience signed with her mark. It was witnessed by William Caddell, clerk, who recorded the deed 14 Sep 1835.³

She was probably the female age 20 to 30 listed in the household of her husband, Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., in the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.⁴

Polly CAMP and Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 5 November 1850 in Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Jesse A. Brown, age 40, farmer, born Tennessee; Polly, age 39, born Georgia; Sarah A., age 17; Obedience C., age 16; Emily A., age 14; Wyman L., age 11; Melissa A., age 9; Pardee, age 7; Holly W., age 4; and Drucilla, age 1 year. All the children were born in Alabama. Also living in the household was Obedience Brown, age 89, born South Carolina. The value of Jesse's property was listed as $800.⁵

Mary CAMP and Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 August 1860 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Jesse A. Brown, age 51, born Tennessee; Mary, age 50, born in Georgia; Sarah A., age 25; Wyman L., age 22; Malissa A., age 17; Parilee, age 16; Holly, age 14; and Amanda, age 8. Ben Rayfield, age 25, a farm laborer lived with them. The value of Jesse's real estate was $800 and the value of his personal estate was $500. Jesse and Wyman's occupation was farmer, while that of Mary and the girls was "domestic". All of the children, except Sarah, were shown attending school.⁶

Before 1866 Mary died in Bibb County, Alabama, She was not listed in the 1866 state census. He had seven children at home in that census.

     Sarah Addesue BROWN, daughter of Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP, was born on 1 August 1832 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.¹

She was probably one of the 2 females age 5 to 10 listed in the household of his father, Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., in the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.²

Sarah Addesue BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 5 November 1850, in the household of her parents Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Polly CAMP in Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as Sarah A. Brown, age 17, born Alabama.³

Sarah appeared on a census, enumerated 1 August 1860, in the household of her parents Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as Sarah A. Brown, age 25.⁴

She appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1870, in the household of Absalom Harrison JAMES and Emily Arabella BROWN in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.⁵

Sarah married Elijah BARNES on 6 May 1875 in Bibb County, Alabama. Hannah was still lilving so perhaps they had divorced. In 1880 she was living with her son, James P. Barnes, in Prentiss county, Mississippi.⁶

Sarah Addesue BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 19 June 1880, in the household of her husband Elijah BARNES in Beat 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was recorded as Eliza [Elijah] Barnes, age 63, farmer, born Alabama, parents born Tennessee; wife Adazon [Sarah Addesue], age 47, she and parents born Alabama; and wife's sister Paralee Langston, age 36, born Alabama.⁷

Sarah Addesue BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 June 1900, in the household of her brother-in-law James Thomas CASEY in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as sister-in-law, Addesue Barnes, age 65, born January 1835 in Alabama. Her husband, Elijah Barnes, was listed as Casey's brother-in-law, age 86, born May 1814 in Tennessee.⁸

Sarah Addesue BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 19 April 1910, in the household of James Thomas CASEY in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as J. Thomas Casey, 64-year-old widower and retail merchant, and his daughters Dovie, a 34-year-old sales lady in her father's dry goods store, and 25-year-old Mary who was not working at that time. Living with them was James' sister-in-law, Addie Barnes, a 78-year-old widow with no children.⁹

Sarah Addesue BROWN died in September 1916 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 84.

Her obituary appeared 14 September 1916 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Mrs. Add. Barnes, one of the oldest residents of Centreville, died last week at the home of Mr. J. T. Casey, where she had llived for many years, at the age of 84. Her husband died some ten years ago at the same age. Mrs. Barnes had been a patient surferer for a number of years. She was a member of the Baptist church. On account of the absence of a preacher of that demonination, Rev. J. A. Seale, of the Methodist church conducted the funeral service from the home Sunday evening at 5 o'clock.

     Obedience Catherine BROWN, daughter of Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP, was born on 28 May 1834 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

She was probably one of the 2 females age 5 to 10 listed in the household of his father, Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., in the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.²

Obedience Catherine BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 5 November 1850, in the household of her parents Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Polly CAMP in Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as Obedience C. Brown, age 16, born Alabama.³

Obedience married William R. OWENS on 5 October 1853 in Bibb County, Alabama. The ceremony was officiated by Jno. W. Suttle, J. P.⁴

Obedience Catherine BROWN and William R. OWENS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 August 1860 in East side of Cahaba River, Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as W. R. Owens, a 29 year old farmer, born Alabama, with personal estate $1200; Obedience Owens, age 26, domestic; Sylvester Owens, 3; Scott Owens, 1; and Cordelia Owens, age 5 months.

Obedience Catherine BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1880 in Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Beaty [Obedience] Owens, age 44, born Alabama, parents born Tennessee; son Silvester, age 23; son Walter, age 21; daughter Cordela, age 18; and son Willis, age 17. The children were listed as farm laborers. They and their parents were born in Alabama.⁵

     Emily Arabella BROWN, daughter of Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP, was born on 20 May 1836 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

She was probably the female under age 5 listed in the household of her father, Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr., in the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.²

Emily Arabella BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 5 November 1850, in the household of her parents Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Polly CAMP in Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as Emily A. Brown, age 14, born Alabama.³

Emily married Absalom Harrison JAMES, son of Adam JAMES and Syntha Betsy Henry, on 17 June 1860 in Bibb County, Alabama. The wedding was performed by J. D. Kersh, Justice of Peace.⁴

Emily Arabella BROWN and Absalom Harrison JAMES appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1870 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Alfred James, age 32, farmer; Emily, age 33; Melvina [Vina], age 8; Mary, age 6; Ella, age 2; Ally [Alberta], age 8 months; and Addeson [Sara Addesue] Brown, age 36, female. All were born in Alabama. They lived next door to Waymon Brown and Nelson Rice.⁵

Emily Arabella BROWN died before 1880 in Bibb County, Alabama.

     Melissa Ann BROWN, daughter of Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP, was born in 1841 in Bibb County, Alabama.

Melissa Ann BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 5 November 1850, in the household of her parents Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Polly CAMP in Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as Melissa A. Brown, age 9, born Alabama.¹

Melissa Ann BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 August 1860, in the household of her parents Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. and Mary CAMP in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as Malissa A. Brown, age 17.²

Melissa Ann BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1866, in the household of her father Jesse Anderson BROWN Jr. in Bibb County, Alabama. She and Mary Paralee were most likely the two females age 20-30.³

Melissa married first Nelson RICE on 11 December 1867 in Bibb County, Alabama. Jackson Gardner, J. P. performed the ceremony.⁴

Melissa Ann BROWN and Nelson RICE appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 6 July 1870 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Nelson Rice, age 21, farmer; and Melissa, age 27, keeping house. Both were born in Alabama. Melissa had a personal estate valued at $127. Living nearby were her brother, Waymon, and sister, Emily James.⁵

Nelson died on 24 February 1875 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 27 leaving Melissa Ann as a widow.

Melissa Ann BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 24 June 1880 in Beat 5, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Mallisy [Melissa] Rice, age 39, widow, born Alabama, father born Tennessee, mother born Alabama; and son Malie, age 6, born Alabama. They lived next door to Abb James, a widower whom she soon married.⁶

Melissa married Absalom Harrison JAMES, son of Adam JAMES and Syntha Betsy Henry, on 26 January 1881 in Bibb County, Alabama. They had no children.⁷

Melissa Ann BROWN died before 1884 in Bibb County, Alabama.