Census Sunday: He's Not in the Navy, He's in the Naval Militia!

Ever spend time looking and reviewing the information you have collected over the years?  I did just that on Veteran's Day, and did I get a surprise!

Some ten years ago or more, I spent time at the National Archives and was able to find, touch with my prettily gloved hands, and get copies of both my grandfathers' World War I draft cards.  One draft card was not a surprise as I knew that grandpa was in the Army 11th Infantry and was wounded in the Battle of the Argonne in 1918.  

On the other hand, here was the surprise.  The draft card for my other grandpa said Navy?  He had military service?  And no one living today knew this?

Two of his grandchildren have tried to get information on the Navy service from NARA with no luck.  The consensus was his records were destroyed in the 1973 fire which destroyed so many of nation's veterans military records.  Dead end?

Maybe not.

Since the recent announcement that the NARA folks at the St Louis facility where the fire was have been trying to reconstruct some of the files, my interest resurfaced.  I have even had word that two people I know did ask a second time and their grandfather's records were rescued, restored, marked with a "B" for burn file and delivered.  Could I get this lucky?

I pulled up his draft card again just yesterday and realized that something was off.  The draft card was signed in 1917 and indicates he had already served four years as a Seaman.  So, he wasn't in World War I?  He served before that time.

Read closer and now I see something else.  Notice the branch.  It says Navy Militia?  What was that?

Militia groups formed by states in our nation's early days are not new.  I just didn't realize that the practice was common in the early 1900s.  Before and during the Spanish-American War, South Carolina reactivated the use of a Naval Militia in 1892 to guard its coast.  Apparently, this group of volunteers stayed active as the last group was mustered in, May 1907.

What jumps off this page is the mention of Lieut. SB MCCLAREY.  He was the older brother-in-law of my grandfather.  Bingo.  It makes sense.

Grandpa, a young impressionable late teen, was impressed with his more worldly brother-in-law, who had served in the Spanish-American War, probably jumped at the chance to join up with the Militia as one of the 172 elite men.  

The Naval Militia was disbanded at the beginning of World War I as our nation started its own Naval Reserves.  On a sidenote, the Militia was reestablished in 2003 and is now recognized at the Federal level.

Now, I just need to find the names of the enlisted volunteers to prove this.  I suspect the records may be at the South Carolina Archives.

Ahh genealogy.  Isn't it a grand day for a voyage!

Sources:

http://www.sixthfleet.com/newsletter/news10.htm

https://books.google.com/books?id=INblAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA39&lpg=PA39&dq=2nd+Division+SC+Naval+Militia&source=bl&ots=4k6VrlYiVZ&sig=VhdGKXT5AI-BQF_Op04qKP0F8pk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjfiKbfmbfXAhUJ7IMKHTdSAe8Q6AEIYjAL#v=onepage&q=2nd%20Division%20SC%20Naval%20Militia&f=false

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YTC-S1TF?i=3627&cc=1968530

©2017  AS Eldredge

Friend of Friends Friday: Old Edisto

Edisto Island is a delight to visit in the Low Country of South Carolina.  Drive down most any dirt road and be surrounded instantly by beautiful old oak trees covered in spanish moss.  For me, leaving the hustle and bustle behind for this relatively quiet island is just what is needed to fully relax.  Of course, walking even a couple of feet in to the dense undergrowth just off the road has never been on the menu for me.  I wonder what it was like for the British and later, the Union, to navigate the dense undergrowth with its accompanying wildlife.

Relaxing on the island wasn't always possible for the locals in the past.  The island was populated by Edistow Indians in the 1500s.  Through time and wars, the island survived, although the populations changed.  In 1860, there were over 5000 slaves reported on the major plantations owned by the planters.  Many of these names can be found due to the gracious translation of others.

With its remote and limited access, General LEE decided not to defend the island, but rather, asked the planters to evacuate.  The slaves were left behind.  The Union forces did overtake the island and sent many slaves to St Helena Island.

After the war ended, the free slaves returned expecting to receive land as had been promised by President LINCOLN.  History tells us this did not happen.  Instead, the titled owners returned and now had paid employees.

It wasn't until decades later that bridges and roads were improved so the getting to and getting off the island became easy.

Several years ago, I was given a book on Edisto by a beloved family member who knew of my affection for the island.  This book was written in 1955 by Nell S GRAYDON with photography by Carl JULIEN.  What makes this book so special? It is signed by both of them.  In addition, the chain of ownership is documented in the book with the last owner being dear friends of the family.

Within this book are stories of the plantations and of the Negroes in the area.  While there are no stories about slavery per say, there are a couple of stories about those who were alive as children when the war ended.  In it are fascinating reads of Maum Rachel, who delivered children of the island.  This story takes place right after the end of the war, when she and the new doctor learned they could work together in a difficult birth.  Another story is that of Josephine WRIGHT,  who remembered the "last big gun shoot."

Of interest is also knowing that a slave cabin from the old Point of Pines Plantation now resides in Washington at the Smithsonian.  I wonder who would be more surprised--  the plantation owner or the slaves who lived in it?

Ahh genealogy.  Going back in time on Edisto through a book takes me to a place where time seems to almost stand still. Almost.


Sources:
http://edistoscenicbyway.org/history.cfm
https://www.fold3.com/page/111581445_slaves_in_the_estate_of_william_seabrook_edisto_island_sc_1860#description
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/us/slave-cabin-to-get-museum-home-in-washington.html?_r=0

Thursday Thriller: Woman Dies in the Electric Chair Over a Hog?

Although not the first to hear the words, "Death by Electrocution,", Sue LOGUE was the first woman to actually be electrocuted January 15, 1943, in South Carolina.

In short, one alleged argument over a hog led to the first shooting of Wallace LOGUE.  The shooter, Davis TIMMERMAN, pled self defense and the court agreed.  The next murder was that of TIMMERMAN by relatives of LOGUE who had hired Clarence BAGWELL to do the dirty deed.

Jan 1, 1951

Just reading the article and seeing the eight deaths mentioned over something so trivial as an alleged disagreement over a hog just makes me shake my head in wonder.

Ahh, genealogy.  With neighbors who kill over a hog, the question must be asked.  What was so special about that hog?

Source:
https://dspace.ychistory.org/bitstream/handle/11030/71482/00001594.pdf?sequence=1

©2016 ASEldredge

Friend of Friends Friday: Dwarf Negro and Those Terrible Taxes

While perusing the October 5, 1869, Charleston Daily News on the site Chronicling America,
 several articles caught my attention.  As we all know, the end of War of Northern Aggression made for some really tough times for everyone.

In this short blurb, we see an assault made by a "negro lad".  Just a few years before, the article would have read differently, I am sure.  Interesting the negro dwarf, July, was the one arrested.   Was the lad released to go home? Was there no interest in the attacker or was it the gun that was pulled out by the attackee the bigger issue?

The bigger article to catch my attention was about the high taxation on the planters.  Higher taxes lowered their profits.  The article is a discussion on one way to address the problem--  have those who farm the land for the owner pay a portion of the taxes, or better yet, get rid of "Misrepresentatives" of the "radical officials."

There's more to read in this article......

Ahh, genealogy.  Fair taxation. Gee, what a novel idea.  Hey, wait.  Didn't we stand up for this in the past?  Sounds like the conversation lives on and on- even after the early "misrepresentatives" are long gone.

Sources:

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026994/1869-10-05/ed-2/seq-2/

©2016 ASEldredge

Friday Faces of the Past: Whisper Those Pee Dee River Names in the 1844 SC Militia

Cruising along the waters of the Great Pee Dee River in South Carolina has been a journey.  Gone are the plantations of old.  Gone are many memories.

Found today, however, is the 32nd South Carolina Regiment of 1844. Wait... 1844?  That seems a little early to be getting ready for the Civil War, or the War of Northern Aggression.  Or is it?  This 1844 petition signed by the Marion area men is a new find for me.  The petition signers ask for a dedicated muster ground for their battalion rendezvous so they can minimize crossing the Pee Dee River.  The location suggested is on the southwest side of the river.  What was cool was seeing the almost four pages of names that started jumping off the page, kind of like fish jumping just waiting to be caught.  Grandpas, uncles, cousins--  they are all there with their neighbors.

Why was there such a big militia at the ready in 1844?  Back up a few years in our nation's history and think of John C CALHOUN and his opposition to the Federal Government and its 1832 Tariff Act. South Carolina threatened to secede if the Federal Government enforced the tariff as the state saw it as a way to bring the south to obedience. Hmmmm... sounds familiar.

In 1832, South Carolina adopted the Ordinance of Nullification, as a formal protest, and to see if the Federal Government would honor the principle of states' rights. The next month the Federal Government issued a warning to South Carolina and passed the Force Bill which authorized use of force to collect those nasty tariffs.

At the same time period in 1832-33, South Carolina revamped its militia. Thus the birth of the 32nd Regiment South Carolina Militia which was mostly made of Marion men.  The men met every two months for drills.  There was no pay for service.  This practice continued up to the time that South Carolina actually did secede from the Union, some thirty years later.

Interesting tidbits emerge and help me to understand more of my country's past.  Reading the history means just so much now then when it did in school.

Ahh, genealogy, let me count those names on the 1844 petition.  And let me see how many I share blood with--- POSTON, GIBBBS, COX, FINKLEA, SINGLETARY.  Time to hit those genealogy files to confirm more names!

Sources:
Rice, William. A Digested Index of the Statute Law of South Carolina, from the earliest period to the year 1836, inclusive. https://books.google.com/books?id=16JXAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA209&lpg=PA209&dq=1832+south+carolina+militia+laws&source=bl&ots=PDq4lIAtyp&sig=VxqGVPTe2INwpr2d2fXyfe5TtOM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9rrPYxL7NAhWGVyYKHTSsCHQQ6AEIKTAC#v=onepage&q=1832%20south%20carolina%20militia%20laws&f=false
Sellers, W W. History of Marion County. South Carolina, from its earliest times to the present, 1901.
SC Department of Archives and History, Petitions to the General Assembly S165015 http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/onlinearchives/Thumbnails.aspx?recordId=257881
http://www.britannica.com/topic/nullification-crisis
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h333.html

©2016 ASEldredge

Friend of Friends Friday: St James Santee Plantation Parish

Ever tried to find much information in old South Carolina?  It's almost like the feeling I bet the English had when they were trying to track down Francis Marion in the swamp.  Of course, for me, it still is like to trying to find a high spot in Hell Hole Swamp now!

In history, we can locate evidence of the many fires in South Carolina which destroyed records.  We also have other obstacles to overcome.  While some of the records are getting online, and mind you, the available records are so much better now than when I started looking some 16 years ago, it can still be a source of frustration.

One book I have in my possession that I find an interesting read at times is "St James Santee Plantation Parish" by Anne Baker Leland Bridges and Roy Williams III.  While I don't think any of the names pertain to me, the location is really close to where my blood flows.

There are stories, marriages and baptisms to be found for the parish.  While there isn't a slave listing, some names are mentioned from time to time.

One example is found on page 269 where the negro "November" is mentioned as being made the keeper of an old head board that would not fit on the ship.  Apparently, November was to ship the head board at a later time.  November did not send it on.  Today, this head board, which is made of cypress and marked the grave of Jonah Collins is in the Charleston Museum.  The inscription on the head board reads:

Stranger who now are passing by,

As you are now,

So once was I:

As I am now,

So shall you be,

Therefore prepare to follow me.

Ahh genealogy.  Strangers who have gone before us sometimes bring us great joy as we find a trace of our blood.

Source: 

Bridges, Anne Baker Leland and Williams, Roy III. St James Santee Plantation Parish, 1997.

©2016 ASEldredge

Thursday Thriller: Slain Over a Grudge

Looking at the headlines of today with all the crimes and murders can leave us so very saddened.  Why do folks just have to be so violent?  Good thing the past was always so peaceful.....or was it?

Here's a story about a family grudge gone wrong in 1894.

Ouch.. shot and the body was left for hours until the inquest?  It would appear that J A Coward was indicted for the murder of Madison Connell (1852-1894).  Well, it wasn't the first time he was in trouble.  According to church records, JA Coward was "in trouble" in 1892 for not supporting his church.  He asked to be dropped from the rolls when questioned by the Hebron Baptist Church in South Carolina.

The death of Connell left a widow, Mary E Myers Connell (1849-1918) and three children.

Both men now rest in the same cemetery at the church of their family.  I wonder how close they are in proximity?

Ahh, genealogy. Gotta inspect both sides of the fence when looking at history.

Source: 
The Florence Weekly Times, November 1894.
FindaGrave.com  Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery, Florence Co, SC

©2016 ASEldredge

Those Places Thursday: Hell Hole Swamp, Seriously?

Imagine spending a delightful afternoon talking with a quiet, gentile lady of the old South and, then, trying to keep the emotions on your face under control when she spits out something that takes you aback.

Yes, that happened to me several years ago when I was introduced to an elderly lady (ok, she was 92) who had known my kinfolk.  Yes, she had known my great grandparents.  Yes, she had known my great grandmother well. 

After a cup of tea down in an area of historic Charleston, this sweet lady tells me how her family buried treasure so those "yanks" couldn't get it.  She also told me stories of how her family dug some of it up after the War of Northern Aggression.

When I asked her about my great grandmother, she told me she had worked in the cigar factory in Charleston and had spent her later years in the home for the poor.  It seems she was always fighting to survive.

This great grandmother, along with her mother and siblings, walked home to South Carolina from Palatka, FL, when she was just three or four years old.  Her father had been wounded in the War of Northern Aggression while he was fighting in Tennessee around Lookout Mountain.  He later died in a Confederate hospital in Savannah and is buried there.  His family then had to go home to South Carolina with a couple of wagons.  My great grandmother told later descendents she would be allowed to ride in the wagon when she was too tired to walk.

I was fascinated, and oddly, so proud they survived.  Then, this sweet little old lady told me my great grandmother was from Hell Hole Swamp.  My mouth almost dropped as I had not heard of this area before.

I asked what was Hell Hole Swamp.  The reply, "A BAD place to be from."  The best one could hope for was to find a way out of there.

Interesting.  I asked where it was.  She gave me instructions to go to Cordesville and take a right onto Alligator Road.  The swamp would be there.

I went.  It was exactly as she said.  The only living human we saw was a man putting on hip boots, presumably to go hunting in the swamp.  Of course, I was able to find a church cemetery out there complete with evidence of my family.  Actually, not one, but two, cemeteries.

I have to agree.  It had to be one hell of a place.  Hell Hole Swamp is now part of the Francis Marion National Forest and has remained quite rural.  There are rumors of how it got its name.  All I know for sure is that it is listed in present day Berkeley County as Hell Hole Swamp on a 1773 map by Cook.  How it got its reputation is a whole other story.

But for my great grandmother and her family right after the Civil War ended, I agree.  It had to be a tough existence.  She did leave the swamp.  First, it was down the road to Cordesville where she and husband lived for the birth of their children.  Then, it was to Mt Pleasant to farm.  She ended in Charleston proper.

Ahhh, genealogy.  There's a lot of history in that little area of Hell Hole Swamp.  Murder. Prohibition.  Yep, I know the stories of some of them.

©2015 ASEldredge

Source:
http://www.davidrumsey.com/maps4112.html