Rev. 10 April 2003, Gen. 382

DESCENDANTS OF BENJAMIN GRAVES OF BRUNSWICK CO., NC

GENERATION 1

Benjamin Graves (1) is found living in Brunswick Co., NC, at the time of the first U.S. census in 1790. He is listed as having been born prior to 1774 and had a family consisting of himself and five white females, whose names were not listed (as names other than the head of household were not listed in U.S. censuses until 1850). In the 1800 U.S. census he was still living in Brunswick Co., NC, and he is listed as having been born prior to 1755. In his family at this time are five white males and four white females. In the 1810 U.S. census of Brunswick County, NC, he was listed as B. Graves, Sr., born prior to 1765 having in his household two white males and two white females, one of whom was also born prior to 1765, probably his wife. Also listed in this census of Brunswick Co. was another B. Graves. Both residents of this household are simply listed as “Free Negroes” with no specifics concerning their age.

In the 1820 census of Brunswick Co. is listed a Benjamin Graves, born prior to 1775, who had a white male and a white female in his family. Also in this census is a Joseph Graves, born between 1775 and 1794 that had in his family one white male and four white females. This Joseph Graves is clearly our ancestor and it is believed that Benjamin Graves is his father and probably also the father of a Thomas Graves. It is our Joseph and Thomas who appear in the U.S. censuses of Brunswick County, NC, in 1830 and 1840 with their households.

"N.C. Taxpayers 1679-1790" listed a Benjamin Graves in Northampton County in 1780 and a Benjamin Greavy in Brunswick Co. in 1784, so it is possible our ancestor Benjamin settled in Northampton Co. and then moved to Brunswick Co. In that same listing is a Thomas Graves in 1782 in Brunswick Co. According to "Land Grant Book A, Brunswick Co., N.C." , a Benjamin Graves purchased land on a branch of Blennings Creek in 1802 adjacent to land he already owned.

Family legend says that Benjamin Graves was "black Dutch." It is also possible that he was related to Nathaniel Graves (genealogy 252) who married Lucy Cheshire and lived in Cumberland Co. and Bladen Co., NC. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

+2. Thomas Graves, b.c. 1788 (NC), m. Elizabeth Watson, July 20, 1824.

+3. Joseph Graves, b.c. 1796-7, m(1) Rutheo Ogletree, m(2) Nancy M. Luke.

GENERATION 2

CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN GRAVES (1)

Thomas Graves (2) was born about 1788 in NC. He married Elizabeth Watson on July 20, 1824 in Brunswick Co., NC, with Joseph Graves as bondsman. She was born about 1796 in NC. They apparently did not join the migration to Georgia, but are found in the 1850 U.S. census in Brunswick Co., NC, NW District, page 146, dwelling 129. Thomas Graves was in the 1830 census for Brunswick Co., NC, page 333, with 1 male, 40-50 (b. 1780-1790), 1 female 5-10, and 1 female 30-40, living very close to his brother Joseph Graves. (R‑7)

Children - Graves

+4. Harriet J. Graves, b. Jan. 1830 (or 1825), m. Samuel Marion Benton.

Joseph Graves (3) was born about 1796-7 in North Carolina, and is believed to be a son of a Benjamin Graves. He first married Rutheo Ogletree. She was born about 1793 in NC. Joseph and his family first show up in Georgia in the 1850 U.S. census of Laurens County, and in 1860 he is found in the Berrien Co., GA census. His last name is spelled as "Greaves" in the 1850, 1860, and 1870 censuses of Georgia, although it had been spelled as "Graves" in NC and his descendents spelled the name as "Graves". In the family Bible of Nancy Graves (daughter of James W. Graves), however, she spelled the family name as "Greaves", although once she used the spelling of "Graves". Joseph Graves is not found listed in her Bible, however.

Joseph Graves married Nancy M. Luke, daughter of John and Patience Luke, on 4 Aug. 1866 in Berrien County, GA. Her brother was James E. Luke, who married Joseph’s daughter, Ruth Ellen. In the 1870 census of Berrien Co, GA, Joseph Graves is found, with his second wife, Nancy M. Graves, born about 1826. It is not known when Rutheo, Joseph, or Nancy died or where they are buried.

They were in the 1830 census for Brunswick Co., NC, page 333, living very near his brother Thomas. (R‑5)

Children - Graves, by Rutheo Ogletree

+5. Telitha Jane Graves, b. 10 June 1819, m. John Luke, d. 16 Nov. 1896.

+6. James W. Graves, b. 1 Oct. 1824, m. Margaret J. N. ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

+7. Joseph A. Graves, b.c. 1827, m. Rachael Herrin.

+8. Jesse Graves, b.c. 1827, m. Louisa C. ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

9. daughter, b.c. 1825-1830, prob. d. young. Listed in 1830 census.

+10. Thomas Graves, b.c. 1829, m. Charity Hair.

11. Daniel Graves, b.c. 1830-31.

+12. Rutha Elender (Ellen) Graves, b.c. 1833, m. James E. Luke.

Children - Graves, by Nancy M. Luke

13. Emily M. Graves, b.c. 1867.

+14. William James Graves, b.c. 1869, m. Elizabeth Rowe.

GENERATION 3

CHILDREN OF THOMAS GRAVES (2) AND ELIZABETH WATSON

Harriet J. Graves (4) was born in Jan. 1830 (or about 1825) in NC. She married Samuel Marion Benton, son of Arthur Benton and Margaret Pinner. He was born about 1825 in Brunswick Co., NC, and died about 1880. The 1850 census for Brunswick Co., NC, page 146, dwelling 132, listed Samuel M., 25, farmer, Harriet J., 25, and Frances E., 1, all born in NC. Living nearby in dwelling 129 were Harriet’s parents. (R‑7)

Children - Benton

+15. Frances Elizabeth Benton, b. 8 July 1849, m. Marcellus Payton White, 12 June 1886, d. 24 Sept. 1915.

+16. Julia S. Benton, b.c. 1851, m. David Filmore Henry, 6 June 1889.

+17. Harriett Catherine Benton, b. 30 Dec. 1852, m. John C. Nelson, 12 Sept. 1876, d. 11 June 1915.

+18. Sarah Marion Elizabeth Benton, b. 13 Feb. 1853, m. Manley Kingdom Williams, 29 June 1877, d. 8 April 1928.

19. Gaston Marion Benton, b. May 1859 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC), m. Maggie M. Jarrell, 1912, d. 24 April 1926 (Leland, Brunswick Co., NC). She was b. 11 Aug. 1876 in NC, and d. 18 Jan. 1956 in Supply, Brunswick Co., NC, dau. of Edwin W. Jarrell and Etta Linda Clemmons.

20. Laura Benton, b. Sept. 1864 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC).

+21. Emma Lou Benton, b. June 1867, m(1) William Ganey, 27 Feb. 1895, m(2) Pickett Mears Skipper, 20 Sept. 1905, d. 3 Dec. 1949.

CHILDREN OF JOSEPH GRAVES (3)

Telitha Jane Graves (5) was born 10 June 1819 in NC, and died 16 Nov. 1896. She married John Luke after 1850. He was born born in 1798 in SC, and died 10 Oct. 1875. They were both buried at St. Luke's Church Cem. in Berrien County near Willacoochee, GA. They were married after the 1850 U.S. census on Aug. 11, 1850 in Laurens Co., GA[1]. At the time of the 1850 census she was living with her parents in Laurens Co., GA, and John Luke was married to an Eliza, who was born about 1822 in NC. John Luke and Eliza had eight children living with them at the time of that census: James, b.c. 1823 (who m. Ellen Graves in 1852); Nancy, b.c. 1828; John, b.c. 1829; Elbert, b.c. 1834; Joseph, b.c. 1838; Eliza, b.c. 1840; William, b.c. 1842; and Ethelann, b.c. 1848. Another source indicates that John Luke had been married to a Patience Hobgood, born in Jackson Co., GA, who died prior to 1850. It is possible that this Patience Hobgood is the same person listed as “Eliza” in the 1850 census. At the time of the 1860 U.S. census Telitha Jane and John Luke were living in Berrien County, GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

22. Ruthy Jane Luke, b. 15 June 1851 (Laurens Co., GA), m. Benjamin Tucker Boykin, 2 Feb. 1878 (Berrien Co., GA), d. 22 March 1932 (Berrien Co., GA).

+23. Richard Benjamin Luke, b. 24 Dec. 1853, m. Janie Ruth Yawn, d. 2 Aug. 1926.

24. Jemima Patience Luke, b.c. 1855 (Laurens Co., GA), m. Micajah Harper. He was son of Lewis L.C. Harper and Dicy Whitley.

+25. Amanda C. Luke, b.c. 1857, m. Franklin Rowe.

+26. Catherine Luke, b. 8 Dec. 1858, m. David A. Gray.

+27. Lemuel David Luke, b. 20 Aug. 1860, m(1) Elizabeth Frances Jernigan, 29 Sept. 1882, m(2) Sallie Luke Carmichael, d. 5 Dec. 1940.

+28. Sara Ann Luke, b. 30 June 1862, m. Steven W. Williams, d. 28 July 1918.

James W. Graves (6) was born 1 Oct. 1824[2] in NC. He married Margaret J. N ‑‑‑‑‑‑. She was born 30 Sept. 1832[3] in NC. James W. Graves and his family are first found in the 1850 Laurens County, GA census living near his parents. In 1860 they are found in the Nashville District of Berrien County, GA. In the censuses James W. Graves was listed as being a farmer.

James W. Graves enlisted as a Private "James W. Greaves" in Co. C, 1st Regt., Ga. Vol. Inf., (Olmstead's Army of Tenn.), C.S.A., Chatham Co., Ga. (First Republican Blues)[4]. His military record from the U.S. Archives, Washington, D.C., shows only that he enlisted May 1 (year not given) at Fort Jackson by Capt. Anderson for the duration of the war. He was present for duty for May and June 1862 and is shown to be a substitute for Louis Levi. He received a bounty of $50.00 for enlisting and signed his signature to receipt for the money. Correspondence in his file indicates that on March 7, 1916 a search was made of his records in response to a query by the Commissioner of Pensions for the State of Georgia, which indicated that there was no record of him being present for duty after June 30, 1862. Another piece of correspondence dated March 9, 1916 to the Commissioner of Pensions had attached to it other documents which stated that no prisoner of war record had been found on him and that on Nov. 9, 1863 an ad had been run in the Savannah Republican newspaper offering a $90.00 reward for "Jas. W. Graves", a deserter. The ad was taken out by Fort McAllister on Oct. 13, 1863 stating that he should be delivered to Fort Oglethorpe, GA. He was described as a substitute for Lewis Levi and was a private in Co. C, 1st Vol. Regt., GA, 37 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by profession a farmer. It said that he was born in Brunswick, N.C. and enlisted at Fort Jackson May 15th 1861 and deserted from Fort McAlister on Feb. 8, 1863. It described him as residing in Berrien Co.

In the 1880 U.S. census of Coffee County, GA, James and his wife are found living next door to their son-in-law, William Stephens, and his family. In the 1900 Coffee County, GA, census they are found living near their granddaughter, Margaret Jane Stevens, who was married to John I. Baisden. It is not known when James and his wife died or where they are buried.

Listed in the Bible of Bessie Conger was a William W. Greaves, b. Sept. 25, 1893, d. Dec. 17, 1895. It is not known for certain whose son he is, but possibly belonged to this Graves family.

Also listed in the family Bible of Nancy Graves was:

1. Frances J. Skipper, b. May 30, 1841.

2. Ludia A. Watson, b. Feb. 3, 1876.

3. ________a J. Greaves, _________st 14, 1853.

It is not known for certain who these persons are or their relationship to our Graves family, although the person listed as number 3, born in 1853, could, based on the date of birth and the legible part of the name in the Bible, possibly be Eliza Graves, who I have listed as a daughter of Thomas and Charity Graves, even though Eliza Ann C.J. Graves was supposed to have been born Feb. 14, 1852.

All the children of James and Margaret were born in GA. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

29. Falbee B. Elexander Graves, b. 17 Jan. 1852 (twin of Frances). He is never listed in any censuses and must have died young.

+30. Frances E. Graves, b. 17 Jan. 1852, m. William Stevens (or Stephens), 1 March 1877, d. 1904.

31. Polly Ann Graves, b. 8 April 1854.

32. Sarah E. Graves, b. 24 July 1856.

33. Nancy J. Graves, b. 12 July 1859, never married. She later lived near Alapaha in Berrien Co., GA. When her sister, "Fannie" Stevens, became ill and was separated from her husband, Aunt "Nan" took her younger children, Bessie and Lillie Stevens, and raised them. At the time of the 1920 U.S. census of Berrien County, Nancy lived in the household of Dan. L. Luke and Lillie of Enigma District. "Nan" lived with her niece, Lillie Stevens Luke, until Lillie died of tuberculosis. Then "Nan" lived with Bessie until "Nan" died in 1942. She is buried at Turner Church in Berrien County, Ga.[5]

34. Julyana Graves, b. 20 Jan. 1862, never married.

35. Margaret Ann Graves, b. 22 Aug. 1866, never married.

Joseph A. Graves (7) was born about 1827 in NC. He married Rachael Herrin (or Harris). This family is found together only in the 1850 U.S. census of Laurens Co., Ga. Living with them at the time of the census was “Anna Harris”, born about 1823 in N.C. Anna, born about 1825-1830, apparently moved with the Graves' families to Berrien Co., Ga. She is found in the 1870 U.S. census of Berrien Co., Ga. in the Samuel G. Varn household as a domestic servant who could not read nor write. She died June 2, 1887 and was buried next to Rachael Graves Tison at Hebron Church Cemetery, Coffee Co., Ga., with a tombstone matching Rachael's. I believe that she and Rachael were sisters whose last name was either Harris or Herrin, probably Harris.

It is not known what happened to Joseph A. Graves, but it is possible that he died in the Civil War. On Nov 30, 1865, in Berrien Co, Ga., his widow, Rachael, remarried to a widower, Wiley Tison, born Feb. 13, 1812. In the 1870 U.S. census of Berrien Co., Ga., their two families were living as one family. They had one son, Jacob Randall Tison, born Mar. 6, 1865 in Berrien Co., Ga., who married Minnie Lee Howell and died June 23, 1954 in Ocilla, Ga. He was buried at Hebron Cemetery, Coffee Co., Ga. Wiley Tison died Feb. 27, 1883 and was buried at McMillan Cemetery, Alapaha, Ga. Rachael died Jan. 27, 1897 and was buried at Hebron Cemetery. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

36. Lillia" or “Sophia” Graves, b.c. 1847 (NC).

37. A. P. (or A. J.) Graves (son), b.c. 1850 (GA).

38. Molsey Graves, b.c. 1853, m. John Butler Moncrief. John was b.c. 1855, son of Austin and Georgia Moncrief. (Note: Although Molsey is listed in Vol. 5 of Huxford’s as a daughter of Thomas Graves, she appears in the 1870 census of Berrien Co., GA, in the household of Wiley Tison as a daughter of Rachael Graves.)

+39. Joseph Macom Graves, b. 10 April 1858, m. Caroline Walker, Dec. 1881, d. 1 Feb. 1897.

40. Ruthy Graves, b.c. 1862.

Jesse Graves (8) was born about 1827 in NC. He is first found as the head of a household in the 1850 U.S. census of Laurens Co., GA, married to Louisa C. ‑‑‑‑‑‑. She was born about 1832 in NC. His parents and siblings had moved to Berrien County, GA by 1860, but Jesse Graves and his family moved to Bibb County, GA by 1860. In the 1850 census Jesse Graves is listed as a farmer but in the 1860 census he is listed as a carpenter. All their children were born in GA. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

41. William H. Graves, b.c. 1849 (probably in Laurens Co., GA).

42. Mary J. Graves, b.c. 1852.

43. Isaac W. Graves, b.c. 1854.

44. Louisa C. Graves, b.c. 1858

Thomas Graves (10) was born about 1829 in North Carolina. He moved with his parents to Laurens Co., GA between 1840-1850. He married Charity Hair on 20 Feb. 1851 in Laurens Co, Ga.[6]

According to the Confederate Army records on file at the national archives, he enlisted as Thomas "Greaves" in Co. I, 50th Regt., Ga. Vol. Inf. (Berrien County Light Infantry) as a Private on 2 May 1862 in Nashville, GA, by E.C. Morgan for a period of three years or the duration of the war. One document indicates that on 3 May 1862 he enlisted near Fort Brown, but in this document he was listed as "Thos Grime". In some of the documents his name was spelled as "Graves" and in others it is spelled as "Greaves". His record indicates that during the month of July 1862, he was absent as he was sent to the hospital at Savannah, GA. The Company Muster Roll of his unit indicates that in Dec. 1862 he was again absent as he had been sent to the hospital in Richmond, VA, on 27 Dec. 1862. Another document reveals that he was admitted to General Hospital Number 19 in Richmond, VA, on 27 Dec. 1862. He died there of pneumonia on 1 Jan. 1863 with his attending physician a Dr. B.G. Herndon, Surgeon. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

+45. Eliza Ann C. J. Graves, b. 14 Feb. 1852, m(1) Richard M. Purvis, m(2) William E. Rowe, 10 March 1872, d. 17 March 1936.

+46. Rowena Graves, b. 17 Feb. 1854, m. Jacob McMillan, 14 April 1882, d. 27 April 1921.

+47. Sarah Jane Graves, b. 22 Jan. 1856, m. John Vickers, 3 Nov. 1872, d. 20 Aug. 1942.

Rutha Ellen (or Elender) Graves (12) was born about 1838 (or 1833) in NC. She married James E. Luke, son of John Luke and Elizabeth ‑‑‑‑‑‑, on 15 April 1852 in Laurens Co., GA. James E. Luke's mother had died and his father had remarried to Rutha Ellen's sister, Telitha Jane Graves. In the 1860 U.S. census, Rutha Ellen's and James' family were living in Berrien Co., GA, next door to the family of John and Telitha Jane Luke, as they were in the 1870 census of Berrien County. According to the notes of Weldon, this James Luke died serving the Confederacy, but this is not possible as he does show in the 1870 U.S. census in the household. At the time of the 1860 census, James sister, Nancy M., age 30, was living in the household with them. This sister of James E. Luke later married Rutha Ellen’s father, Joseph Graves. At the time of the 1870 census, a woman by the name of Anna M. Cross, age 21, was living with the Rutha Ellen and James E. Luke Family. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

48. Joseph E. Luke, b.c. 1856, m. Mary Jane Moore.

49. Cassanna Luke, b.c. 1858. Bur. at St. Luke Cemetery, Alapaha, GA.

50. William H. Luke, b.c. 1860.

51. Telitha J. Luke, b.c. 1863.

+52. Mary L. Luke, b.c. 1868, m. Isaac Luke.

William James Graves (14) was born about 1869. He married Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Rowe, daughter of Henry Rowe and Nancy Marshall. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

53. Caroline Graves, m(1) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Mooney, m(2) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Healey.

54. Nancy Graves, m. Carl Revills.

55. Jennie ("Janie") Graves, m. Allen Carter.

56. Ina Graves, m. Will Fisher.

GENERATION 4

CHILDREN OF HARRIET J. GRAVES (4) AND SAMUEL M. BENTON

Frances Elizabeth Benton (15) was born 8 July 1849 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC, and died 24 Sept. 1915. She married Marcellus Payton White on 12 June 1886 in NC. He was born 11 Sept. 1841 in Johnston Co., NC, and died 25 Jan. 1913 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. (R‑7)

Children - White

57. Joseph S. White, b. Oct. 1891 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC).

Julia S. Benton (16) was born about 1851 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. She married David Filmore Henry on 6 June 1889 in Brunswick Co., NC. He was born about 1852 in NC. (R‑7)

Children - Henry

58. Cora Henry, b. Dec. 1885 (NC).

59. Walter Henry, b. March 1892 (Brunswick Co., NC).

Harriett (or Harriet?) Catherine Benton (17) was born 30 Dec. 1852 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC, and died after 11 June 1915. She married John C. Nelson on 12 Sept. 1876. He was born in June 1808 in NC. All their children were born in Brunswick Co., NC, at least the second in Town Creek. (R‑7)

Children - Nelson

+60. Emma M. Nelson, b. 30 March 1878, m. Stephen Nelson Mintz, 8 Feb. 1894, d. 31 May 1945.

+61. Frances Eleanor Nelson, b. March 1880, m. Morris Sylvester Gainey, 23 April 1899.

+62. Harriett Elizabeth Nelson, b. 26 Feb. 1881, m. Thomas Sylvester Gainey, 26 Jan. 1897, d. 30 Aug. 1959.

63. Stephen D. Nelson, b. Oct. 1888.

Sarah Marion Elizabeth Benton (18) was born 13 Feb. 1853 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC, died 8 April 1928 in Leland, Brunswick Co., NC, and was buried in Leland, Brunswick Co., NC. She married Manley Kingdom Williams on 29 June 1877. He was born in Aug. 1864 in NC, died 25 Oct. 1937 in Leland, Brunswick Co., NC, and was buried in Williams Cem., Brunswick Co., NC. All their children were born in Brunswick Co., NC, at least the last 3 in Town Creek. (R‑7)

Children - Williams

+64. Mary Lillie Williams, b. 26 July 1885, m. Charles C. Peavy, 21 Aug. 1912, d. 5 Nov. 1985.

+65. Melissa Irene Williams, b. June 1887, m. Manney Williams, 10 May 1903.

+66. Lula Ophelia Williams, b. 19 Feb. 1888, m. William Edward Nelson, 21 Aug. 1907, d. 18 April 1947.

+67. Robert Berry Williams, b. April 1893, m. Minnie Adeline Walker.

68. Mary Williams, b.c. 1896.

Emma Lou Benton (21) was born in June 1867 and died 3 Dec. 1949, both in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC, and was buried 4 Dec. 1949 in Ganey Cem., Leland, Brunswick Co., NC. She first married William Ganey on 27 Feb. 1895 at Harriet Benton’s, Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. He was born about 1846. She married second Pickett Mears Skipper, son of Ezekiel Skipper and Julia Ann Leonard, on 20 Sept. 1905 in Town Creek, NC. He was born 24 Oct. 1849 in Brunswick Co., NC, and died 8 April 1932. Both her children were born in Town Creek, NC. (R‑7)

Children - Ganey

+69. Willima E. Ganey, b. 10 July 1896, m. Ezekiel Skipper, c. 1926, d. 28 Dec. 1987.

Children - Skipper

70. Pickett Mears Skipper, b. 10 Dec. 1909.

CHILDREN OF TELITHA J. GRAVES (5) AND JOHN LUKE

Richard Benjamin ("Ben") Luke (23) was born 24 Dec. 1853 in Berrien Co., GA, and died 2 Aug. 1926. He married Janie Ruth Yawn, daughter of Irwin Yawn. She was born 14 March 1855, and died 1 Nov. 1943 at the home of her son, Tally, of Lax, GA. Her obituary appeared in the Coffee County Progress and the Douglas Enterprise on Nov. 4, 1943. Her funeral services were conducted by Rev. Jacob Vickers at the Luke Family Cemetery. They were both buried at the Luke Family Cemetery off the West Baker Highway (158) in Coffee County, GA. This cemetery was started by Ben Luke on his farm. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

71. Lucious L. Luke, b. 9 Oct. 1873, m. Narcisus Harper, 21 Oct. 1894, d. 20 June 1920 (Irwin Co, GA). Bur. Brushy Creek P. B. Ch. Cem. in Irwin Co., GA. According to the notes of Mary Clyde Wright, the Ocilla Star, June 24, 1920, related that L. L. Luke was a prominent farmer of Irwin County, a member of the Masons, and had been found on a Thursday in an almost unconscious state in the road near his mail box, after having left his saw mill and starting home. On the following Monday an operation was performed but he lived only a few hours after the operation, leaving his wife and several children.

72. Riley R. Luke, b. 27 Feb. 1875, d. 29 Sept. 1900 (Irwin Co., GA). Bur. Luke Family Cemetery. According to the notes of Mary Clyde Wright, the Ocilla Dispatch, Oct. 5, 1900, related that the previous Friday at Miss Olive Paulk's school at Lax, the closing exercises had been interesting and dinner was served on the grounds with quite a gathering of people. There was nothing to mar the pleasure of the occasion until Riley Luke and John B. Graham fell out about some trivial matter, drew their knives and began cutting each other. Luke was cut under the right shoulder blade and Graham received a dangerous wound in the right side. Luke died Saturday night, Sept. 29, 1900 and at last accounts Graham was improving, although held for murder. It is "hear-say" that Graham did some time in prison and returned to Nashville, Ga. by train and as he stepped off the train he was shot to death by an unknown person.

+73. John J. Luke, b. 13 Jan. 1876, m. Julia Mims, 21 April 1904, d. 21 Nov. 1939.

+74. Eunise Luke, b. 26 Mar. 1877, m. Eli F. Vickers, 1 Nov. 1894, d. 7 Jan. 1968.

75. Olive Luke, b. 1879, m(1) Richard Smith, m(2) "Husband" Youngblood. She is buried at Rocky Pond Cem., Coffee Co., GA.

76. Elizabeth Luke, b. 9 July 1883, d. 23 Sept. 1884 (from burns after her clothes caught on fire while playing around a fire in the yard, possibly on a wash day).

77. Ida Luke, b. 23 Sept.1886, m. William Smith, 20 May 1900, d. 26 Sept. 1923. Bur. at Rocky Pond Cem., Coffee Co., GA.

+78. Henry Luke, b. 11 Nov. 1887, m(1) Mary Ann Metts, 8 Jan. 1911, m(2) Bertha ‑‑‑‑‑‑, d. 31 May 1964.

+79. Oscar L. Luke, b. 13 Oct. 1889, m(1) Mary Ellen Harper, 26 Dec. 1909, m(2) Odessa Tanner, d. 12 March 1970.

80. Thomas Luke, b. 23 July 1891, d. 3 Sept. 1904. Bur. Luke Family Cemetery.

+81. Tally L. Luke, b. 13 Oct. 1893, m. Emma Olive Hendley, d. 22 Jan. 1970.

82. Malissie Luke, b. 23 July 1894, m. Samuel Batten, 28 Feb. 1909, d. 7 July 1912. She was bur. at Luke Family Cem. Her marriage did not last very long.

83. Youngie Luke, b. 23 Oct. 1896, m(1) Pearlie Gaskins, m(2) Mamie Weathers, d. 7 Feb. 1975. He lived in Baxley, GA, and was buried at Big Creek Cem., Bacon Co., GA.

+84. Allie Luke, b. 11 July 1898, m. Newton E. Tyson, d. 18 Nov. 1982.

85. Ruby Luke, b. 11 Feb. 1901, m. Eddie V. Gaskins, d. 19 Nov. 1934. He was bur. at Riverside Cem., Atkinson Co., GA.

Amanda C. Luke (25) was born about 1857. She married Franklin Rowe, son of Henry Rowe and Nancy Marshall[7]. He was born about 1855 and died in 1924. (R‑5)

Children - Rowe

86. Henry Rowe, m(1) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Albritton, m(2) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Abbott.

87. John Rowe

88. Joe Rowe, never married.

89. Steve Rowe

90. Francis Rowe

91. Barney Rowe

92. Nancy Rowe, m. Harney McLeod

Catherine (Christy Ann) Luke (26) was born 8 Dec. 1858 in Alapaha, GA, died 8 May 1942, and was buried at St. Luke Cem., Alapaha, GA. She married David A. ("Dave") Gray. In the 1920 U.S. census they were living in the Alapaha District of Berrien Co., GA, and had three granddaughters living with them: Lillie M. Rowe, b.c. 1906; Mary A. Rowe, b.c. 1909, and Christie Rowe, b.c. 1911. (R‑5)

Children - Gray

93. Rachel Gray, m. Matthew Rowe, Jr. He was b. 1875, son of Matthew Rowe and Eliza Murray.

94. Mary Jane Gray, m. Walter C. Rowe.

+95. George W. Gray, b. 13 April 1885, m. Effie Mathis, d. 7 April 1958.

+96. Alice Gray, b.c. 1888, m. Jacob Rowe, d. 1937.

+97. Missouri Gray, m. Ed Rowe.

+98. John W. Gray, b.c. 1894, m. Lillie Mathis.

+99. Emma Gray, b. 1901, m. Ashley Griffin.

100. Infant, d. young.

101. Infant, d. young.

102. Infant, d. young.

Lemuel David ("Lem") Luke (27) was born 20 Aug. 1860 in Alapaha, GA, died 5 Dec. 1940, and was buried at Saint Luke Cem., Alapaha, GA.. He first married Elizabeth Frances Jernigan, daughter of ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Jernigan and Elizabeth ‑‑‑‑‑‑, on 29 Sept. 1882 in Irwin Co., GA. She was born 16 Nov. 1862, died 8 March 1901, and was buried at Saint Luke Cem., Berrien Co., GA. Lem married second Sallie Luke Carmichael, daughter of James Luke and Mary Tucker, and widow of Luther Carmichael. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

+103. Roxie Luke, b. 1883, m. John Solomon, 24 Sept. 1901, d. 1935.

104. Betty Elizabeth Luke, b. March 1884, m. Thomas M. Ellis.

105. Jacob Luke, b. 31 Aug. 1886, never married, d. 31 Aug. 1903. Bur. St. Luke Cem.

+106. Ada Luke, b. 1888, m. Joseph S. Rowe.

+107. Acey Luke, b. 15 Feb. 1889, m. Ida Jane Trowell, 13 Feb. 1915, d. 6 March 1942.

+108. John Lemuel Luke, b. 15 Nov. 1889, m. Lydia E. Minchew, 4 Aug. 1908, d. 30 June 1965.

+109. Mark Luke, b.c. 1891, m. Mary Mildred O'Neal, 6 March 1910, d. 10 Nov. 1951.

+110. Shade Luke, b. 25 Aug. 1894, m. Maggie Carter, 11 Aug. 1928, d. 14 Dec. 1967.

111. Pearlie Luke, b. 20 Feb. 1896, m. Rosie Lee Jowers.

+112. Richard Benjamin Luke, b. 14 Feb. 1899, m. Susie Suggs, 2 March 1919, d. 1 Dec. 1935.

+113. Francis Elizabeth Luke, b. 4 March 1900, m. Della O'Neal, d. 26 March 1945.

114. Infant, b. 4 Mar. 1900, (twin of Frank E.), d. at birth.

Sara Ann Luke (28) was born 30 June 1862 in Berrien County, GA, died 28 July 1918, and was buried at St. Luke Church Cem. She married Steven W. ("Sonny") Williams, son of John H. Williams and Mary Ann ("Sissy") Murray. Sonny remarried to Mary Rowe Vickers and they had no children. Sonny was born 28 Sept. 1858, died 12 March 1925, and was buried at the Rowe Town Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Williams

115. John A. Williams, b. 1878, m(1) Julie Crumpton, m(2) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Livingston, m(3) Julie Crumpton.

116. Lucy Williams, b. 1881, m. Jim Boykin.

117. Millie Williams, b. 1883, m. Owen L. Dudley.

118. Mary Ann Williams, b. 5 Sept. 1885, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Hardy.

119. Sarah Williams, b. 1887, m. Louis Jernigan.

120. Elizabeth Williams, b. 1892, never married, d. 1911. Bur. Murray Cem.

121. Jainie Williams, b. 1894. Bur. Murray Cem.

122. Steve Williams, b. 1895. Bur. Murray Cem.

123. Mack Tallie Williams, b. 1897, m. Lola Marie Joiner.

+124. Annie Bell Williams, b. 5 April 1900, m. Ocie Jernigan, d. 31 Oct. 1973.

125. Riley Williams, b. 1900. Bur. Murray Cem.

CHILDREN OF JAMES W. GRAVES (6) AND MARGARET J. N. ------

Frances ("Fannie") E. Graves (30) was a twin of Falbee Graves. She was born 17 Jan. 1852. She married William Stevens (or Stephens), son of Fred Stevens and Mary ‑‑‑‑‑‑. He was born 15 Dec. 1828 in Tatnall County, GA. He was, according to family legend, married at least four times and fathered a total of 23 children.

William's first wife, who is listed in the 1850 census of Clinch County, Georgia, was Sarah ("Sally") Hitower, born about 1827. Her name appears in the family listing made by Margaret Stephens Baisden as the mother of William's firstborn child, James, who (according to that ledger) was born in North Florida. William's second wife was a Louisa ‑‑‑‑‑‑, born about 1835, in Georgia, who appears in the 1860 U.S. census of Alachua Co., FL, with William. What happened to his first wife, Sally, who apparently moved with him to Florida and gave birth there to James, is unclear. In the 1860 census there are no children listed in William's household.

On 17 May 1862, William enlisted as a Private in Company G, 8th Regiment, Florida Infantry in Orlando, Florida for the duration of the war. According to his military records at the U.S. archives in Washington, DC, William Stevens was listed as present from 17 May to 30 June 1862 with his pay being due from his enlistment and then from 30 June to 23 Dec. 1862 he is listed as having deserted. His records show that Major Teasdale paid him on 30 June 1862. There are no records indicating his status in the year 1863, but on 29 February 1864 he was again paid. Then for the period March and April 1864 he is once again listed as absent without leave. The company muster roll for September and October 1864 indicate that he had been taken prisoner at North Anna River on 25 May 1864. Apparently he was kept prisoner at Point Lookout, MD, and was due to be shipped to Elmira, NY, on 12 July 1864, but those orders were cancelled and he remained at Point Lookout, MD. He was paroled at Point Lookout, MD, and was transferred to Aiken's Landing, VA, on 14 March 1865 for exchange. Another entry indicates that his exchange actually took place at a place called "White House", Virginia.

On 3 May 1904 William E. Stephens of Coffee County, GA., applied for a pension for having served in Co. G, 8th Fla. Regt beginning 17 April 1862. He indicated that he had been born "about 75 years ago in Tatnall Co., GA" and had been raised in Georgia. He said that he had been in that unit until the close of the war and had been captured at Deep Bottom, VA, and kept at Point Lookout until near the end of the war when he was exchanged and was home on furlough at the end of the war. He lists his occupation as farming and said that he owned one pony and seventy-five dollars. He said he had lived primarily in Coffee and Berrien counties and had to live off what he could earn and what his children gave him. He signed the affidavit with an "X".

Robert Turner, who had been a 1st Sergeant in Co. G, 8th Florida Infantry, signed an affidavit supporting W.E. Stephens' application for a pension, saying that he had known him before, during, and since the war. Robert Turner was also living in Coffee Co., GA, in 1904. He stated that to his knowledge W.E. Stephens had been with the unit from 17 April 1861 until at least the Battle of Gettysburg when he (Robert Turner) had been captured. In his affidavit he indicated that W.E. Stephens was now, in 1904, partially blind and in poor health. G.W. Stephens also signed as a witness, saying that William had been with him at Point Lookout, MD, as a prisoner of war for eight or nine months.

Bill Stevens' third wife was Kitty Ann Merritt, born 8 Nov. 1846. She shows up first in the 1870 U.S. census of Coffee Co., GA. Her name is listed in the family Bible of ‑‑‑‑‑‑. It is not known what became of Bill's previous wife, Louisa ‑‑‑‑‑‑ and neither is it known what happened to Kitty Ann Merritt.

His last wife was Rev. Frances E. Graves, born Jan. 17, 1852 in Georgia, the daughter of James W. and Margaret J.N. Graves. Thomas King in Coffee County, GA, married Bill and “Fannie” 1 Mar. 1877. According to family legend, "Fannie" was well-educated and taught her son-in-law, John I. Baisden, how to read and write, though she never taught those skills to her own daughter, Margaret Jane. "Fannie" was also supposed to have been a very devout Christian who was a "shouting" Methodist and who, on her deathbed, died while shouting praises to the Lord, who she said she saw coming for her.

Bill and Fannie separated and when she became sick she left her two youngest daughters to be raised by her sister, "Nan" Graves. Fannie supposedly moved to Florida and lived there with her parents until her death in 1904. It is unknown where she (or William Stevens' other wives) is buried.

A newspaper article, "A Great Occasion at Hahira" appearing in The Valdosta Times, Thursday, January 2, 1908, told of the New Year's day laying of the corner stone of a new public school building in Hahira with Masonic ceremonies, a reunion of Confederate Veterans, and a bountiful dinner with more than 2,500 persons in attendance from eight to ten counties. The ceremonies opened with the crowd singing, "How Firm a Foundation," followed by speeches and by the taking of a group photograph of about 75 ex-Confederate soldiers by photographer Mr. W.L. Ricks of Valdosta, who also took a photograph afterwards of the soldiers' wives and widows. The photograph of the soldiers appears in Huxford's, Vol. VI, p. 574, with W.E. Stephens listed as number 45 with his date of birth incorrectly listed on p. 575 as 12/15/1849. Also in that photograph, listed as number 55, is his brother, G.W. Stephens. One of Bill Stephens' descendents, Corrine Carver Johnson Sirmans of Pearson, GA, has in her possession a tintype of an individual photograph of that same W.E. Stephens and on the back it is labeled, "Bill, 1908".

In the 1910 U.S. census of Coffee Co., GA, Bill (listed as W.E.) Stephens, age 82, is found living with his son, Jesse W. Stephens in Willacoochee, GA.

Bill Stephens died Oct. 6, 1912 and is buried in the Rowe (Roe) Cemetery located off Highway 82 between Alapaha and Willacoochee, GA. To get there you must turn northeast off Highway 82 onto County Road 237. At the second intersection, turn right and go past St. Luke church, cross a creek and go on down the small dirt road about two miles. The cemetery, originally called the "infants' cemetery" and later called "the Rowe Cemetery", is on the left on a curve, just before Harper's farm and just inside Atkinson Co., GA, although the county line is not marked there. His headstone is marked, "William E. Stephens, born Dec. 15, 1828, died Oct. 6, 1912, Gone but not forgotten." In that same small cemetery is buried Sarah Ann Rowe, his sister Mary's daughter and many other relatives. He was the first person buried in this cemetery on the Rowe family farm. (R‑5)

Children - Stevens

+126. Margaret Jane Stevens, b. 27 Aug. 1877, m. John Isom Baisden, d. 29 Jan. 1965.

+127. Joseph Stevens, b. 14 July 1880, m(1) Josephine Luke, 11 June 1905, m(2) ‑‑‑‑‑‑, d. 1970's.

128. Jerremiah ("Jerry") Stevens, b. 26 Sept. 1882 (GA). Some time after the U.S. census of 1900, he was killed by a man named Stones in Tampa, FL, and was buried there. He was about age 18 and the argument was over a $5.00 "just and honorable" debt.

129. infant, b. 2 Sept. 1884.

130. Sarah Ann Stevens, b. 11 Sept. 1885, d. 22 July 1886.

131. Daniel Stevens (twin), b. 7 Oct. 1887, d. 8 Oct. 1887.

132. Thomas Stevens (twin), b. 7 Oct. 1887, d. 8 Nov. 1887.

133. Ida Stevens, b. 31 May 1889 (GA), m. Barney Conger. She lived in Willacoochee, GA, and it is said that she wore a wig because she had very little hair. She died of tuberculosis. According to Geneva Paulk Smith, she m. Barney Conger and they had no children. When she died her widower then m. Bessie Viola Stephens, her sister.

+134. Bessie Viola Stevens, b. 17 Nov. 1892, (GA), m(1) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Wilson, m(2) Barney Conger, d. 1949.

+135. Lillie Ann Stevens, b. 7 Feb. 1895, m. Dan L. Luke.

CHILDREN OF JOSEPH A. GRAVES (7) AND RACHAEL HARRIS

Joseph Macom Graves (39) was born 10 April 1858 and died 1 Feb. 1897. He first appeared in the 1870 U.S. census of Berrien Co., GA, in the household of Wiley and Rachael Graves Tison. He married Caroline Walker, daughter of John Walker and Mary Elizabeth Tacons (or Lacons). Their marriage license, issued 21 Dec. 1881 in Coffee Co., GA, spelled her name as "Carryline". She was born 12 Oct. 1868 and died 28 June 1938. Macom was a trustee of the Hebron Church in Coffee Co., GA. They were both buried at Hebron Church Cemetery outside Douglas, GA. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

+136. Johnnie Graves, b. 19 Oct. 1883, m(1) Elefair Hutto, m(2) Della Storm.

+137. Joe Graves, b. 5 Dec. 1885, m. Sally Selph, d. 1952.

+138. Mamie Graves, b. 10 Oct. 1890, m. Walton Lott, 8 June 1913.

+139. Dan Graves, b. 15 Oct. 1890, m. Carrie Virginia Merritt.

+140. Lucy Graves, b. 5 Sept. 1893, m. John Lott, Jr., 5 June 1910, d. 4 Feb. 1973.

+141. Alice Graves, m(1) Hilton Towns, m(2) Milton Maine.

CHILDREN OF THOMAS GRAVES (10) AND CHARITY HAIR

Eliza Ann C. J. Graves (45) was born 14 Feb. 1852 and died 17 March 1936. At the time of the 1860 U.S. census she was living in the home of her grandparents, Joseph and Rutheo Graves, in Berrien Co., GA. She was listed there as Eliza Ann C. J. "Luke". She married first Richard M. Purvis. They had no children. She married second William E. Rowe, son of James J. Rowe and Elizabeth Benefield, on 10 March 1872 in Berrien Co., GA. He was born 31 Jan. 1852 and died 23 Aug. 1930. They were both buried in Rowe Town Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Rowe

142. Roxie Ann Rowe, b. 8 May 1873, m(1) Josh Coombs, m(2) Levin H. Bennett, d. 28 Feb. 1954. Levin was b. May 18, 1875 and d. 14 June 1945, son of Redding Bennett and Annie H. ‑‑‑‑‑‑. Roxie Ann and Levin were both buried at Rowe Town Cemetery.

+143. James Joseph Rowe, b. 17 July 1875, m. Emma Cox, d. 11 Jan. 1963.

+144. Ebbie Rowe, b. 11 Aug. 1880, m(1) William Jackson Griner, m(2) George Alexander, d. 11 Dec. 1962.

+145. Piden Rowe, b. 23 Dec. 1883, m. Levi J. Luke, d. 10 Dec. 1949.

+146. William R. Rowe, b. 1884, m(1) Mary Bell Herrin, m(2) Maggie Bratcher McKinzey.

+147. Nancy Rowe, m. John Daniel Spikes, 11 Jan. 1905.

148. Arthur Rowe, b. 18 Aug. 1895, m. Mae Benefield, d. 15 Nov. 1960. No children. He was buried at Rowe Town Cem.

149. Janie Rowe, m. Bartow Harnage.

150. Lizzie Rowe, m. Willie Warren.

Rowena ("Ronie") Graves (46) was born 17 Feb. 1854 in Irwin Co., GA, and died 27 April 1921. She married Jacob McMillan, son of John C. McMillan and Sarah ("Sally") Paulk, on 14 April 1882 in Berrien Co., GA. He was born 25 March 1854 and died 17 July 1930, both in Irwin Co., GA. They were both buried in McMillan Cem., Alapaha, GA. (R‑5)

Children - McMillan

+151. Minnie McMillan, b. 1 Feb. 1883, m. Simmie King, 8 Sept. 1902, d. 27 Oct. 1973.

+152. Edwin N. McMillan, b. 22 Jan. 1884, m. Millie Hutson, 2 June 1912, d. 13 Jan. 1922.

+153. Mollie McMillan, b. 1 Jan. 1885, m. Henry W. Gaskins, 14 May 1916, d. 17 July 1959.

154. James Malcolm McMillan, b. 13 Aug. 1894 (Berrien Co., GA), d. 6 Oct. 1918 (World War I). He went down on the government transport ship, "Otranto" serving in Co. "I", Coast Artillery Corps.

Sarah Jane Graves (47) was born 22 Jan. 1856[8] in Douglas, Coffee Co., GA, and died 20 Aug. 1942. She married Rev. John ("Jack") Vickers, son of Eli S. Vickers and Rebecca Paulk (both children of influential Irwin Co. pioneers), on 3 Nov. 1872 (at the age of 16) in Coffee Co., GA. He was born 28 May 1836 in Irwin Co., GA, and died 7 June 1900 in Coffee Co., GA.

Rev. Vickers had been married previously to Martha Lott and had 10 children by her. He had been baptized by Rev. Richard M. Tucker in 1860 and ordained to the ministry in 1868. Originally serving in Arnie Baptist Church near Mora, GA, he left that church on a point of doctrine and with others who followed after him organized the Hebron Church outside Douglas, GA. He pastored the church until his death 7 June 1900, a period of over 25 years. His large and well-improved farm was in sight of the church. He also served as Justice of Coffee Inferior Court, 1861-1865, and was Ordinary of Coffee County, 1893-1897.

Both Sarah Jane and Jack were buried at Hebron Church Cemetery. In an interview for the Douglas, GA, Enterprise of Mar. 7, 1963, Henry Vickers, their son, stated, "....Pa really had the faith and stood by his principles. I've known him ride a horse to the Alapaha River and swim it during flood stages to get to a church for preaching....My mother was a miracle, too. I remember her washing with a battling stick, and feeding 15 members of our family at one time on a turn table. Each year she would make the boys two pants and two shirts out of jean cloth and hickory stripe...Of course, when the 'big meeting' was held each year nearly everyone stayed overnight and ate at our house. I've seen as many as 105 here at one time." (R‑2, R‑3, R‑5)

Children - Vickers

+155. Joseph A. Vickers, b. 22 Feb. 1874, m. Elizabeth Daniels, 8 Jan. 1896, d. 5 Dec. 1934.

+156. Leon Vickers, b. 23 June 1875, m. Sophronia McMillen, 2 Jan. 1901, d. 24 May 1947.

+157. Lewis Vickers, b. 14 Oct. 1877, m(1) Lucy Leola Lott, 4 March 1903, m(2) Emma Virginia McEachern, 1 March 1916, d. 11 March 1955.

158. George Vickers, b. 16 Jan. 1879, never married, d. 19 Sept. 1939. Bur. at Hebron Church Cem.

+159. Melissa Vickers, b. 15 July 1880, m(1) Joseph Howell, m(2) Thomas McMillan, 13 Aug. 1919, d. 5 Feb. 1971.

160. Edwin B. Vickers, b. 29 March 1882, d. 12 Sept. 1897 (killed by lightning). Bur. at Hebron Church Cem.

+161. Henry Vickers, b. 16 Nov. 1883, m. Bessie Joiner, 28 Dec. 1916, d. 13 Oct. 1980.

+162. William Crisp Vickers, b. 13 (or 12) March 1887, m. Elizabeth Lucinda Paulk, Nov. 1906, d. 22 June 1926.

+163. Jacob Vickers, b. 11 April 1888, m(1) Delilah Lott, 22 Dec. 1909, m(2) Rebecca Daniels, d. 2 Feb. 1916.

+164. Rachel Vickers, b. 8 April 1890, m. Lott Paulk, 29 Nov. 1908.

+165. Minnie Vickers, b. 21 Feb. 1892, m. Oliver Paulk, 9 Jan. 1910, d. 27 July 1925.

CHILDREN OF RUTHA E. GRAVES (12) AND JAMES E. LUKE

Mary L. Luke (52) was born about 1868. She married Isaac ("Ike") Luke, son of Ruthie Luke. Ike was a Confederate veteran of the Civil War. He was killed by a man and buried at Prospect Church in Ben Hill Co., GA. Their first 7 children were born in Ben Hill Co., GA, and the next 3 in Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

+166. Thomas Luke, m. Ruby Sherrod.

167. Jake Luke, m. Betsy Boykin.

168. Dan Luke, m. Ola Barnes.

169. Ellen Luke, m. Reason Hinson

170. Lovie Luke, m. Bennie Swails.

171. Rennie Luke, m(1) Leslie Troupe, m(2) Warren Brooks.

172. Lizie Luke, m. Ben Boykin.

173. Serene Luke, b.c. 1906, m. Johnny Dillard.

174. Mary Lou Luke, m. Charlie Barnes.

175. Buster Luke, m. Gretreve Powers.

GENERATION 5

CHILDREN OF HARRIETT C. BENTON (17) AND JOHN C. NELSON

Emma M. Nelson (60) was born 30 March 1878, died 31 May 1945 in Leland, and was buried in Nelson Family Cem., Leland, all in Brunswick Co., NC. She married Stephen Nelson Mintz, son of Henry L. Mintz and Martha Virginia Elizabeth Benton, on 8 Feb. 1894 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. He was born about 1871 in Town Creek, NC, and died before 1945. (R‑7)

Children - Mintz

176. Joseph E. Mintz, b.c. 1896 (NC).

+177. Emma Retha Mintz, b.c. 1898, m. Martin Luther Douglas, 1 Jan. 1923.

+178. Daniel Edgar Mintz, b. 18 Aug. 1899, m. Maggie Jane Nelson, c. 1919.

179. Datridge M. Mintz, b.c. 1904 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC).

180. Liltia E. Mintz, b.c. 1908 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC).

Frances Eleanor Nelson (61) was born in March 1880 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. She married Morris Sylvester Gainey, son of Joseph Gainey and Mary J. Thally, on 23 April 1899 in Town Creek, NC. He was born 3 Jan. 1878 in Town Creek, died 3 Sept. 1951 in North West Dist., and was buried 4 Sept. 1951 in Nelson Cem., all in Brunswick Co., NC. All their children were born in Brunswick Co., NC. (R‑7)

Children - Gainey

181. Kattie E. Gainey, b.c. 1902.

182. Marion Sylvester Gainey, b.c. 1905.

+183. Alonz Hill Gainey, b.c. 1907, m(1) Emma Rae McDowell, m(2) Nancy Kathleen King.

184. Alberta Geneva Gainey, b. 17 April 1909.

185. Nora Inez Gainey, b. 1 Sept. 1912 (Leland, Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC).

+186. Mary Lattie Gainey, b.c. 1918, m. Ira Sesco Flowers.

187. Frances Gainey, b. 19 April 1922 (North West Dist., Brunswick Co., NC), d. 7 June 1922 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC).

Harriett Elizabeth Nelson (62) was born 26 Feb. 1881, died 30 Aug. 1959 in Leland, and was buried 1 Sept. 1959 in Nelson Cem., Leland, all in Brunswick Co., NC. She married Thomas Sylvester Gainey, son of James Rufus Gainey and Adaline Isabell Benton, on 26 Jan. 1897 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. He was born in Sept. 1880, died 3 Dec. 1937 in Leland, and was buried 4 Dec. 1937 in Nelson Cem., Leland, all in Brunswick Co., NC. All their children were born in Brunswick Co., NC. (R‑7)

Children - Gainey

+188. Jeanette Gainey, b. May 1899, m. John Jerry Skipper, 27 July 1920.

+189. Hattie Isabell Gainey, b. 14 July 1901, m. Lether Ash King, 7 Sept. 1935, d. 16 April 1975.

+190. Roy Marshall Gainey, b.c. 1905, m. Annie Elizabeth Gainey, 29 June 1925.

+191. Tate Sylvester Gainey, b. 21 Nov. 1908, m. Emma Lucille Morse, 16 April 1933, d. 15 Dec. 1992.

+192. John Thomas Gainey, b. 20 Dec. 1910, m(1) Catherine Ophelia Williams, 28 Feb. 1937, m(2) Lucille Bennett, after 1937, d. 22 Feb. 1983.

193. J. Edwin Gainey, b.c. 1915 (Town Creek, NC).

+194. Ruby Elizabeth Gainey, b. 15 Sept. 1916, m. Thomas Samuel Mintz, 28 May 1934.

195. Paul McDonald Gainey, b. 29 Jan. 1920 (Leland, Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC), d. 30 July 2000 (Brunswick Co., NC).

CHILDREN OF SARAH M. E. BENTON (18) AND MANLEY K. WILLIAMS

Mary Lillie Williams (64) was born 26 July 1885 in Town Creek, died 5 Nov. 1985, and was buried 8 Nov. 1985 in Nelson Cem., all in Brunswick Co., NC. She married Charles C. Peavy, son of Levi Peavy and Caroline ‑‑‑‑‑‑, on 21 Aug. 1912 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC. He was born about 1878 in Waccamaw Twp., Brunswick Co., NC. Both their children were born in Brunswick Co., NC. (R‑7)

Children - Peavy

196. Mary Peavy, b.c. 1913.

+197. Martha Estella Peavy, b. 4 Dec. 1914, m. Julius Manson Benton, 22 March 1934, d. 15 Sept. 1954.

Melissa Irene Williams (65) was born in June 1887 in Brunswick Co., NC. She married Manney Williams on 10 May 1903 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. All their children were born in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. (R‑7)

Children - Williams

+198. Fletcher Owen Williams, b. 26 Aug. 1904, m. Elizabeth S. Benton, 5 Oct. 1933, d. 6 March 1976.

+199. Minnie Williams, b.c. 1907, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Gore.

+200. Lottie Gertrude Williams, b. 22 Jan. 1910, m. Alexander Louie Potter, c. 1925.

Lula Ophelia Williams (66) was born 19 Feb. 1888 and died 18 April 1947, both in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC, and was buried 20 April 1947 in Nelson Cem., Brunswick Co., NC. She married William Edward Nelson, son of John Charles Nelson and Harriet Sibirina Ganey, on 21 Aug. 1907 in Town Creek, NC. He was born in June 1881 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. All their children were born in Town Creek, the last in Leland, Town Creek. (R‑7)

Children - Nelson

201. Eliza E. Nelson, b.c. 1913.

202. Lou Retha Nelson, b. 1 June 1915.

203. child, b. 20 May 1918.

204. William E. Nelson, b.c. 1920.

205. Marion Edward Nelson, b. 20 April 1922, m. Blanche Cates, d. 26 Nov. 1985 (Brunswick Co., NC).

206. Olan R. Nelson, b. 25 March 1924.

+207. Herman Rudolph Nelson, b. 12 Nov. 1927, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Ganey, d. 14 June 1983.

Robert Berry Williams (67) was born in April 1893 in Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC. He married Minnie Adeline Walker. She was born about 1899 in NC. Both their children were born in North West Dist., Brunswick Co., NC. (R‑7)

Children - Williams

208. Ruby Mae Williams, b. 31 Aug. 1918.

209. Vivian Oreann Williams, b. 9 March 1921.

CHILDREN OF EMMA L. BENTON (21)

Willima E. Ganey (69) was born 10 July 1896 in Town Creek, died 28 Dec. 1987 in Shallotte, and was buried 29 Dec. 1987 in Ganey Cem., Leland, all in Brunswick Co., NC. She married Ezekiel Skipper, son of George Andrews Skipper and Delilah Jane Benton, about 1926. He was born about 1902 in Brunswick Co., NC. (R‑7)

Children - Skipper

210. Emma Amanda Skipper, b. 22 June 1929 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC), d. 24 June 1929 (Town Creek, Brunswick Co., NC).

211. Child

212. child

CHILDREN OF RICHARD B. LUKE (23) AND JANIE R. YAWN

John J. Luke (73) was born 13 Jan. 1876 in Coffee Co., GA, and died 21 Nov. 1939 in Irwin Co., GA. He married Julia Mims, daughter of Franklin Peyton Mims and Susan McDonald, on 21 April 1904 in Berrien Co., GA. She was born 12 Jan. 1888 in Sumter Co., GA, and died 23 Nov. 1971 in Irwin Co., GA. In his obituary in the Ocilla Star, 30 Nov. 1939, John was said to be a prominent citizen of the Wray section and a Mason. The article also said that he died at home and that Rev. Jacob Vickers of Douglas officiated at his funeral. They were both buried in the Luke Family Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

+213. Richard Luke, b. 7 Feb. 1905, m(1) Myrtle Williams, m(2) Sara Ann Jowers, m(3) Lois Perry, d. 7 Aug. 1985.

+214. Riley Luke, b. 20 Sept. 1908, m. Nellie Jernigan, d. 25 Feb. 1942.

215. Tillman Luke, b. 1910. Bur. Luke Family Cem.

+216. Mary Lissie Luke, b. 10 July 1911, m. Clyde Reamer Paul, 20 Aug. 1932, d. 28 May 1989.

217. Roy Luke, b. 2 Aug. 1915, m(1) Opal King, m(2) Lois Carr, d. 1 Sept. 1967 (St. Augustine, FL). No children.

218. Geneva Luke, b. 19 Dec. 1919, d. 29 Jan. 1923. Bur. Luke Family Cem.

219. Owen Luke, b. 15 Dec. 1921, m. Norma Lewis Spikes, d. 22 March 1978. Bur. Satilla Missionary Bapt. Church Cem., Irwin Co., GA. She was b. in Douglas, GA. They lived in Wray, GA. They had no children together, but she had two sons by a previous marriage: Joe of Anniston, AL, and Jerry of Douglas.

+220. Louise Luke, m. Melvin Harper, d. 23 April 1993.

221. Infant, bur. Luke Family Cem.

222. Infant, bur. Luke Family Cem.

223. Infant, bur. Luke Family Cem.

224. Infant, bur. Luke Family Cem.

Eunise ("Una" or "Eunie" or "Unie") Luke (74) was born 26 March 1877, and died 7 Jan. 1968 in Coffee Co., GA. She married Eli F. Vickers, son of Youngy Vickers and Elizabeth Tucker, on 1 Nov. 1894 in Coffee Co. GA. He was born in Dec. 1873 and died 17 Aug. 1949, both in Coffee Co., GA. They were both buried in New Hope Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Vickers

225. Annie (“Ira”) Vickers, b. Oct. 1895 (Coffee Co., GA), m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Morrosion.

226. Richard B. Vickers, b. Nov. 1896 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Mary Ellen Dorminy, 11 Mar. 1917, d.c. 1979 (Mershon, Bacon Co., GA). Bur. Mt. Union Church Cem., Coffee Co., GA. She was the dau. of John B. Dorminy and Calista J. Vickers.

+227. Elizabeth Vickers, b. 26 Nov. 1898, m. James Ira Smith, 31 Jan. 1917, d. 25 May 1937.

+228. Janie Vickers, b. 18 Dec. 1900, m. George Paulk, 17 Sept. 1919.

229. Lelia Vickers, b. 18 Nov. 1902 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Elmer Smith, 23 July 1921(Coffee Co., GA).

230. Quincey Vickers, b.c. 1906 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Evelyn (“Evie”) Phillips, 6 Dec. 1958 (Coffee Co., GA). She was the dau. of James Monroe Phillips and Ava Harper.

231. J. D. Vickers

232. Allowee Vickers, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Peacock.

233. Ira Vickers

234. Oughtman Vickers

Henry Luke (78) was born 11 Nov. 1887, died 31 May 1964, and was buried in the Luke Family Cemetery. He first married Mary Ann Metts on 8 Jan. 1911. He married second Bertha ‑‑‑‑‑‑. Henry lived in both Atkinson and Coffee counties in GA and later between Bainbridge and Tallahassee, FL. (R‑5)

Children - Luke, by Mary A. Metts

235. Oliff Luke, b.c. 1910 or 1911, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Maxwell.

236. Infant, d. 20 Sept. 1913. Bur. Luke Family Cem.

237. Infant, d. 15 July 1915. Bur. Luke Family Cem.

Children - Luke, by Bertha ‑‑‑‑‑‑

238. Henrietta Luke, b.c. 1946.

Oscar L. Luke (79) was born 13 Oct. 1889, died 12 Mar. 1970, and was buried in the Luke Family Cem. Oscar first married Mary Ellen Harper, daughter of Henry S.C. Harper and Sarah (“Sallie”) Vickers, on 26 Dec. 1909. She was born 17 Feb. 1894, died 22 Oct. 1918, and was buried in the Luke Family Cem., Coffee Co., GA (the Coffee Co. court will records show that she died 15 Oct. 1918, leaving a sum of $5,000.00). Coffee Co. court records also revealed that Oscar Luke paid $1,000.00 guaranty as he had been elected Commissioner of Roads and Revenues of Coffee County, GA., on 30 Oct. 1935 and served in that position from 1 Jan. 1937 to 1 Jan. 1939 and served from the Bridgetown District.

Oscar married second Odessa Tanner from Douglas, GA, and they lived in Wray, GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke, by Mary E. Harper

Three infants, no dates, separate graves, buried at the Luke Family Cemetery.

Children - Luke, by Odessa Tanner

239. Thelma Luke, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Spivey. Lived in Unadilla, GA.

240. Myrtle Luke, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Downing. Lived in Huntsville, AL.

241. Hazel Luke, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ McCormick. Lived in Baxley, GA, then in Martha's Vineyard, MA.

242. Oscar L. Luke, Jr., lived in Ocilla, GA.

+243. Aubrey Luke, b. 29 Oct. 1932, m. Betty Jo ‑‑‑‑‑‑ , d. 5 Aug. 1994.

Tally L. Luke (81) was born 13 Oct. 1893 and died 22 Jan. 1970. He married Emma Olive Hendley, the daughter of John David Hendley and Mary Gaskins. She was born 25 Nov. 1900 in Berrien Co., GA, and died 3 May 1979. They lived in Willacoochee, GA. They were both buried in the Luke Family Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

244. Beatrice Luke, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Jones. Lived in Atlanta, GA, and Ocala, FL.

245. Virginia Luke, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Moore. Lived in Douglas, GA.

246. Waunelle Luke, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Dockery. Lived in Broxton, GA.

247. John B. Luke, lived in Stone Mountain, GA.

248. Thomas T. Luke, lived in Elizabethtown, KY.

Allie Luke (84) was born 11 July 1898, died 18 Nov. 1982 in Berrien Co., GA, and was buried in Riverside Cem., Atkinson Co., GA. She married Newton E. Tyson. Mary Clyde Wright states in her notes that the Nashville Herald edition of 8 August 1929, reported that their children, Miriam, age 5, and Newt, Jr., age 2, died last night about two o'clock as a result of ptomaine poisoning, caused from eating soil sausage and that Allie was also in serious condition. The attending physician was Dr. Shellhouse of Willacoochee. The family was living near Bannockburn. They lived in Nashville, Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Tyson

249. Miriam Tyson, bur. Riverside Cem., Atkinson Co., GA.

250. Newt Tyson, Jr., bur. Riverside Cem., Atkinson Co., GA.

251. Idus (sp?) Tyson. MaryClyde Paul Wright says that her father, Clyde Paul, told her that Idus was a decorated veteran of World War II. He disappeared after the war and when Aunt Allie died he could not be located. Later he died and his body was sent home and he was buried at Riverside Church Cem.

252. Infant son, b. 10 Apr. 1922. Bur. Luke Family Cem.

CHILDREN OF CATHERINE LUKE (26) AND DAVIS A. GRAY

George W. Gray (95) was born 13 April 1885 and died 7 April 1958. He married Effie Mathis. She was born 30 July 1884 and died 27 Jan. 1947. They were both buried in St. Luke Church Cem. In the 1920 U.S. census the family was living in the Alapaha District of Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Gray

253. Stella Gray, b.c. 1908, m(1) Perry Mixon, m(2) Johnnie L. Gray.

254. Eston Gray, b. 3 Apr. 1920, never married, d. 5 Aug. 1976. Bur. St. Luke Church Cem.

Alice Gray (96) was born about 1888 and died in 1937. She married Jacob ("Jake") Rowe, son of W. W. ("Sug") Rowe and Jane Murray. He was born about 1880 and died in 1927. They were both buried in St. Luke Church Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Rowe

255. Thelma Rowe, b. 1915, m. Arthur L. Whaley, d. 1968. Bur. at Glory Cem. They had no children.

256. Zetta Mae Rowe, b. 1920, m. Charles Patterson.

257. Lula Rowe (twin), b. 1923, m(1) R.C. Taylor, m(2) Clinton Johns.

258. Lola Rowe (twin), b. 1923, d. 1924.

259. James ("Herbert") Rowe, b. 1910, m. Mary Alice Moore.

+260. Clayton Isaac Rowe, b. 1908, m. Ida Lott, 29 June 1926, d. 1947.

261. Luther Rowe, b. 1910, d. 1914.

Missouri Gray (97) married Ed Rowe, son of W. W. ("Sug") Rowe and Jane Murray. (R‑5)

Children - Rowe

262. ChristineRowe, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Crawford.

263. Maurice Rowe, married.

264. Mildred Rowe, b. 1924, never married, d. 1976. Bur. St. Luke Church Cem., Berrien Co., GA.

John W. Gray (98) was born about 1894. He married Lillie Mathis. She was born about 1897. At the time of the 1920 U.S. census they were living in the Alapaha District, Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Gray

265. Aubrey Gray

266. Harold Gray

267. daughter, m. R. J. Tucker.

268. Chester Gray, b.c. 1914.

269. Beatrice Gray, b.c. 1918.

270. Juanita Gray, b. 1921, m. Winston Able.

Emma Gray (99) was born in 1901. She married Ashley Griffin. (R‑5)

Children - Griffin

271. Albert Griffin

272. Lillian Griffin

273. Herman Griffin

274. Virgil Griffin

CHILDREN OF LEMUEL D. LUKE (27)

Roxie Luke (103) was born in 1883 and died in 1935. She married John ("Peter") Solomon on 24 Sept. 1901. He was born in 1879 and died in 1956. They were both buried in Mt. Paran Church Cem., Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Solomon

+275. Eston Solomon, b. 18 Apr. 1903, m. Rachel Griffin, d. 16 Jan. 1971.

276. William (“Bill”) Solomon, b. 12 Jan. 1905, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ (FL), d. 15 Apr. 1988. Bur. Mt. Paran Church Cem.

277. John Solomon, b. 15 Apr. 1907, m. Mattie Brogden, d. 21 May 1980. Bur. Mt. Paran Church Cem. She was b. 28 Dec. 1910.

278. Lonnie Solomon, b. 3 Oct.1910, m. Elsie Lee Terry, d. 13 Aug. 1973. She was b. 6 May 1919 and d. 29 Mar. 1981. Both bur. Mt. Paran Church Cem.

279. Lillie Mae Solomon, m. J. M. (“Buster”) Roberts.

280. Lem Solomon, b. 5 Apr. 1913, d. 30 Dec. 1989. Served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant. Bur. Mt. Paran Church Cem.

281. Susie Lee Solomon, m. J. W. Tucker.

282. Wilson Solomon, b. 15 Aug. 1925, m. Evelyn Lyons, 9 Dec. 1946, d. 15 Oct. 1993. Bur. Mt. Paran Church Cem. She was b. 5 Sept. 1930. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII.

283. daughter, b. and d. 6 Aug. 1906. Bur. Mt. Paran Church Cem.

284. daughter, b. and d. 12 July 1912. Bur. Mt. Paran Church Cem.

Ada Luke (106) was born in 1888. She married Joseph ("Joe") S. Rowe, son of W. W. ("Sug") Rowe and Jane Murray. He was born in 1883. Joe later married Mary Harper and had 10 children by her. (R‑5)

Children - Rowe

+285. Versie Rowe, b. 30 July 1905, m. Dan O'Brien.

+286. William Lem Rowe, b. 28 July 1907, m(1) Malissie Vickers, m(2) Sharon Davis, 5 Nov. 1941.

+287. LaVeda Larue Rowe, b. 1908, m(1) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Carter.

288. Infant, b. and d. 1909.

Acey Luke (107) was born 15 Feb. 1889 in Berrien Co., GA, and died 6 Mar. 1942 in Bartow, Polk Co., FL. He married Ida Jane Trowell, the daughter of Robert Hardy, Sr. and Fairby Elizabeth Spivey, on 13 Feb. 1915 in Coffee Co., GA. She was born 13 Feb. 1894 and died 18 Dec. 1973. They were both buried in St. Luke Cem., Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

289. John D. Stapleton Luke, b. 1 Dec. 1915, m. Mattie Stone, 25 Nov. 1936.

+290. Richard Benjamin Luke, b. 16 Apr. 1918, m. Lester Irene Williams, 18 Aug. 1940. d. 20 Dec. 1973.

291. Roxie Ann Luke, b. 28 Jan. 1921, m. George Crawford, 5 Mar. 1938.

292. Fairby Elizabeth Luke, b. 18 July 1923, never married.

293. Lemuel David Luke, b. 8 Sept. 1926, m(1) Dorothy Mae Clemons, 22 May 1948, m(2) Anita Lynn Brown, 6 Jan. 1956.

294. Frances Elizabeth Luke, b. 23 Aug. 1929, m. Paul Elizson, 9 Nov. 1948.

295. Betty Lee Luke, b. 12 Mar. 1932, m. Ernest (“Otto”) Clemons.

John Lemuel Luke (108) was born 15 Nov. 1889 and died 30 June 1965. He married Lydia E. Minchew on 4 Aug. 1908. She was born 19 May 1893 and died 21 Sept. 1981. They were both buried in St. Luke Cem., Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

296. Fleming Luke, bur. Orlando, FL.

297. Richard B. Luke, b. 6 Sept. 1916, d. 17 June 1944. Bur. St. Luke Church Cem.

+298. Lucy Luke, m. John Edward Lee.

+299. Thelma Luke, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

+300. Herbert Luke, m. Mary Frances ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

301. Clarence Luke, b. 19 Apr. 1912, d. 5 June 1914. Bur. St. Luke Church Cem.

302. Infant son, d. 21 June 1914. Bur. St. Luke Church Cem.

303. Thelma Butler Steelman Luke, lived in Orlando, FL.

Mark Luke (109) was born about 1891 and died 10 Nov. 1951. He married Mary Mildred O'Neal, the daughter of Robert Lee O’Neal and Colista Jowers, on 6 March 1910. She was born in 1893 and died 10 Nov. 1951. At the time of the 1920 U.S. census they were living in Berrien Co., GA. Mark and Mary, along with Annette Henderson and Glenda Eason, their granddaughters, and Billy Eason, their son-in-law, were killed in an automobile accident on 10 Nov. 1951. They were both buried int St. Luke Cem., Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

304. Lecy Luke, b. 8 Mar. 1911, m. Donald Lewis, d. 5 July 1936. Bur. St. Luke Cem. They had one child who d. as an infant and bur. St. Luke Cem.

305. Odas Luke, b. 26 Oct.1914, d. 28 Dec. 1917. Bur. St. Luke Church Cem.

+306. Paul Luke, b. 3 Apr. 1917, m. Thelma Giddens, 24 Dec. 1938.

+307. Lois Luke, b. 23 Sept. 1919, m. Cleon Henderson, d. 29 July 1944.

+308. Willie Luke, m(1) Billy Martin Eason, m(2) J. S. Owens, m(3) Armand Holt.

309. Robert Lem (“R. L.”) Luke, b. 5 Jan.1922, m. Arnell Williams, d. 21 Mar. 1964. Bur. St. Luke Cem. Arnell was b. 21 Apr. 1921.

+310. Mario[9] Luke, b. 16 Sept. 1929, m. Winona Tucker, 24 Dec. 1948, d. 1961.

+311. Wydine Luke, b. 2 Apr. 1934, m(1) Billy Rowe, m(2) Clyde Cribb, Jr., m(3) Tony Carpino, 3 Oct. 1958.

Shade Luke (110) was born 25 Aug. 1894 in Alapaha, Berrien Co., GA, and died 14 Dec. 1967. He married Maggie Carter on 11 Aug. 1928. She was born 12 Dec. 1905 died 2 Feb. 1979. He was a veteran of WWII They were both buried in St. Luke Cem., Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

312. Kathleen Luke, b. 16 Nov. 1929, m. Willie Hayes. (For this family, see the Stevens portion of this book under the Pearlie Hayes Family)

+313. Carl Luke, b. 15 Sept. 1931, m. Geraldine Bryant, 23 Dec. 1967.

314. Carroll Leon ("Pete") Luke, b. 19 Aug. 1933, never married, d. 28 Jan. 1973. Bur. St. Luke Cem.

+315. Madeen Luke, b. 18 Sept. 1939, m(1) Billy Brogdon, m(2), Charles Harris, 4 Dec. 1956, m(3) Larry Coy, m(4) Bob Garrison.

+316. LaVawn Luke, b. 2 May 1944, m. Shirley Ann Raper, Sept. 4, 1966.

Richard Benjamin Luke (112) was born 14 Feb. 1899 and died 1 Dec. 1935. He married Susie Suggs on 2 March 1919. She was born in 1907 and died in 1977. They were both buried in St. Luke Cem., Berrien Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

317. Reason Luke

318. L. J. Luke

319. Julius Luke

320. Othel Luke

321. Imagene Luke

322. Marcus Luke

Francis ("Frank") Elizabeth Luke (113) was born 4 March 1900 and died 26 March 1945. He married Della O'Neal, the daughter of Robert Lee O'Neal and Colista Jowers. She remarried to Ira C. Lewis. She was born 13 Sept. 1907 and died 9 May 1992. They were both buried in St. Luke Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

+323. Leola Luke, b. 14 Feb. 1927, m. Lawton Ray McMillan, 20 Apr. 1943.

324. Naomi Luke, m. Jack Morgan.

CHILDREN OF SARA A. LUKE (28) AND STEVEN W. WILLIAMS

Annie Bell Williams (124) was born 5 April 1900 and died 31 Oct. 1973. She married Ocie Jernigan. He was born 26 Sept. 1895 and died 29 Aug. 1938. They were both buried in St. Luke Church Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Jernigan

325. Nelson Jernigan, b. 7 Dec. 1922, d. 16 Dec. 1922. Bur. St. Luke Church Cem.

CHILDREN OF FRANCES E. GRAVES (30) AND WILLIAM STEVENS

Margaret ("Maggie") Jane Stevens (126) was born 27 Aug. 1877 in Coffee Co., GA. She married John Isom Baisden, son of Alford J. Baisden and Martha Ann Thompson. He was born 22 May 1875 in Appling County, GA.

John I. Baisden and his brother, Ander, worked for a turpentine company, which was very big business in South Georgia in those days. P.L. Street, who was just a young boy in those days, knew them both and said that Ander even taught him how to plow on a lot there in Nicholls, GA. P.L. states that John and Ander had a very dangerous job with a local turpentine company, that of securing experienced labor for the company. This was dangerous because they often "stole" the experienced hands from other turpentine companies and experienced hands were in such demand that often feelings ran very high about losing them. P.L. states that John and Ander would often go get these hands from their company homes to go, lock, stock, and barrel, with them to their new company homes and jobs. To keep down bad feelings, as well as interference from the law, they would ask the new recruits if they owed any debts to the company they were leaving. If there were any outstanding debts, John and Ander would immediately go and settle up those debts with cash they carried for that purpose and those debts would thus be transferred from the one company to the other. However, on one occasion an irate company man pulled a pistol and shot Ander in the leg. P.L. says that the lead was never removed from Ander's leg.

In 1969-70, I was on the Douglas, GA, police department and one evening my grandmother, Ethel Baisden Paulk, was at my house and somehow the conversation drifted to guns and shootings, etc. She then opened up to me and told me things I had never heard about her father, John I. Baisden. She said that he had killed at least five men. She said that one man at a turpentine still had called John a "nasty" name and John had picked up a crowbar and backed him up against a tree, where he split his skull right down the middle, killing him. It was an age of quick tempers where men were supposed to be careful about their language.

Tempers were not only on the Baisden side of the family. My mother told me that once Margaret (Maggie) Jane Stephens Baisden got mad at her daughter, Ethel, and had chased her from the house and down the road with a .38 pistol. Ethel got away from her mother and did not go home the rest of the day, waiting instead for her father, John, to come home and then going back to the house with him.

To make matters worse, John was an ardent Republican and Maggie was a Democrat, a fiery Democrat. My mother recalls that one time they had gone over to her grandparent's home after the results of a presidential election. John had gone for Hoover, who won, and Maggie had gone, of course, for the Democrat. They got into an argument right at bedtime and John threw Maggie's nightgown under the bed. She got it and put it on. The younger kids were still up and they got on her nerves about the election because they kept chanting about Hoover winning and her man losing. It finally got so bad for her that she ran out of the house dressed only in her gown. John went after her but could not find her and got everyone else in the house, company included, to help hunt for her. She was found hiding in the bushes down by the creek and they took her back home.

Things were not always so hectic in their home, however, as my grandmother, Ethel, told me of their having an organ in the house and of them singing the old gospel songs. Maggie, in spite of her hot temper, was a Christian who taught her children Christian values and tried to save her husband's soul, too. She often talked about being saved at age 16 while she was working in a cotton patch. John believed in God and Jesus Christ, but didn't want to live like a Christian, although he regularly took his family to church. He would always tell Maggie and others that he was going to be a deathbed Christian, asking for forgiveness on his deathbed.

John was more than just not a Christian. He practiced certain rituals that could be said to be opposed to Christianity. Where he learned them is uncertain, but my mother always assumed that he learned these ways from his father, Alford Baisden, who was said to be able to doctor up horses and sell them, though they might die soon after. It was always supposed in the family that these things John did were a part of Indian medicine, but that is not necessarily so, as the practice of these things is European as well as American Indian.

My mother said that John kept the back porch of his home stocked with medicinal herbs and would prepare them for people who were sick. She also said that for a fee he would keep the hawks from further attacking a farmer's chickens. She said that he did this through a series of rituals that he would do by himself down at the creek and that when he did them that farmer's chickens would cease being attacked by the hawks. She said that once he told his daughter, Ethel, that he wanted her to learn what he did and he took her down by the creek to show her, but she backed away from learning the rituals. Her mother's warnings about John's medicine caused her to feel that it was wrong and she feared learning it for fear she would be making a bargain with the wrong deity.

Ronnie Leavens, the son of Beatrice Baisden Leavens, states that his mother told him that John would make pills of flour, lye soap, and some other ingredients kneaded together, which he would then sell for the curing of certain ailments. Beatrice would help him mix them up. She also said that when John received a request to heal the thrash in a baby that there was a certain procedure that he had to go through to do the healing. He would have to get up early in the morning before the rest of the household awoke, although it was Maggie who got him up. He would not say a word to anyone, for silence was apparently essential, then he would go outside, probably down by the creek, where he would do something and then return to the house. She said that then the thrash would stop.

John I. Baisden got his opportunity for a deathbed confession. He became ill and spent many months in bed. He was a tall, thin man, but in his illness he got even thinner and became very hollow-eyed. Frances Sears Dean, one of John's granddaughters, remembers visiting him and sitting and talking with him while he was bedridden, though she was quite young. She recalls that he surprised her by leaving her his dog.

Finally, in a room filled with relatives, he died, but Maggie was determined that he could not go to the Lord without one more opportunity to repent of his sins. She told her children, “This will not do.” She immediately sent one of the boys to get a preacher called, "Jumping Jim Carter", who was renowned for the heights he could jump when under the power of the Holy Ghost. While John lay dead the preacher was fetched from several miles away. When he came to the house he put one foot on the doorsill of the bedroom and hollered and jumped from the doorsill to the middle of the room, with his head rising above the rafters of the room that had no ceiling. John immediately came back to life, repented of his sins and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Though brought back to life, he was still in bad condition and bedridden. He got those who could read, and were saved, to read the Bible to him almost continuously for several more weeks. He then died on 8 May 1942 and was buried at Salem Cemetery, west of Douglas, GA, off Highway 32.

Maggie lived on until 29 Jan. 1965, and she was buried next to him. (R‑5)

Children - Baisden

+326. John Ivey Baisden, b. 19 June 1899, m. Lucy Small, 21 Sept. 1918, d. 9 March 1970.

+327. Earlie B. Baisden, b. 7 Oct. 1900, m. Vera Purvis, 15 July 1934, d. 13 Aug. 1963.

+328. Myrtle Baisden, b. 3 Mar. 1902, m(1) Benjamin Rainey Phillips, 26 May 1920, m(2) Lee Roy Barnett, d. 28 Oct. 1980.

+329. Ethel Baisden, b. 8 Mar. 1905, m. Homer Paulk, 22 Feb. 1920, d. 24 Dec. 1980.

+330. Pearlie B. Baisden, b. 27 July 1906, m. Wilma Lee Carver, d. 1 Mar. 1975.

+331. Lucy Lovie Baisden, b. 12 Mar. 1908, m(1) Charlie Sears, 25 Aug. 1925, m(2) E. D. Bailey, d. 6 March 1977.

+332. Willie Mae Baisden, b. 10 May 1910, m. Joseph Rene Smith, 15 Nov. 1930, d. 6 Sept. 1991.

+333. Mattie Bell Baisden, b. 6 Oct. 1912, m. Eugene Davis, 11 Jan. 1931, d. 23 Dec. 1987.

+334. Beatrice Baisden, b. 4 June 1916, m. John Leavens, 16 April 1933, d. 16 Aug. 1992.

Joseph ("Joe") Stephens (or Stevens) (127) was born 14 July 1880. He first married Josephine (“Josey”) Luke, the daughter of Elbert E. and Susan A. Luke, on 11 June 1905 in Coffee Co., GA. She was born in Oct. 1889. In the 1900 U.S. census of Coffee Co., Ga., Joe was living in his mother's family in Willacoochee, GA, and Josey Luke was in her parents' home next door to the Stephens home. In the 1910 U.S. census of Coffee Co., GA, the Stephens family was no longer living next door to the Luke family, but Josie Stevens and her two children were then living in her father's household. In the Coffee Co. Minute Book for 4 Oct. 1911, p. 258, a jury found that Josie Stephens had sufficient cause for divorce from Joe Stephens. On p. 329, dated Feb. 6, 1912, the divorce was finalized. Josie married Dan Luke on 10 Feb. 1912 in Coffee Co., GA. In the 1920 census of Berrien Co., GA, Josephine was living in the Alapaha district with Dan Luke. Her two daughters by Joe Stephens are listed under the Luke name and Josephine and Dan Luke had other children: Lawton, b.c. 1913, Eunice E., b.c. 1915; Wesley, b.c. 1916, and Emma Lee, b.c. 1919.

Joe Stephens later married another woman and had children by her, but her name is not known. Joe could not read or write. It is said that he killed a man in Berrien Co., GA, and joined the army under his mother's maiden name of Graves. He later moved to Bowling Green, FL. He would sometimes visit back in Georgia, but apparently because he was still wanted by the law, his visits were usually at night to all his relatives. Mr. Willis Horton, the husband of Mattie Stephens (the daughter of Henry and Alice May Stephens) stated that Joe used to visit them and would pace at night, unable to sleep because he thought the law was coming after him. Mr. Horton's daughter, Billie Sue, said that once Joe came up from Florida walking all the way from the Florida line up through the swamp to avoid being caught by the law. Mr. Horton said that when Joe was younger he and Henry, his brother, got into a fight when they were both courting Alice May and Joe shot Henry in the chest but Henry lived. The bullet struck Henry's metal suspender's button, driving it into his chest, and when the doctor pulled on the suspenders the button, with the projectile on it, popped out of the hole in Henry's chest. Joe lived to be in his 90's and died in Bowling Green, FL. (R‑5)

Children - Stephens

335. Della Stephens, b.c. 1906, married. Two children.

336. Clyde Stephens (female), b.c. 1908, never married. She was run over by a truck and killed.

Children - Stevens, by 2nd wife

337. Lee Stephens (male)

338. Jack Stephens

Bessie Viola Stephens (134) was born 17 Nov. 1892 in GA, died in 1949 in Nashville, GA, and was buried at Pine Grove Baptist Church.. In the 1910 U.S. census, Bessie was living in Berrien Co., GA, with her sister, Ida. Bessie had a son, Garnet Lee Wilson, b. 8 Jan. 1911, before she was married. He was born while she was living in a home for unwed mothers in Tampa, FL. Bessie later married ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Wilson, who gave Garnet Lee his last name. Later Bessie married Barney Conger, the widower of her sister, Ida. (R‑5)

Children - Wilson

+339. Garnet Lee Wilson, b. 8 Jan 1911, m. Kate Davis, d. 17 Dec. 1977.

340. George William Wilson, b. 13 Mar. 1915, d. 13 Dec. 1915.

Children - Conger

341. Alma Irene Conger, b. 7 Oct. 1920, d. 6 July 1922.

342. Birtha Oralean Conger, b. 9 Feb. 1923, deceased.

343. Franklin Odis Conger, b. 9 Nov. 1927, m. Delma ‑‑‑‑‑.

344. Lizzie Ruby Ruth Conger, b. 26 Apr. 1933.

345. Joe Stephens Conger, Jr., b. 9 Jan. 1936.

Lillie Ann Stevens (135) was born 7 Feb. 1895 in GA. She married Dan L. Luke. He was born about 1892. She also lived in Willacoochee. She wore a wig because she had very little hair. In the 1920 U.S. census of Berrien Co., GA, Lillie's aunt Nancy Graves was living with the family. Lillie Ann, like her sister Ida, died of tuberculosis. After she died, Dan Luke married Vesper Duggans, niece of Will Duggans. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

+346. Florence Luke, b.c. 1910, m. Libby Meyers.

CHILDREN OF JOSEPH M. GRAVES (39) AND CAROLINE WALKER

Johnnie Graves (136) was born 19 Oct. 1883. He first married Elefair Hutto. She was born 4 June 1890, died 3 July 1922, and was buried at Hebron Cem., Douglas, GA. They lived in Berrien Co. After her death, Johnnie married second Della Storm. (R‑5)

Children - Graves, by Elefair Hutto

347. Leroy Graves, b. 15 Jan. 1906, m. Louise (or Eloise) Joiner. Bur. Brushy Creek Cemetery, Cook Co., GA. Lived in FL.

348. Fred Graves, b. 23 Sept. 1907.

349. Bessie Graves, b. 7 May 1909.

350. Judith (or Ludell) Graves, b. 10 Dec. 1910.

+351. John Aubrey Graves, b. 2 Jan. 1913, m. Mattie Bell Lott, d. 3 Oct. 1966.

352. Ruby Graves, b. 26 Sept. 1915.

353. Shirley Graves, b. 11 Mar. 1917.

354. Drew Graves, b. 15 Nov. 1918, d. 8 Aug. 1946. Bur. Hebron Cem., Douglas, GA. Mr. H.W. Lott said that Drew was stabbed in a restaurant in Nashville, GA, and died several days later. H.W. Lott said that he gave Drew blood to try to keep him alive.

355. Fannie Graves, b. 3 June 1922.

Children - Graves, by Della Storm

356. Hazel Graves, b. 9 June 1927.

357. Clayton Graves, b. 17 Feb. 1930.

358. Rita Graves, b. Oct. 1933.

Joe Graves (137) was born 5 Dec. 1885 and died in 1952. He married Sally Selph. She was born 8 Sept. 1893 and died 27 July 1942. Joe was a farmer and was curing a barn of tobacco when he fell asleep sitting in a chair with a kerosene lantern at his feet. He was leaning over the lantern and his eyes were burned by the flames, causing him to lose his eyesight. They continued to farm, with the help of his wife and children. His wife, Sally, was able to add to the family's income by going on house calls out in the county with Dr. Aubrey Harper and Dr. J.J. Lott.[10] They were both buried in Hebron Cem., Douglas, GA. (R‑5, R‑6)

Children - Graves

359. Lou Alice Graves, m. J. V. Yarberry.

360. Josephine Graves, m. O'Neil Bryant.

361. Malcom Graves, m. Ethel Turner.

+362. Inez Graves, b. 6 May 1921 (or 1922), m(1) Jacob Leroy Wood, m(2) Ed Pettit.

+363. Roy Graves, b. 1 July 1923, m. Rosalee Cato, d. 10 Feb. 2000.

364. Mildred Graves, b. 8 Jan. 1926, m. Roy Veal.

365. John Willis Graves, m. Evelyn Purvis. They lived in Jacksonville, FL.

366. Etteen Graves, m. Danny Grantham.

367. Earlie Graves, b. 12 Dec. 1933, m. Reba Pauline Smith, d. 8 May 2001. Died at his residence and was bur. Hebron Church Cem., Willacoochee, GA. They lived in Nicholls, GA. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a logger in the timber/lumber business.

368. Pearlie Graves, b. 20 Oct. 1936, m. Melinda McGovern. She was b. 10 Nov. 1944. Lived in Wray, GA.

Mamie Graves (138) was born 10 Oct. 1890. She married Walton Lott on 8 June 1913. He was born 28 Oct. 1888, died 13 March 1954, and was buried in Hebron Church Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Lott

+369. Macom Lott, b. 1 Sept. 1914, m. Carlue Corbitt, 24 Nov. 1942.

+370. Odis Lott, b. 25 Aug. 1916, m. Emmie Batten, 4 June 1938.

+371. Walter Lott, b. 30 Jan. 1919, m. Harriett Wright, 13 April 1940.

+372. Winifred Lott, b. 22 Jan. 1921, m. Addie Mae Carver, 13 April 1940.

+373. Rufus Lott, b. Dec. 1923, m(1) Essie Mae Corbitt, May 1946, m(2) Janice Brigmond.

374. Arlie Lott, b. 11 Jan. 1925, d. 27 March 1927. Bur. Hebron Church Cem.

+375. Lois Lott, b. 17 or (12) Jan. 1927, m. Glaston Tucker, 26 Aug. 1943.

+376. Mavis Gayle Lott, b. 30 April 1929, m. Edward McKinnon, 15 Jan. 1949.

377. Lillian Lott, b. 16 Aug. 1931, m. Orville Lee Carver. (This family is listed in the Stevens section of this book under the Charlie L. Carver Family)

+378. Leaston Lott, b. May 1934, m. Betty Jean Chaney.

+379. Marvin Lott, b. 4 Oct. 1938, m(1) Mary Lou Browning, m(2) Terry ‑‑‑‑‑‑, m(3) Barbara ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

Dan Graves (139) was born 15 Oct. 1890 (according to his son, O.C.) and is now deceased. He married Carrie Virginia Merritt, the daughter of Mary Merritt. She was born 7 Oct. 1900, and died 3 Sept. 1998 in Douglas, GA.. Carrie (once known as "Gravy Bowl" Graves and later simply called "Granny Graves") lived in Mora, GA. Dan was a large man, dark-skinned with a moustache, blue eyes and high cheekbones. His son, O.C., stated that the Graves were of Indian descent and Dan's picture on the wall did show a man who had those type features. (R‑5)

Children - Graves

380. Alma Graves, b. 22 Nov. 1915, m(1) John Mobley, m(2) Odis Pate, m(3) J.C. Mixon, who lived outside Douglas, GA. Alma is deceased.

381. Lavetta Graves, b. 13 Aug. 1918, m(1) Oran Johnson, m(2) Arthur Pate (now deceased). When Oran died from a rattlesnake bite in 1939, she married Arthur.

+382. O. C. Graves, b. 7 Nov. 1921, m. Odie Peacock.

+383. Virginia Graves, b. 31 Aug. 1929, m(1) Otis King, m(2) Lynwood Willis.

Lucy Graves (140) was born 5 Sept. 1893 and died 4 Feb. 1973. She married John Lott, Jr., the son of Elisha B. Lott and Nancy Youngblood, on 5 June 1910. He was born 6 March 1885 and died 21 July 21 1973. They were both buried in Hebron Cem., Douglas, GA. (R‑5)

Children - Lott

+384. Janie Louvater Lott, b. 10 May 1912, m. Carl Earnie Clements,18 Sept. 1929.

+385. Ethelle Lott, b. 4 May 1914, m. Walter Nugent, 22 Dec. 1929.

+386. Orville Lott, b. 24 Dec. 1915, m. Elsie Lott, 19 Sept. 1946.

+387. Elisha Wilbur Lott, b. 26 Nov. 1917, m. Lorine Taft, 11 May 1943d. 11 Dec. 1972.

+388. Dorman Lott, b. 14 June 1920, m(1) Doris Sheen, m(2) Dorthy ‑‑‑‑‑‑, d. 5 May 1976.

+389. Lou Annie Vernon Lott, b. 17 Dec. 1922, m. George Orville Wright, 2 Sept. 1940.

390. Chester Lott, b. 30 Dec. 1924 (Atkinson Co., GA), m. Jannie Neumass Davis. Lived in Baxley, GA.

+391. Gerald Alton Lott, b. 17 July 1929, m. Delores ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

392. Nellie Edna Lott, b. and d. 17 July 1929. Bur. Hebron Cem.

+393. Francis Ronald Lott, b. 15 May 1932, m(1) Joyce Murphy, 20 March 1954, m(2) Roxie Cabe, m(3) Sue Willis.

Alice Graves (141) first married Hilton Towns. She married second Milton Maine. They lived in Douglas, GA. (R‑5)

Children - Towns

394. Eddith Towns

395. Mamie Towns

396. Vester Towns

397. Cecil Towns

398. Roger Towns

CHILDREN OF ELIZA A. C. J. GRAVES (45) AND WILLIAM E. ROWE

James Joseph ("Joe") Rowe (143) was born 17 July 1875 and died 11 Jan. 1963. He married Emma Cox, the daughter of Matt Cox and Fannie Howell, on 21 Dec. 1899 in Berrien Co., GA. She was born 26 Oct. 1872 and died 10 Oct. 1939. They were both buried in the Rowe Town Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Rowe

399. daughter, b. 18 Feb. 1901. Bur. Rowe Town Cem.

400. Luther Rowe, b. 24 April 1902, m. Pearl McNabb, d. 24 April 1902. Bur. Rowe Town Cem. She was b. 2 Oct. 1903, the dau. of Shelton McNabb and Winnie G. ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

+401. Lillie Mae Rowe, b. 13 Jan. 1904, m. Arlie Moore, d. 4 Aug. 1950.

402. Alma Rowe, m(1) Luther Taylor, m(2) E.J. Kelly.

403. Fannie Rowe, b. 1906, m. Leven Pafford.

404. Gladys Rowe, m. Elias L. Pafford.

Ebbie Rowe (144) was born 11 Aug. 1880, died 11 Dec. 1962, and was buried at Rowe Town Cem.. She first married William Jackson ("Bill Jack") Griner. He was born 4 Aug. 1880, died 11 Aug. 1917, and was buried in Rowe Town Cem. Ebbie married second George Alexander. (R‑5)

Children - Griner

405. Leonard Griner, b. 17 Feb. 1910, m. Ruth Griffin, d. 30 Dec. 1965. Bur. Rowe Town Cem. She was b. 24 Nov. 1910, the dau. of Olie Griffin and Elta O. ‑‑‑‑‑‑.

Piden Rowe (145) was born 23 Dec. 1883 and died 10 Dec. 1949. She married Levi J. Luke, the son of Joseph Luke and Mary Jane Moore. He was born about 1878. In the 1920 U.S. census they were living in Berrien Co. and her name was spelled as "Polly Ann" and her date of birth as 1875, but Levi's date of birth was the same (1878). They were both buried in Flat Creek Cem., Nashville, GA. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

+406. Ben Richard Luke, b.c. 1900, m. Nellie Griffin.

407. Austin Luke, b.c. 1904, m. Annie Rutherford.

+408. Jim Luke, b.c. 1905, m. Ethel McMillen.

409. Newly (“Nubbie”) Luke, m. Louise Troupe.

410. Joe Luke, b.c. 1905, m. Susie Knight.

411. Shade Luke, b.c. 1909, m. Letta Lee Bennet, d. 23 Sept. 1985. She was b. 14 May and d. 6 Sept. ‑‑‑‑‑‑. Both bur. Bennett Cem., Nashville, GA.

412. Molly Luke, b.c. 1914, m. Joe Stephens.

William ("Willie") R. Rowe (146) was born in 1884. He first married Mary Belle Herrin, daughter of William Herrin and Mary Hargraves. He married second Maggie Bratcher McKinzey. (R‑5)

Children - Rowe, by Mary B. Herrin

413. Remo Rowe, b. 1907, m. Doris Reed.

414. James Wilber Rowe, b. 1909, m(1) Elizabeth ‑‑‑‑‑‑, m(2) Ida Hibbard.

415. Aubrey Rowe, b. 1911, never married, d. 1937.

416. Leavy Horace Rowe, b. 1916, m. Myra Lee.

Children - Rowe, by Maggie B. McKinzey

417. Mary Evelyn Rowe, b. 1946, married.

Nancy Rowe (147) married John Daniel ("Dan") Spikes, the son of John Spikes and Nancy Camons, on 11 Jan. 1905 in Berrien Co., GA. They lived in Ware Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Spikes

+418. Inez Spikes, b. 3 June 1906, m. Hancel Luke, d. 17 Sept. 1993.

+419. Janie Spikes, b. 23 July 1908, m. Jasper Bennett, Sr., d. 1 Sept. 2000.

420. Lelia Spikes, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Farmer. Lived in St. Marys, GA.

421. Earl Spikes, lived in Waycross, GA.

422. Cliff Spikes, lived in Axson, GA.

423. Bessy Mae Spikes

424. William Spikes

425. Irvin Spikes

426. Cora Lee Spikes

CHILDREN OF ROWENA GRAVES (46) AND JACOB McMILLAN

Minnie McMillan (151) was born 1 Feb. 1883 in Berrien Co., GA, and died 27 Oct. 1973. She married Simmie King on 8 Sept. 1902 in Berrien Co., GA. He was born 12 Nov. 1880 in Lowndes Co., GA, and died 4 Aug. 1957. They were both buried in the Fletcher Cem. in Alapaha, GA. (R‑5)

Children - King

+427. Lee Roy King, b. 28 June 1903, m(1) Sarah Rebecca Lott, 30 Aug. 1928, m(2) Corine Mathis Hancock, m(3) Dolly Martin Stripling, d. 21 June 1974.

428. Curtis C. King, b. 31 July 1904 (Berrien Co., GA), m(1) Geneva Woods, m(2) Ruby Rhoden.

429. Lewis Vickers King, b. 30 Aug. 1908 (Berrien Co., GA), m. Alma Watson.

430. Lucy Alma King, b. 1 Sept. 1912, m. Henry Connell.

431. Thelma Paulk King, b. 15 Oct. 1915 (Berrien Co., GA), m. Willie B. Davis.

+432. Woodrow Wilson King, b. 18 Aug. 1918, m. Ruby Nell Nicholson, 15 April 1944.

Edwin N. McMillan (152) was born 22 Jan. 1884 in Berrien Co., GA, and died 13 Jan. 1922. He married Millie Hutson, the daughter of William Hutson and Elizabeth Dewport, on 2 June 1912 in Berrien Co., GA. She was born 8 May 1889 in Charleston, SC, and died 1 July 1961. They were both buried in the McMillan Cem. (R‑5)

Children - McMillen

+433. Mittie McMillan, b. 28 May 1913, m. Shellie Harper, 24 April 1932, d. 22 July 1965.

434. Eva McMillan, b. 4 May 1915, m(1) Albert N. Moore, m(2) Clarence King, 9 July 1961 (Berrien Co., GA). Albert was b. 6 Jan. 1910 and d. 15 Aug. 1950, the son of Nute Moore and Argent Pafford. They had one infant, who was b. and d. 8 Nov. 1934. Eva and Clarence had no children. He was b. 26 Jan. 1916 and d. 8 July 1966.

435. Lee Roy McMillan, b. 1 Feb. 1917 (Berrien Co., GA), d. 30 June 1935. Bur. McMillan Cem.

+436. Velma McMillan, b. 26 Aug. 1918, m. Tate Woody, 3 Feb. 1947.

Mollie McMillan (153) was born 1 Jan. 1885 and died 17 July 1959. She married Henry W. Gaskins, son of William Gaskins and Jane McMillan, on 14 May 1916 in Berrien Co., GA. He was born 10 July 1876 in Berrien Co., and died 2 Feb. 1935. Henry had previously been married to Elizabeth Lott by whom he had had nine children. Henry was shot to death by a son from this first marriage, Alton, who blamed his stepmother, Mollie, for his estrangement from his own family. Alton also shot Mollie (who lived) and then killed himself. Henry and Mollie are buried at Willacoochee, GA, Cem. (R‑5)

Children - Gaskins

437. son, b. and d. 1918 (Berrien Co., GA). Bur. Willacoochee Cem.

438. Wynell Gaskins, b. 24 Mar. 1920, d. 24 Oct. 1921. Bur. Willacoochee Cem.

+439. Christine Gaskins, b. 14 Apr. 1921, m. Foster Key Akridge, 20 June 1959.

+440. Edwin Gaskins, b. 25 Apr. 1922, m. Mary Lou Sirmons, 24 Oct. 1954, d. 21 Aug. 1985.

441. Geraldine Gaskins, b. 1 May 1925 (Berrien Co., GA), m. Joe Rex Rogers. He was b. Sept. 1919. They had no children.

CHILDREN OF SARAH J. GRAVES (47) AND JOHN VICKERS

Joseph ("Joe") A. Vickers (155) was born 22 Feb. 1874 in Coffee Co., GA, and died 5 Dec. 1934. He married Elizabeth Daniels, daughter of Henry Daniels and Mary A. Tucker, on 8 Jan. 1896 in Coffee Co., GA. She was born 30 July 1876 and died 4 April 1967. They were both buried in Hebron Church Cem., Coffee Co. He was a farmer and lived in Willacoochee, GA. Their children were born in Coffee Co., GA. (R‑2, R‑5)

Children - Vickers

+442. Walter Vickers, b. 30 Oct. 1896, m. Bessie Louella Paulk, 9 Dec. 1917, d. 13 July 1986.

443. Virgil Vickers, b. 12 Mar. 1900, m. Stella Mae Sammons, 25 Oct. 1925 (Coffee Co., GA), d. 18 Sept. 1962 (Coffee Co., GA). Bur. Douglas City Cem. He was a minister.

444. Henry Vickers, b.c. 1903, m. Judy Harper.

445. Myrtice (“Mertis”) Vickers, b.c. 1908, m. Eber Metts.

Leon Vickers (156) was born 23 June 1875 in Irwin Co., GA, and died 24 May 1947. He married Sophronia ("Fronnie") McMillen, daughter of John McMillen and Mary Jane Whitley, on 2 Jan. 1901 in Irwin Co., GA. She was born 27 April 1878 in Irwin Co., GA, and died 12 Dec. 1966. They were both buried in Hebron Church Cem. (R‑2, R‑5)

Children - Vickers

446. Ethel Vickers, b. 13 Jan. 1903 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Clarke (or Clark) Paulk, 3 Nov. 1920. He was b. 11 Nov. 1895 (or 1894) in Irwin Co., GA, son of William F. Paulk and Elizabeth Giddens.

447. Maude Vickers, b. 9 Feb. 1904 (Coffee Co., GA).

+448. John Edwin Vickers, b. 2 Feb. 1906, m. Minnie Lott.

+449. Mary Jane Vickers, b. 10 Feb. 1909, m. Clay Duncan Gann, Jr., d. 30 June 1965.

+450. Joe Lewis Vickers, b. 22 Dec. 1910, m. Roberta Brown, d. 23 Nov. 1947.

Lewis Vickers (157) was born 14 Oct. 1877 and died 11 March 1955, both in Coffee Co., GA. He first married Lucy Leola Lott, daughter of George Washington ("Wash") and Mary Ann Moore Lott, on 4 March 1903 in Coffee Co., GA. She was born 3 Oct. 1883 and died 20 (or 29) July 1913 (or 1912 per R‑2), both in Coffee Co., GA.

He married second Emma Virginia McEachern, daughter of Andrew Oliver McEachern (or McEachin) and Sarah Jane Yawn, on 1 March 1916 in Jeff Davis Co., GA. She was born 21 Dec. 1896 in Hazlehurst, Jeff Davis Co., GA, and died 16 Nov. 1988 in St. Vincent's, Jacksonville, FL. Lewis and both his wives were buried in Douglas City Cem., Douglas, GA.

Lewis operated Vickers Department Store in Douglas for many years and in 1927-28 was Commissioner of Roads and Revenues of Coffee Co. and was instrumental in getting the first Health Department established in Douglas.

There seems to be some confusion as to which children were by which wife. Based on dates of birth, it seems likely that Opal and Jack were by the first marriage, not the second. (R‑3, R‑4, R‑5)

Children - Vickers, by Lucy L. Lott

451. Infant, b. and d. 10 Nov. 1903 (Coffee Co., GA). Bur. Douglas Cem.

452. Orville Vickers, b. 13 March 1905 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Genevieve Mill. She was b. in Sylvania, Screven Co., GA.

+453. Opal Vickers, b. 14 Aug. 1908, m. James Edwin Crabb, d. 30 June 1995.

454. Jack Vickers, b. 13 Aug. 1911 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Violet ‑‑‑‑‑‑, d. 23 Oct. 1991 (Ocala, Marion Co., FL). He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force in WWII. He lived first in Jacksonville, FL, and then moved to Ocala, FL, where he was a department manager for A&P groceries.

Children - Vickers, by Emma V. McEachern

455. Emma Virginia Vickers, b. 28 July 1918 (Douglas, Coffee Co., GA), m. Dale Park Anderson, 13 Sept. 1942 (Folkston, GA). He was b. 26 Nov. 1912 and d. 6 Dec. 1993, son of William M. Anderson and Effie Carter. Lived in Knoxville, TN.

456. Lewis Vickers, Jr., b. 6 Nov. 1924 (Douglas, GA), m(1) Josephine Buchanan, m(2) Mary Alice Ingram, d. 6 Feb. 1985 (Florence, SC).

457. Sarah Jane Vickers, b. 5 Nov. 1926 (Douglas, Coffee Co., GA), m. Frank Martin McNulty, 29 Oct. 1960 (St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Douglas, Coffee Co., GA). He was b. 7 March 1921 and d. 25 April 1989. They lived in Winter Park, FL.

+458. Alice Hilbun Vickers, b. 1 Feb. 1930, m. Walter Morris Mills, 18 Aug. 1951.

+459. Nora McEachern Vickers, b. 16 Oct. 1938, m(1) Frank Merritt, m(2) John Field Riggle, Jr., 27 Dec. 1959, m(3) Rexford Merritt, 1 March 1991.

Melissa Vickers (159) was born 15 July 1880 in Irwin Co., GA, died 5 Feb. 1971, and was buried at Brushy Creek Cemetery near Ocilla, GA. She first married Dr. Joseph Howell. He was born 22 July 1870 and died 22 Aug. 1935, both in Irwin Co., GA. She married second Thomas ("Tommy") McMillan (or McMillen), son of John McMillan and Mary Jane Whitley, on 13 Aug. 1919 in Irwin Co., GA. (R‑2, R‑5)

Children - McMillan

460. Runelle McMillan, b. 12 Sept. 1920.

461. Doris McMillan, b. 24 Jan. 1922.

Henry Vickers (161) was born 16 Nov. 1883 and died 13 Oct. 1980, both in Coffee Co., GA. He was a farmer and lived in Willacoochee, GA. He married Bessie Joiner on 28 Dec. 1916 in Coffee Co., GA. She was born 4 March 1900 and died 28 Dec. 1986, both in Coffee Co., GA. They were both buried at Hebron Church Cem., Coffee Co., GA. (R‑5)

Children - Vickers

+462. Jack David Vickers, b. 20 Dec. 1917, m. Mary Faircloth, 23 July 1937.

463. Gerald Vickers, b. 21 Dec. 1919 (Coffee Co., GA), d. 21 Feb. 1925 (Coffee Co., GA). Bur. Hebron Church Cem.

+464. Loyce Lollie Vickers, b. 6 Mar. 1921, m. John Deen.

+465. Henry Edsel Vickers, b. 26 Jan. 1927, m. Floyd Grace Day, d. 23 Aug. 1987.

William Crisp Vickers (162) was born 13 (or 12) March 1887 and died 22 June 1926, both in Coffee Co., GA. He married Elizabeth Lucinda ("Bessie") Paulk, daughter of Henry L. Brooks Paulk and Frances ("Fannie") Peterson, in Nov. 1906 in Coffee Co., GA. She was born 2 Nov. 1888 and died 5 June 1947, both in Coffee Co., GA.

William got into bad financial condition. Having loaned out some money and not being able to collect when his own bills were past due, he despaired at losing everything and killed himself June 22, 1926. Bessie went to work because of the financial problems and her mother, "Fannie" Paulk, moved in with her to help her take care of the children. Her daughter, Pearl, picked and hoed cotton during that time. Then Bessie got a job in a store and they moved into town, where they fared better.

Then, in 1932, an historical event took place, according to the August 23, 1962 edition of the Douglas Enterprise newspaper which recounted those events in an article entitled Politics: Part 3 (reprinted by permission):

It was September 1932, before the first female candidate was elected to office in Coffee County.

Breaking this barrier was Mrs. Bessie Vickers, whose father, H.L. (Brooks) Paulk, had served as Coffee County Ordinary in the early 1890's. She also chose to run for Ordinary. Mrs. Vickers was a widow with five children; her campaign finances were extremely limited, especially in the middle of the depression.

It was at this point that lifelong friends stepped into the picture. Broxton merchant W.M. Rainbow, provided her transportation in that area of the county.

Her family had befriended him when he first came to Coffee County as a peddler on foot.

Help continued to be offered by such interested Coffee Countians as Boy-man Carver, Bud Fussell, Elige Tanner, E.D. Douglas, and E.L. Grantham. By election day, the 43-year old candidate had completely canvassed Coffee County.

Having begun the campaign with much opposition because of her sex, Mrs. Vickers conquered the minds of many doubtful and by election day had a strong following in the county.

"It was raining on election day, " says one old-timer, "but voters turned out in large numbers to vote for red-haired Bessie."

As people would come into the court house to vote they would yell, "Stick fire to the red oak, hurrah for the widow woman!"

Many also remember the drunk who sat in front of the Courthouse all day hollering, "Vote for the widow woman."

When the ballots were tallied, Mrs. Vickers had 644 more votes than her nearest rival. Carrying the Douglas, Broxton, Ambrose, and Bridgetown precints, she lost only in Nicholls and West Green. Final results were Mrs. Vickers, 1407; E.S. Sapp, 763; and W.P. Ward, 626.

The Sept. 25, 1932 edition of the Enterprise reported:

"We will have a new ordinary, Mrs. Bessie Vickers, the first woman to hold office in Coffee County. She will take office Jan. 1, next. Judge Ward will retire after 28 years. He has made the county a faithful and very capable official, and the people have been pleased with his services. The new ordinary is a widow and should by applying herself be able to give the people the service the office demands."

Mrs. Vickers, a strong and popular office holder, was re-elected unopposed for three more terms before her death in June, 1947, She had served nearly 15 years as Ordinary.

A few weeks later another woman was elected to office in Coffee County when Mrs. Vickers' daughter, Pearl, defeated Carlos Grantham in a special Ordinary election.

Bessie Paulk Vickers died of cancer. When she was in ill health she had moved much of the operations of her office at home. After she died, her daughter, Pearl ran for the office primarily (she told friends and family) so that she could straighten out much of the paperwork which had gotten behind during her mother's illness. Bessie Paulk Vickers was buried beside her husband, William C. Vickers at Hebron Church Cemetery. (R‑2, R‑5)

Children - Vickers

+466. Odell Vickers, m. Hugh Webb.

+467. Mable Vickers, m. Van Allen Brady.

+468. Carlton Carroll Vickers, m. Marie Malphers.

469. Pearl Ruth Vickers, b. 26 Sept. 1919 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Joseph Clyde Anderson, 20 Oct. 1951, d. 27 July 1967 (Gadsden, AL). Bur. in Gadsden Cem. He was b. 31 Jan. 1920 in Albertville, AL, the son of George Anderson and Myrtle Mitchell.

+470. Donald Crisp Vickers, m(1) Alyce Anne Mills, m(2) Jewell Lanier.

471. William Curtis Vickers, never married. He had a brain tumor and was on his way to Atlanta to have an operation and was killed in a car accident.

Jacob ("Jake") Vickers (163) was born 11 April 1888 and died 2 Feb. 1916, both in Coffee Co., GA. He was a minister. He first married Delilah (or Dellia) Lott, daughter of James Preston Lott and Mary Martha ("Pollie") Lott, on 22 Dec. 1909 in Coffee Co., GA. She was born 10 Feb. 1888, died 30 Dec. 1917, both in Coffee Co., GA, and was buried in Hebron Church Cem. He married second Rebecca Daniels, daughter of Thomas Daniels and Elizabeth Burns. She was born 18 March 1884 and died 24 April 1969, both in Coffee Co., GA. (R‑2, R‑5)

Children - Vickers, by Delilah Lott

472. Jeff Vickers, b. 17 March 1914 (Coffee Co., GA), m. Eva Bennett, 13 May 1976. Bur. Hebron Church Cem.[i] Like his father, he was also a minister.

Rachel Vickers (164) was born 8 Apr. 1890 in Coffee Co., GA. She married Lott Paulk, son of Jacob Austin Paulk and Rachel M. Harper, on 29 Nov. 1908 in Irwin Co., GA. He was born born 18 Oct. 1888 in Irwin Co., GA, died 20 Nov. 1964 in Coffee Co., Ga. and was buried in the Paulk Cem. Their children were born in Irwin Co., GA. (R‑2, R‑5)

Children - Vickers

473. Allowee Vickers, b. 6 Nov. 1909.

474. John Cecil Vickers, b. 2 Nov. 1911.

475. Terrell Vickers, b. 5 Jan. 1913, d. 29 June 1913 (Coffee Co., GA). Bur. Paulk Cem.

476. Zula Vickers, b. 26 Sept. 1916, d. 20 Oct. 1916. Bur. Paulk Cem.

477. Correne Vickers, b. 28 May 1918, d. 14 Oct. 1918. Bur. Paulk Cem.

478. Ineva Vickers, b. 11 Sept. 1920.

Minnie Vickers (165) was born 21 Feb. 1892 and died 27 July 1925, both in Coffee Co., GA. She married Oliver ("Ollie") Paulk, son of Jacob Austin Paulk and Rachel M. Harper, on 9 Jan. 1910 in Irwin Co., GA. He was born 17 Jan. 1891 in Irwin Co., GA, died 9 Sept. 1969 in Coffee Co., GA, and was buried in the Paulk Cem. Ollie was a farmer. He married second Lois Coker. He married third Mavis Kirkland. Minnie and Ollie’s children were born in Irwin Co., GA. (R‑2, R‑5)

Children - Paulk

479. Waldo Paulk, b. 26 Nov. 1910.

480. Aubrey Paulk, b. 20 Jan. 1912, d. 27 Oct. 1912. Bur. Paulk Cem.

481. Aileene Paulk, b. 3 Oct. 1913, d. 16 Nov. 1915. Bur. Paulk Cem.

482. Janie Paulk, b. 10 Jan. 1916, m(1) Claude Harper, m(2) Irey Aldridge. Claude was b.c. 1905 and d. in 1962, the son of James B. and Lila J. Harper.

483. Jacob D. Paulk, b. 24 July 1918, m. Mary Hubernia Griner, d. 7 Oct. 1967. Bur. Paulk Cem. She was the dau. of Robert Mack Griner and Ida McDaniel.

484. Ruth Paulk, b. 31 Oct. 1921, d. 27 Nov. 1921. Bur. Paulk Cem.

485. Ada Paulk, b. 11 Aug. 1923, d. 27 Feb. 1924. Bur. Paulk Cem.

CHILDREN OF MARY L. LUKE (52) AND ISAAC LUKE

Thomas Luke (166) married Ruby Sherrod, daughter of Walter Sherrod and Mamie ‑‑‑‑‑‑. (R‑5)

Children - Luke

486. Alice Luke, m. Lester Stone.

Return to Alphabetical Ancestor Listing

Return to Main Page

---

[1] Lena B. Stone, Luke Family Research, unpublished, Oct. 1990, Nashville, GA.

[2] [2]Birth date found in the Bible of Nancy Graves

[3] Ibid.

[4] Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, 1861-1865, Vol. I, Longino & Porter, Inc., Hapesville, Ga., p. 143.

[5] This information from a conversation with Mrs. Kate Wilson of Nashville, GA.

[6] History of Laurens Co., Ga. 1807-1941, p. 298, Bertha Sheppard Hart, M.A.

[7] 2 Huxford, vol. VIII, p. 310.

[8] Various other people give her date of birth as about 1840, 1845 and 1850, and as 1 June 1839. However, the 1880 census for Coffee Co., GA lists John Vickers, 44 (b.c. 1836), wife Jane, 24 (b.c. 1856), and children Beady, 17, Ava J., 13, Daniel, 8, Eli, 8, Joseph, 6, Leon, 4, Lewis, 3, Charles, 1, Macom Graves, 22, all born in GA.

[9] Ibid., p. 134.

[10] Article entitled, "Joe Graves Family of Rural Coffee County", The Douglas Enterprise, Wednesday, March 2, 1994, p. 9-b.

---