Person Page - 46

     Noah GRAHAM, son of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, was born circa 1808 in Richmond County, North Carolina.

Noah married Ann McCoy circa 1828.¹

Noah GRAHAM In 1845 he was living in Privateer, South Carolina.

     Hiram B. GRAHAM was buried in Carmel Presbyterian Cemetery.

Hiram B. GRAHAM, son of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, was born on 25 January 1810 in Richmond County, North Carolina.

Hiram B. GRAHAM died on 24 June 1850 in Cherokee County, Alabama, at age 40.¹

     Harriet married Edward McMEANS on 5 December 1847 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

     Hampton B. GRAHAM was Trader.

Hampton B. GRAHAM, son of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, was born in 1826 in Richmond County, North Carolina.¹

     Asenith married Isaac CALLAWAY on 18 May 1839 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹ In 1845 she and her husband were living in Mississippi.

     John R. GRAHAM, son of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, was born on 9 January 1819 in Richmond County, North Carolina.¹ He was a merchant.

John married Elizabeth CALLAWAY on 12 March 1839 in Calhoun County, Alabama.²

John R. GRAHAM died on 23 May 1893 in Cherokee County, Alabama, at age 74. He was buried in Pleasant Gap Cemetery.

     Isaac married Asenith GRAHAM, daughter of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, on 18 May 1839 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

     Edward married Harriet GRAHAM, daughter of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, on 5 December 1847 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

     Elizabeth CALLAWAY was born on 12 August 1822 in Georgia.

Elizabeth married John R. GRAHAM, son of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, on 12 March 1839 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

Elizabeth CALLAWAY died on 10 November 1899 in Cherokee County, Alabama, at age 77.² She was buried in Pleasant Gap Cemetery.

     Mary GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 3 October 1783 in Washington County, Georgia.¹ She was also known as Polly.

Mary married William Edmund ALEXANDER in 1801 in Georgia.

Mary GRAVES died on 21 June 1835 in Lowndes County, Alabama, at age 51.²

     Susan GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 15 May 1785 in Virginia.¹ She was also known as Sucky.

     Francis GRAVES, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 25 May 1787 in Virginia.¹

Francis GRAVES died on 28 December 1798 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, at age 11.²

     William GRAVES III, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 27 December 1788 in Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.¹

William married Mary Young on 15 December 1808 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.²

William GRAVES III moved from Georgis to Alabama in 1817 with his family and his parents.

William married second Mary B. DURHAM on 17 December 1823 in Lowndes County, Alabama. She was the daughter of Jeremiah Durham.²

On 3 December 1824 William Graves, Esq. was the administrator of the estate of his father-in-law, Jeremiah Durham, dec'd.

William GRAVES III purchased a government land patent 30 November 1831 in Lowndes County, Alabama. The tract contained 80.25 acres in the west half of the southeast quarter of section 14 of township 16-N, range 14-E. This was in a large bend in the Alabama River west of Graves Landing and southwest of the Alexander Cemetery. It was purchased from the Cahaba land office. William had been living in this same area since before 1821, probably in the east half of this same quarter section and on the road from Lowndesboro to the Vernon ferry, for it was here that his family cemetery is located.³

William GRAVES III appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 October 1850 in Lowndes District, Lowndes County, Alabama. The household was listed as William Graves, a 61-year-old planter born in Georgia. His real estate was valued at $8,500.⁴

William left a will dated 26 September 1854 in Lowndes County, Alabama. I, William Graves of county and state aforesaid being sound in mind but infirm in body… “to my beloved son, Y. W. Graves, my Kitty Miller mare and a buggy and harness; to my beloved son-in-law, Henry H. Whetstone, my large Family Bible; to my beloved daughter, Mary Ann Rogers, Webster’s large dictionary; to my beloved son, Peyton S. Graves, my gold shirt and sleeve buttons; to my beloved son Giles N. Graves and my beloved daughter, Caroline C. Caffy, a selection by ea__ out of my library of such books as they may desire of six dollars each.” All the rest of his property “both real and personal” to be sold by his Executors, with the restriction concerning his slaves that “in no case whatever to separate husband and wife and mothers from their children under ten”, and that the net proceeds be divided between his children and “such grandchildren herein named (such grandchildren to take one share which is one seventh between them) the whole to be divided in seven equal lots or shares as hereinafter expressed, share and share alike, that is to say: to Y. W. Graves, Giles N. Graves, Mary Ann Rogers, wife of John G. Rogers, Sarah J. Whetstone, wife of Henry H. Whetstone, and Peyton S. Graves, Jr., to each of them one share, being the seventh of the proceeds of the sale of my property….” Another share to Peyton S. Graves, Jr. to be held in trust “for the sole and separate use and behoof of my beloved daughter, Caroline C. Caffey, free from the debts, contracts, dominion, and control of her present husband, A. J. Caffey, or any future husband whatever.” The final seventh to “my beloved grandchildren”: William T. Mason, Martha Ann Pierce, wife of Hiram Pierce, Louisa Varner, wife of L. Walters, William Varner, Mary Varner, Giles J. Varner, and Mary L. Graves, daughter of Y. W. Graves. Witness my hand and seal this the 26th day of Sept. 1854, William Graves (Seal). Witnesses: J. M. Sadler, N. L. May, C. S. Alexander, Martha A. Alexander, Thomas M. Williams. Probated 20 Nov 1854 by E. H. Cook, Judge of Probate.⁵

William GRAVES III died on 11 November 1854 in Lowndesboro, Lowndes County, Alabama, at age 65. He was buried in Oakview Cemetery.

His estate sale advertisement appeared 12 October 1855 in the Hayneville, Alabama, The Watchman. "Valuable Lands for Sale-- The Undersigned, Administrators of the Estate of Wm. Graves, deceased, will sell at private sale on reasonable terms, the plantation and lands of said decendent, lying on Tallawassee Creek, 4 miles SE of Lowndesboro, about same distance from Graves' Landing, Alabama River, on which said decendent resided, containing near 1100 acres, 400 in cultivation under good repairs, a good framed dwelling with 5 rooms, large framed Gin House, new Screw, spacious framed Barn and Stable, Negro Cabins, Cribs, Shops, & c. This land embraces several hundred acres of Black and Creek Bottom Land, the balance a sandy soil, well watered, some 60 acres of the creek land is now in cultivation, and the growing crop will show its superior quality.

If desired this land will be divided, cutting off about 600 acres, embracing all the houses, 250 acres of cleared land, and some 70 acres of superior creek land, with an abundance of timber, as two gentlemen owning lands adjoining are anxious to purchase the balance. Also a House and lot situated in a pleasant part of the town of Lowndesboro, and 160 acres of land South of Hayneville, adjoining the lands of Dr. Bowie and James Garrett.

The Plantation, and lot in Lowndesboro, will be shown at any time by the subscriber, or H. H. Whetstone, or A. Mosely, on the plantation.--- Y. W. Graves, P. S. Graves, administrators. July 6, 1855."

     Sarah GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 7 November 1790 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.¹ She was also known as Sallie.

     David GRAVES, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 7 May 1792 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.¹

David married Polly Russell on 31 March 1812 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.^2,3

About 1818 David GRAVES moved from Oglethorpe County, Georgia to Manack Station, Lowndes County, Alabama. In 1818 David Graves and his father, William Graves received land patents from the Federal government and moved to Alabama. This part of Alabama was then western Montgomery County and the Graves family is mentioned as being pioneer settlers of the area. In 1822 an election precinct was established at the Graves home and his son David was elected as a tax collector for the county. During these years, the Graves family increased their land holding and built the one story house which remain extant.

In 1830, the western part of Montgomery County was partitioned off to become part of Lowndes County. The 1830 Lowndes County census lists David Graves and a family of 13 occupying land in the northeast part of the county. A second source states that this property consisted of 360 acres. Between 1834 and 1842, a post office for Graves Landing is listed on the Alabama River north of the Graves home to serve the surrounding rural community. Both William Graves, Sr. and his son David died in 1836 and an inventory of their estate shows they were owed in excess of $10,000. David's brother, William Jr., and son Peyton assumed control of the Graves property and continued to increase the size of the plantation.

David GRAVES purchased a government land patent 9 April 1825 in Manack Station, Lowndes County, Alabama. The tract contained 78.95 acres of the west half of the southeast quarter of section 36 of township 16-N, range 15-E. Purchased from the Cahaba land office, this tract was the site of David's home and the Graves Burying Ground.⁴

David GRAVES appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1830 in Lowndes County, Alabama. The household was listed as one male under 5, two males 5-10, one male 10-15, one male 15-20, one male 30-40 [David], two females under 5, two females 5-10, one female 10-15, one female 15-20, one female 30-40 [Mary].

David GRAVES purchased a government land patent 12 June 1834 in Lowndes County, Alabama. The transaction at the Cahaba Land Office was for 39.85 acres in the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 6, township 15-N, range 16-E.⁵

David GRAVES died on 10 September 1836 in Lowndes County, Alabama, at age 44.⁶ He was buried in Graves Burying Ground, Lowndes County, Alabama.

     Nancy GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 28 December 1793 in Georgia.¹

Nancy GRAVES died in August 1794 in Georgia.¹

     Charles GRAVES, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 11 August 1796 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

Charles married first Mary U. Taylor on 3 June 1817 in Georgia. Her parents were Benjamin Taylor and Susannah Lucy Fullilove.¹

Charles GRAVES was identified as her surviving husband in Mary U. Taylor's obituary in the Alabama Journal newspaper, dated 23 March 1827, published in Montgomery, Alabama.²

Charles married second Mrs. Louisa Jane PINKSTON on 10 July 1827. She was the former Louisa Jane Walton and the widow of Minor Pinkston.³

Charles GRAVES bought a tract of land from Thomas A. COLEMAN on 22 November 1827 in Autauga County, Alabama. Graves for $500 purchased the east half of the southeast quarter of section 35, township 17, range 15 containing 80 acres. This land would be located between Prattville and Autaugaville, most likely along the Washington-Vernon Road. On 30 Nov 1827 Martha Coleman sold her share to Charles for one dollar. The transaction was witnessed by Waid H. Cox JP, John A. Whetstone and James B. Mathews, clerk of the court.⁴

William GRAVES, Sarah GRAVES, Mrs. Louisa Jane GRAVES, Stephen SHELTON 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.⁵

Charles GRAVES bought a tract of land from William GRAVES on 20 February 1835 in Autauga County, Alabama. It was described as fractional section 26 in township 16, range 15, lying north of the Alabama River. Also the northeast quarter of section 22 in the same township and range, and fractional section 25 north of the Alabama River containing 150 acres together with all property belonging with the rights of the ferry landing including the landing on both sides of the Alabama River. However William Graves and Sarah Graves, his wife, were to retain use of said lands, tenements and outbuildings during their natural lives. The deed was signed by William Graves and Charles Graves, and witnessed by Warren Stone, George Clark, John D. Hall, and Robert Russell.⁶

Charles GRAVES died on 27 March 1849 in Summer Grove, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, at age 52.

     Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 3 March 1799 in Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.¹

Shadrack Mims, in his 1853 history of Autauga County, said Peyton "entered the itinerant ministry in early life and soon rose to eminence-- he was a man of fine talents and of fine personal appearance, as well as were all of his brothers." Anton West's "History of Methodism in Alabama" said that he established "the first (Methodist) camp ground" in Autauga county in 1819 at or near Graves' Ferry, a few miles from the town of Washington. West wrote that this was probably the first Methodist camp meeting in Alabama. The site was called "Graves' Campground."²

In 1820 Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES and William Edmund ALEXANDER attended the first camp meeting held in Autauga county at Graves' Campground and both later became ministers.^3,2,4 In 1821 Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES joined the Alabama Circuit of the Methodist Church's Mississippi Conference. From West's History of Methodism: "The Rev. Peyton Smith Graves had been for a number of years a member of the Mississippi Conference, and for 1828 was on the Alabama Circuit, and left the Mississippi Conference and the Methodist Episcopal Church... It was at Graves' Campground in the bounds of the Alabama Circuit, and under the ministrations of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1820... that Peyton Smith Graves professed the attainment of religion and was received into the Church; and it was on the Alabama Circuit in 1828 that he closed the work in the ministry in the Church under whose auspices he was inducted into the Christian religion."

In 1828 Peyton had joined what were called the "Reformers" and was expelled from the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reformers called a convention in Baltimore, Maryland on 2 Nov 1830 and formed the Methodist Protestant Church.^5,6,7

Peyton married first Aurelia G. Bruce on 21 September 1827 in Lowndes County, Alabama.^8,9

Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES was identified as her surviving husband in Aurelia G. Bruce's obituary in the Alabama Journal newspaper, dated 7 November 1828, published in Montgomery, Alabama.¹⁰

Peyton married second Joana R. Brantley circa 1830. She was the daughter of Harris Brantley and Dorothy Brooks Minter. Peyton and Joana had at least 5 children: George D. Graves, Peyton Smith Graves, Harris Brantley Graves, Charles W. Graves, and Georgia Arlene Graves.¹¹

Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES officiated at the marriage of Dr. James Hinkle and Martha Frances GRAVES on 4 January 1832 in Lowndes County, Alabama. Peyton Smith Graves, minister of the gospel, performed the service.^8,12,13

Taken from a letter dated August 1849 from Mary R. Evans (daughter of Able Edward Evans and Martha Ann Mandeville) in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, formerly of Wilcox County, Alabama, to her sister Ann Eliza in Mississippi -- "I had the exquisite pleasure of hearing the Rev. Peyton S. Graves, formerly of Alabama, preach not very long ago. He spent one night with us and in the very short time betrayed his inclination to enter again into the matrimonial state. He was waiting with great impatience for the arrival of Aunt Eliza; but do not under any consideration reveal it to her. When he left us he extorted a promise from me to write him a few lines when she arrived and he would come down immediately. But woe be it unto me if I were to do such a thing and it became known to her." Sadly, Mary died two weeks after writing this letter.^14,15

Peyton married third Jane Ringgold Leas on 19 October 1850 in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland. She was twenty years old and was the daughter of George Leas and Hester Maria Ringgold Stamps of Baltimore. Editors Note: some researchers show her name as Patterson, but the marriage record clearly shows her name as Jane R. Leas.^1,16

Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES and Jane Ringgold Leas appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 23 June 1860 in Palatine, Anderson County, Texas. The household was listed as S. P. Graves, a 61 year old Methodist Episcopal minister, born in Georgia, and his implied wife, J. R. Graves, age 30, born in Maryland. He had real estate valued $1200 and personal estate valued $2150. Their children were: G (Georgia Arline), female age 15, born Alabama, attending school; E. S. (Ella), female age 7, born Alabama; and A. M. (Ina Mae), male(sic) age 2, born Mississippi.¹⁷

Circa 1867 Peyton died in Texas leaving Jane a widow. In 1868 she married Phillip T. Ellisor in Polks County, Texas.

As of 26 August 1867, Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES was living in Palatine, Anderson County, Texas. On that date he appeared on a voter registration list. He also appeared on tax lists for Anderson county in 1866 and 1867.

     Dorothea GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 20 February 1801 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.¹

Dorothea married Bird Fitzpatrick circa 1822 in Alabama.

Dorothea GRAVES died in 1855 in Union Springs, Bullock County, Alabama.

     George GRAVES, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, was born on 9 April 1803 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

George GRAVES died on 16 March 1810 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, at age 6.¹

     William Edmund ALEXANDER was born in 1768 in Petersburg, Virginia. He was generally known as Edmund or Edmond.

According to information found on the Graves Family Association website, Edmund Alexander was descended from Lord Stirling, William Edmund Alexander, who was born 1726 in New York City, died 1783, and was a brigadier general in the Continental Army. He descended from Sir William Edmund Alexander, the Earl of Stirling, who was born in 1567 and died in 1640. He was a Scottish poet and was tutor to the Earl of Argyle, Prince Henry Frederick, and Prince Charles who later became King Charles I of England. He received a grant in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in 1621. He was secretary of state for Scotland from 1626 until his death in 1640. He was the author of "Monarchickie Tragedies," "Paracnesis to the Prince" (a poem written in 1604), and "Doomesday," a sacred epic.¹

William married Mary GRAVES, daughter of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, in 1801 in Georgia.

William Edmund ALEXANDER moved from Oglethorpe County, Georgia to Montgomery (now Lowndes) County, Alabama, 1818. He traveled here along the Federal Road with his father-in-law, William Graves.

In 1820 William Edmund ALEXANDER and Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES attended the first camp meeting held in Autauga county at Graves' Campground and both later became ministers.^2,3,4

William Edmund ALEXANDER died on 27 December 1840 in Lowndes County, Alabama.¹

     Mary B. DURHAM was born on 11 June 1800 in Clarke County, Georgia, the daughter of Jeremiah Durham.

Mary married William GRAVES III, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, on 17 December 1823 in Lowndes County, Alabama.¹

Mary B. DURHAM died on 16 November 1850 in Lowndes County, Alabama, at age 50. She was buried in Oakview Cemetery, Lowndesboro, Lowndes County, Alabama.

     Charles ALEXANDER, son of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born circa 1821 in Montgomery (now Lowndes) County, Alabama.

     Peyton Smith ALEXANDER, son of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born circa 1812 in Georgia.

Peyton married Mary Puryear Minter, daughter of Robert Rutherford Minter, on 13 December 1835.¹

Peyton Smith ALEXANDER was a Methodist-Episcopal minister before 1847 in Lowndes County, Alabama. From Lowndes County Courthouse: "In the 1840s, Rev. Peyton Alexander supplied the Methodist-Episcopal pulpit for several years. He owned and operated the plantation lying near Hayneville, now belonging to the C. W. Garrett estate. Mr. Alexander with his large family removed to Autauga county."²

Peyton Smith ALEXANDER and Mary Puryear Minter appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 19 December 1850 in Lowndes District, Lowndes County, Alabama. The household was listed as P. S. Alexander, a 38-year-old planter and Mary P. Alexander, his 38-year-old wife. They had real estate valued at $6,000. Their children were: Robert 14, John 11, Sarah 9, Rebecca 7, Peytonia 5, Martha 3 and Mary 1. Living with them was Ethelbert Alexander, Peyton's older brother who was listed as "insane."³

Peyton Smith ALEXANDER died in 1876 in Alabama.

     Ethelbert ALEXANDER, son of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born circa 1810 in Georgia.

Ethelbert ALEXANDER appeared on a census, enumerated 19 December 1850, in the household of Peyton Smith ALEXANDER and Mary Puryear Minter in Lowndes District, Lowndes County, Alabama.¹

     William Edmund ALEXANDER Jr., son of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born circa 1819 in Montgomery (now Lowndes) County, Alabama.

William married Caroline Sager on 20 September 1837 in Autauga County, Alabama.^1,2

William Edmund ALEXANDER Jr. and Caroline Sager appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 28 October 1850 in Lowndes County, Alabama. The household was listed as Edmund Alexander, a 31-year-old planter, and his 28-year-old wife, Caroline. They had real estate valued at $3,500. Their children were: Mary E. 10, John 8, William 6, Edward 4 and Sarah 2.³

An unknown person married second an unknown person after 1856 in Lowndes County, Alabama.

William Edmund ALEXANDER Jr. and Emily Young appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1860 in Lowndes County, Alabama. The household was listed as E[dmund] Alexander, a 41-year-old planter and E[mily], his 24-year-old Georgia born wife. Their children were: John 17, William 15, E[dmund] 13, SC 10, AG 8, SM 5, Kate 3, and James 1.⁴

William Edmund ALEXANDER Jr. died on 21 February 1893 in Lowndes County, Alabama. He was buried in Hayneville Cemetery.

     Asbury G. ALEXANDER, son of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born on 10 January 1821 in Montgomery (now Lowndes) County, Alabama.¹

Asbury married Sarah Ann Thomas on 26 November 1846 in Lowndes County, Alabama. Rev. Thomas Y. Ramsey performed the wedding rites.²

Asbury G. ALEXANDER and Sarah Ann Thomas appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 9 December 1850 in Lowndes District, Lowndes County, Alabama. The household was listed as A. G. Alexander, a 28-year-old planter and Sarah, his 20-year-old wife. She was born in Georgia and they had real estate valued at $2,800.³

Asbury G. ALEXANDER died on 4 December 1860 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 39.⁴ He was buried in Alexander Cemetery, Lowndes County, Alabama.