Elizabeth ???

Notes:

Last name thought to be BRUSH or BUSH.

Abstracts of Old Ninety-Six and Abbeville District Wills and Bonds?b?
?/b?Compiled by Willie Pauline Young
Liberty, SC
Copyright 1950 by Pauline Young & Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas Jr. , Reprinted 2004
Southern Historical Press, Greenville SC


Box #/Pack #: Box 70, Pack 1730
Page number: 240
Name: NORWOOD, Elizabeth

Will dated 29 Dec 1806 in Abbeville Dist. Rec. 19 Dec 1812. Exrs: Sons, Thos., Wm. Norwood. Wit: Jas., Sally Watts, Hugh, John Porter. Chn: Thos., Blakely, Wm., Jos. Norwood, Betsey PORTER, Anne WATTS.

Elizabeth married Samuel Norwood in 1742 in Augusta County, Virginia. Samuel was born in 1724 in Augusta County, Virginia; died before 5 Oct 1790 in Abbeville County, South Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Veteran of the American Revolution. There is apparently some debate whether it was this John Norwood, or another one, who rose to the rank of General. He married twice, his first wife's name is unknown. They had one son, Samuel Norwood b bef 1775 in Abbeville District, South Carolina and d 1830 Jackson County, Alabama. His second wife was Jane PICKENS and they had five children: John, Andrew, Daniel, William and Theophilus.

Notes:

She married a Mr. Watts.

Notes:

Abstracts of Old Ninety-Six and Abbeville District Wills and Bonds?b?
?/b?Compiled by Willie Pauline Young
Liberty, SC
Copyright 1950 by Pauline Young & Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas Jr. , Reprinted 2004
Southern Historical Press, Greenville SC


Box #/Pack #: Box 70, Pack 1721
Page number: 239
Name: NORWOOD, Theophilus

Will dated 13 Apr 178i7. Prov. 9 July 1789. Exrs: John Middleton, Saml. Porter. Wit: Saml. Norwood, John Middleton. Wife: Elener Norwood. Chn: Saml., Richard, John Middleton Norwood.

Family/Spouse: Eleanor Middleton. Eleanor was born after 1755; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John Norwood notes her DOD as 1798. I think this is in error:

1) Some sources show her as married in Oct. 1790, and that she was the mother of 10 children prior to her death. This would be more than a child a year. She may have been married earlier than 1790, however.

2) Her youngest three sons, and one daughter, were born in or after 1798 according to census records.

3) Her brother, John Norwood, died in 1798. Perhaps their records were confused.

Family/Spouse: John Porter. John was born before 1761; died about 1803 in Abbeville County, South Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Said to be married to a Mr. Howie. If so, then the record below is most likely NOT her.

Is this her at the time of the 1850 Lauderdale Co, Alabama census? Was she actually born ca 1780? Or is age incorrect? Some sources show her parents as married 1790.

#315/315 Rebecca Porter 70 F $150 N.C. Andrew 46 M Laborer S.C. Mary50 FS.C.

Notes:

The people named Porter were in Lauderdale County, Alabama as early as 1807. In August of that year, one Oliver Porter was listed on the indenture between Cherokee Indian Chief DOUBLEHEAD and John CHISOLM. Also, on December 20, 1807, on Oliver Porter's recommendation, a passport was issued for three men to pass through the Creek Indian nation. In March of 1809, a passport for David Porter and family was issued and signed. However, it was between the years 1825 and 1830 that brought Hugh Porter, his wife Sarah Bowie Porter, and children from South Carolina as well as Austin Porter, his wife and two boys, and Charles B. Porter and four children into Lauderdale County. They entered and purchased land in and near what is now the city of Rogersville. Hugh entered 158 acres on Weavers Branch, and he and his family lived there until 1840. In the 1830's other members of their family also moved from South Carolina. They procured land mostly along Snake Road northeast of Rogersville.

Brothers and sisters of Hugh Porter were Charles B. Porter, William R. Porter, Andrew Springer Porter, Mary Porter, Rebecca Frances Porter HOWIE, Cynthia Porter Howard, and Ann E. Porter FORBES. Brothers John Porter and Samuel Norwood Porter died in South Carolina.

In 1840, Hugh Porter purchased land northeast of Lexington on Second Creek. Being not only a farmer but a miller as well, he built a grist mill on the creek. Some of his brothers and sisters soon followed him to Lexington. Charles B. Porter moved to Lawrence County, Tennessee. He was a farmer and a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. Andrew Springer Porter was postmaster at Lexington from 1856 to 1867 and a justice of the peace. William R. Porter ran a store and was a justice of the peace. Andrew W. Porter owned a store and his son, George Washington Porter, was the circuit court clerk for Lauderdale County. His grandson, Irvine Craig Porter, Jr., became a prominent attorney in Birmingham.

Hugh Porter was born June 12, 1791. His wife, Sarah C. BOWIE, was born August 22, 1793. They were married September 19, 1814. Their children were James Glen, who married Elizabeth JOHNSTON, first, and E.A. Bettie DAVIS, second; Rebecca Burney, who married Green B. DAVIS; Andrew Eli, who married Frances A. DAVIS; Katherine Eliza, who married John H. BELEW; Jane Ann, who married James T. DAVIS; Charles Wesley, who married Margaret Emily McGWIER, John Fletcher, who married Nancy J. DAVIS; and Simathy E., who married Francis H. McGWIER. Hugh Porter and family belonged to the Methodist Church. They attended Asbury Church, which was just across the Alabama state line in Tennessee which was just off what is now Highway 101. Most of their descendants are devout Christians attend various churches. In the obituary of their son Charles Wesley, we find his devotion to the Lord. "Even though his mind was so affected in the last few years of his life that he did not know his own children, yet he never forgot to read his Bible and pray."

James Glen Porter was a blacksmith and wagon maker. His brother, John Fletcher, was a miller and he also made tombstones from limestone taken from the bluffs of Second Creek. Andrew Eli worked as a plantation overseer until the War Between the States. Charles Wesley made his living farming.

Two members of Hugh Porter's family lost their lives as members of the Confederate forces during the Civil War. Andrew Eli joined the 16th Alabama Infantry on August 6, 1861, which was under General Zollikoffer's command. He either died of exposure, disease, or was killed in battle. Hugh's grandson, John F.M. Porter, whose father was James Glen, was killed in the Second Battle of Manassas on August 30, 1862. He was a member of Company I of the 9th Alabama Infantry Regiment. There may have been others who served as well. Many of the descendants of Hugh and Sarah served with honor and distinction in our country's armed forces during World War I and II, and Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. During World War II, Walter, son of James W. Porter, was killed in France.

The Porter family was always interested in education. Many of the Porters' descendants have college degrees and have pursued professional occupations. There was a school erected on the Porters' property before 1900 and served the community for many years. The first Portertown school was a one room log building with grades one through six. It was on the west side of Second Creek near a road which at that time ran from the Charlie Porter home place to past the Portertown Cemetery then on to Tennessee. The second school was on a rise just west of what is now the Royce and Alma WILLIAMS' home. The third school was on the east side of Second Creek on the property given by Samuel WILLIAMS.

(The article above was written by Charles Wesley Porter, Sr., son of Odus Vernon Porter, and great-great grandson of Hugh Porter. Sent by Janie Porter Gomillion, July 2001)

On a visit to the Portertown Cemetery one will find the tombstones of a lot of the early settlers and not just Porters. It is a well kept cemetery that is used by many descendants of those early settlers as well as others. Hugh Porter died October 12, 1855 and Sarah Bowie Porter died May 9, 1862. They were survived by their eight children and 34 grandchildren.

Porter Town was also north of Lexington and near Dugout. It was named for several Porter families who settled here from Abbeville, South Carolina, during the 1820s. Hugh and Sarah Bowie Porter were born in the early 1790s. Their son, James Gleen Porter, established a grist mill and blacksmith shop in this community. Hugh's nephew, Washington Porter, was also here as well as a widow, Rebecca Porter, who was born in 1790 in North Carolina. Her son, Andrew was a native of South Carolina.

From William Lindsey McDonald, "A Walk Through the Past - People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama"; Florence, Alabama, Country Lane Printing, 1997 (pp 147-148).


In the 1830 Lauderdale Co census Anderson Porter was listed as follow: 2m 20-30, 1m 60-70; 1f 15-20, 3f 20-30, 1f 60-70, 1 slave.

Walter Palmore noted that Hugh Porter was listed in the 1840 Lauderdale Co Al census on page 116 (43) as follow: 0201101-0111101. Andrew Porter was list as follow in the 1840 census 0001010001-0000001001.

A transcription of the 1850 Lauderdale County, Alabama census shows the following:

#340/340 Hugh Porter60 M Frmr $1,200 S.C. Sarah " 50 FS.C. Rebecca "28 F S.C. Wesley"22 M LaborerS.C. John"17 M " S.C. Cynthia"14 F S.C.

#341/341 Andrew Porter27 M " S.C. Francis "28 F Sarah 5 F Ala. Martha 3 F Ala. Mary11/12 Ala.

Wallace Palmore [WEPALM@lorettotel.net], in an email dated 13 July 2001 writes that in "The Heritage of Lauderdale County, Alabama," on page 391, it has that Simathy E Porter was the daughter of Hugh Porter and Sarah C Bowie. It also states that she married Francis (sic) H McGwier.... he added that F H and Cynthia E McGuire are buried in the Portertown Cemetery. Also buried in this cemetery is H Porter 12 June 1791-12 Feb 1855 and Sarah Porter 22 Aug 1793- 9 May 1869. Also buried in this cemetery is one of Wm R McGuire's son and some of my Johnston family.

Hugh married Sarah C. Bowie on 19 Sep 1814. Sarah was born on 22 Aug 1793 in South Carolina; died on 9 May 1869 in Rogersville, Lauderdale County, Alabama; was buried in Portertown Cemetery, Lexington, Lauderdale County, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: C.A. Howard. C.A. was born between 1792 and 1805; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From the 1850 census

#334/334 C.B. ? Porter51 M CumPresPreacher?S.C. Easter "54 FS.C. Eliza21 FAla Mary19 FAla Nancy17 FAla Franklin14 MAla

Family/Spouse: Easter ???. Easter was born about 1796; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1850 Lauderdale County, Alabama Census

#315/315 Rebecca Porter 70 F $150 N.C. Andrew 46 M Laborer S.C. Mary50 FS.C. Could this be her?

Notes:

William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through the Past - People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama; Florence Alabama, Country Lane Printing, 1997

Chapter 35 Early East Lauderdale County Pg. 147-8 Lexington, Dugout, Porter Town, Belew and Cotton Gin

Porter Town was also north of Lexington and near Dugout. It was named for several Porter families who settled here from Abbeville, South Carolina, during the 1820s. Hugh and Sarah Bowie Porter were born in the early 1790s. Their son, James Gleen Porter, established a grist mill and blacksmith shop in this community. Hugh's nephew, Washington Porter, was also here as well as a widow, Rebecca Porter, who was born in 1790 in North Carolina. Her son, Andrew was a native of South Carolina.


From the 1850 Census:

#335/335 James G. Porter35 M BlacksmithS.C. Elizabeth "25 FTN John" 7 MAla Samuel " 5 MAla Dorcis Brown20 FAla

From the 1866 Tax List*:

Porter, James G.65.35


From the 1870 Lauderdale County Census:

#232-224 Porter,James,55,M,W, Farmer,400,275,North Carolina Porter, Bettie,43,F,Alabama Porter, Sam,20,M,Farm Hand, Alabama


Melinda,

I can account for one of the families listed on the 1850 Census you mentioned:

James Glen Porter married Elizabeth Johnston 2 Sept 1941 (sic--s/b 1841) in Lauderdale Co. They are the James G. and Elizabeth (Children John and Samuel) you found on the census. He was a Blacksmith. He contracted some disease of the eyes and was blind or nearly blind, as I understand, at his death. He was a son of Hugh and Sarah Porter of Union Co., SC. There is a picture of your husband's ancestor in a book called "I'm from Lexington; Alabama Reunion 1989" by Fred Johnson. The photo is a family group of the children of Hugh and Sarah taken in 1901. It was locally published and sold so I don't know who widely available it might be. If you cannot find it I can scan the already poor photo published therein and send a .jpg file of it to you.

I have not traced this family. She is an Aunt in my Johnston lineage. I do not know who Hugh's parent's were.

Dave Johnston [davensjohnston@sprintmail.com]


*1866 TAX LIST ? Copyright 1993, 1999, Pat M. Mahan This book is actually entitled "Assessment of Taxes on Real Estate and Personal Property In the County of Lauderdale for the Year 1866," and measures 17 inches by 23 inches CLOSED. It is in very bad shape. The front cover is missing, and so are some of the pages. It is also possible that some of the precincts are missing. The pages are not numbered, so it was not possible to determine if this were the case. The first two pages are torn, but there are no names on them. There are 83 columns, stretching across two sheets. Personal property is divided into several categories, which included libraries over $300; vehicles not exclusively used for agricultural purposes; jewelry plate and silverware; pianos and other musical instruments. Each Beat or Precinct is in alpha order. The A through G names in the Florence Beat are missing. And any "H" names, prior to Mrs. H. G. Hardy are missing. The remaining Beats or precincts that are listed appear to be complete. The initials "F. M." following a name appear to stand for Free Man. The four columns presented here are:
(1) - Lands, Number of acres
(2) - Town Properties, Number of lots
(3) - Total tax on Real Estate
(4) - Number of Male Inhabitants between 18 and 50 years of age
at $2.00 tax per number.

Porter, Chas. W.33.181 Porter, Andrew80.14 Porter, John F.68.351 Porter, James G.65.35 Porter, W. R.58.35 Porter, A. S.55012.80 Porter, Wm. D.1

James married Elizabeth Johnston on 2 Sep 1841 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Elizabeth was born about 1825 in Tennessee; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married E.A "Bettie" Davis after 1843. E.A was born after 1815; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rebecca married Green B. Davis on 5 Dec 1850. Green was born on 20 May 1822; died on 4 Mar 1896. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Andrew Eli worked as a plantation overseer until the War Between the States. He joined the 16th Alabama Infantry on August 6, 1861, which was under General Zollikoffer's command. He either died of exposure, disease, or was killed in battle.

1866 TAX LIST ? Copyright 1993, 1999, Pat M. Mahan This book is actually entitled "Assessment of Taxes on Real Estate and Personal Property In the County of Lauderdale for the Year 1866," and measures 17 inches by 23 inches CLOSED. It is in very bad shape. The front cover is missing, and so are some of the pages. It is also possible that some of the precincts are missing. The pages are not numbered, so it was not possible to determine if this were the case. The first two pages are torn, but there are no names on them. There are 83 columns, stretching across two sheets. Personal property is divided into several categories, which included libraries over $300; vehicles not exclusively used for agricultural purposes; jewelry plate and silverware; pianos and other musical instruments. Each Beat or Precinct is in alpha order. The A through G names in the Florence Beat are missing. And any "H" names, prior to Mrs. H. G. Hardy are missing. The remaining Beats or precincts that are listed appear to be complete. The initials "F. M." following a name appear to stand for Free Man. The four columns presented here are:
(1) - Lands, Number of acres
(2) - Town Properties, Number of lots
(3) - Total tax on Real Estate
(4) - Number of Male Inhabitants between 18 and 50 years of age
at $2.00 tax per number.

Porter, Chas. W.33.181 Porter, Andrew80.14 Porter, John F.68.351 Porter, James G.65.35 Porter, W. R.58.35 Porter, A. S.55012.80 Porter, Wm. D.1

Note two Andrew's are taxed. Could one be the estate of Andrew Eli? He himself was died prior to 1866.

(Research):He died during the Civil War.

Andrew married Frances A. Davis on 5 Jun 1845 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Frances was born after 1821; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Catherine married John Harrison Belew on 30 Oct 1844 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. John was born on 13 Dec 1824 in Lauderdale County, Alabama; died on 20 Mar 1873 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Florence Times, 20 Jul 1906, p. 7 Lexington ....The Death Angel visited in our midst on the 2d day of this month and claimed for its victim Aunt Jane Davis after a lingering illness of six weeks, at the advanced age of 81 years. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at about 12 years of age, and since that time she has lived a consisitant member of that church.

She leaves seven children, four sons and three daughters. Mr. T. C. DAVIS of this community, Mr. John DAVIS of Tennesee, Mr. J. H. DAVIS of Loretta, Tenn., Mr. Wesley DAVIS of Center Star, Ala., Mrs. Fannie ALLEN of Arkdell, Ala., Misses Mary and Sallie DAVIS of this place.

She also leaves one brother and three sisters. Mrs. Rebecca DAVIS, Mrs. Katherine BELEW, Mrs. Cyntha McGUIRE, and Mr. John PORTER, all of whom are living near Lexington except Mrs. Rebecca DAVIS of Florence. Aunt Jane was a quiet follower of the Lord. Her mind was centered on things heavenly and divine. It was sweet to converse with her. It would attract any one's mind heavenward and make them think of how they should live to reach that home of rest. To the bereaved we extend our heartfelt sympathy.... ==================== 1870 Cen Laud Co Al [by Warren, p. 7] hh # 279/279 DAVIS, Thomas 48 m w farmer AL ", Jane 42 f w keeps hou AL ", Wesley 19 m w farms AL ", Mary 17 f w at home AL ", Jane 15 f w at home AL ", Hughey 15 m w farms AL ", John W. 10 m w farms AL ", James 8 m w AL ", Harrison 7 m w AL ", Andrew 6 m w AL ", Robert 5 m w AL ", Cyntha 3 f w AL ", Frank 1 m w AL (should be Frances (f) see 1880 census - Fannie Allen]

The son, "Hughy" - Wiley Hugh "Bud" Davis died in 1891. He is our direct ancestor.

P McDonald [mmcdonald3@houston.rr.com]

Jane married James Thomas Davis on 12 Nov 1849 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. James was born on 13 Feb 1823 in Alabama; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1866 TAX LIST ? Copyright 1993, 1999, Pat M. Mahan This book is actually entitled "Assessment of Taxes on Real Estate and Personal Property In the County of Lauderdale for the Year 1866," and measures 17 inches by 23 inches CLOSED. It is in very bad shape. The front cover is missing, and so are some of the pages. It is also possible that some of the precincts are missing. The pages are not numbered, so it was not possible to determine if this were the case. The first two pages are torn, but there are no names on them. There are 83 columns, stretching across two sheets. Personal property is divided into several categories, which included libraries over $300; vehicles not exclusively used for agricultural purposes; jewelry plate and silverware; pianos and other musical instruments. Each Beat or Precinct is in alpha order. The A through G names in the Florence Beat are missing. And any "H" names, prior to Mrs. H. G. Hardy are missing. The remaining Beats or precincts that are listed appear to be complete. The initials "F. M." following a name appear to stand for Free Man. The four columns presented here are:
(1) - Lands, Number of acres
(2) - Town Properties, Number of lots
(3) - Total tax on Real Estate
(4) - Number of Male Inhabitants between 18 and 50 years of age
at $2.00 tax per number.

Porter, Chas. W.33.181 Porter, Andrew80.14 Porter, John F.68.351 Porter, James G.65.35 Porter, W. R.58.35 Porter, A. S.55012.80 Porter, Wm. D.1

Family/Spouse: Margaret Emily McGuire. Margaret (daughter of William D. McGwier and Margaret Elizabeth Guill) was born on 14 Feb 1826 in Tennessee; died on 3 Dec 1890; was buried in Portertown Cemetery, Lexington, Lauderdale County, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Simanthy married Frederick Hugh McGuire on 24 Dec 1858. Frederick (son of William D. McGwier and Margaret Elizabeth Guill) was born on 25 Jul 1820 in Tennessee; died on 28 Jan 1888 in Alabama; was buried in Portertown Cemetery, Lexington, Lauderdale County, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John Fletcher, was a miller and he also made tombstones from limestone taken from the bluffs of Second Creek.

1866 TAX LIST ? Copyright 1993, 1999, Pat M. Mahan This book is actually entitled "Assessment of Taxes on Real Estate and Personal Property In the County of Lauderdale for the Year 1866," and measures 17 inches by 23 inches CLOSED. It is in very bad shape. The front cover is missing, and so are some of the pages. It is also possible that some of the precincts are missing. The pages are not numbered, so it was not possible to determine if this were the case. The first two pages are torn, but there are no names on them. There are 83 columns, stretching across two sheets. Personal property is divided into several categories, which included libraries over $300; vehicles not exclusively used for agricultural purposes; jewelry plate and silverware; pianos and other musical instruments. Each Beat or Precinct is in alpha order. The A through G names in the Florence Beat are missing. And any "H" names, prior to Mrs. H. G. Hardy are missing. The remaining Beats or precincts that are listed appear to be complete. The initials "F. M." following a name appear to stand for Free Man. The four columns presented here are:
(1) - Lands, Number of acres
(2) - Town Properties, Number of lots
(3) - Total tax on Real Estate
(4) - Number of Male Inhabitants between 18 and 50 years of age
at $2.00 tax per number.

Porter, Chas. W.33.181 Porter, Andrew80.14 Porter, John F.68.351 Porter, James G.65.35 Porter, W. R.58.35 Porter, A. S.55012.80 Porter, Wm. D.1

From the 1870 Lauderdale census:

Township 1, Range 8

#230-222 Porter, John, 35,M,W,Farmer,500,300,Alabama Porter, Nancy, 25,F,W,Alabama Porter, John P, 5,M,Alabama Porter, Henry,2,M,Alabama Porter, James,3/12,M,born in April, Alabama

Family/Spouse: Nancy J. Davis. Nancy was born about 1845; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]