Benjamin Register

Extract from "The Registers And Our Kin," by Lamar Wells, Gateway Press, INC., Baltimore, 1989.

Benjamin Register is the progenitor of all the Registers and their kin mentioned in this book. Spouses of his descendants may or may not have been his descendants. In many cases they were.
He was a Revolutionary War soldier after all his children were born. He owned a considerable amount of land. His name is mentioned several times in land records as the buyer and sometimes the seller.
Land records show that there were five other Registers that lived in the area with him before his children were born. They were John, William, Thomas, Joseph, and Silas. I believe they were all brothers. One of them may have been father to the rest. It has been told that there was another, named David, that was the father of Jesse, who ran away as a teenager and went to South Carolina for awhile and went from there to Laurnes co., Georgia, area. In all my research, the only mention of David that I have found is that he is the father of Jesse in "Pioneers of Wiregrass, Georgia," by Huxford. I believe that there was one by that name.
Several sources have said that Benjamin had a son by named William. I could be mistaken, though. He would have been born between 1760 and 1764.

Children:
1. John Register, b. about 1760, d. about 1835, m. Dorcas Rowell Nov. 16, 1781. She was b. about 1763, d. about 1810. Note: Benjamin Register was the 5th Great Grandfather of Merle Anita (Young) Coleman; Benjamin's son , John b. 1760, was her 4th Great Grandfather.
2. Silas Register, b. 1761, d. before 1811, m. unknown.
3. Thomas Register, b. 1766, wife unknown.
4. Benjamin Register, Jr., b. 1770, wife unknown.
5. Joseph Register, b. in the 1770's, wife unknown.
6. Mary Register, b. 1776, m. James Cook who would have been considerably older than she as there are land records concerning him before her birth."

John Register

Extract from "The Registers And Our Kin," by Lamar Wells, Gateway Press, INC., Baltimore, 1989.

"John Register, said to be a Revolutionary War soldier, was born about 1760, son of Bejamin Register, a proven Revolutionary soldier. John was married on Nov. 16, 1781 in Duplin co., NC, to Dorcas Rowell, born in 1763 in the same county and died 1810. He moved with his family to Bulloch co., GA. area, and after his wife died, he went to Laurens co., GA. area, and died there in 1835. To John and Dorcas were born:

CHILDREN:
1. Nancy Register, b. 1782, d. 1873, m. William Tomlinson, b. 1781, d. 1866.
2. Unity Regster, b. about 1783, m. Edward Mathis.
3. Sallie Register, b. Sept. 11, 1785, d. 11867, m. John Bennett who d. May 11, 1849.
4. Samuel Register, b. Dec. 1, 1786, d. Apr. 8, 1869, m. Elizabeth Skinner, b. Apr. 5, 1789, d. Aug. 20, 1871.
Note: Samuel and Elizabeth (Skinner) Register were the parents of William Register b. 1814, and were the 3rd Great Grandparents of Merle Anita (Young) Coleman of Clinch co., GA.
5. William Register, b. 1787, d. 1848, m. Ricy Johnson, b. about 1790, d. about 1840.
6. Mary Register, b. 1796, d. 1876, m. Samuel Griffis.
7. Abraham Register, b. Oct. 21, 1800, d. Nov. 1872, m1st. Mary Stewart, b. 1804, d. 1855, Feb. 3, 1825, m2nd. Sarah Ann Tyre, b. 1832, d. 1910, Dec. 23, 1858.


John Register evidently went to Laurens co., GA., area because he had cousins living there, the details of which have not yet been established. I think it is fairly obvious that John Register after his wife Dorcas died in 1810, first went to Sampson county, N.C. to visit his father Benjamin. It was the next year, 1811, that Benjamin wrote his will and made John co-executor of his will with John Bryan. How long he remained in North Carolina before he went to Laurens county, Georgia, I don't know.

Marriage Bond of John Register and Dorcas Rowell16 Nov 1781 State of N. Carolina, Duplin County:
Know all men by these presents that we John Register and Benja Register all of the county aforesaid held firmly-bound unto his excellancy the Gov. in the just and full sum of five hundred pounds current money to be paid to said governor or his successors in office to which payment will and truely be made we bind ourselves our Heirs, Executors and Admin" jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated this 16th day of Nov. 1781.The condition of the above obligation is such that wheras the said John Register above bound hath the day and date hereof made application to this office for licens of marriage between him and Dorcas Rowell of the said county singlewoman and hath obtained the same. Now if therefore it shall happen at any time hereafter that there is any lawful cause or just impediment to obstruct the said marriage then the above to be void or free to stand & remain in full force power and virtue.

Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of John Register (Seal)
Benja Register (Seal)
Wm. Dukson C.C.

Samuel Register

Extract from "The Registers And Our Kin," by Lamar Wells, Gateway Press, Inc., Baltimore, 1989.


Samuel Register, son of John and Dorcas, was born in Sampson county, NC., Dec. 1, 1786, and died at his home in Clinch county, GA., April 8, 1869. He was married in April 1806 to Miss Elizabeth Skinner, native of South Carolina where she was born April 5, 1789. She died at her home in Clinch county, August 20, 1871. Her parents are thought to have been Edward and Anna Skinner who lived in Darlington District, SC. That her mother was certainly Mrs. Anna Skinner is evidenced by the fact that she made a deed of gift to home-place of 150 acres and her personal property in Bulloch county, GA. to her son, Randall Skinner, January 4, 1828 (deed book "A", page 525, Bulloch county). Randall Skinner was a known brother of Grandmother Register and was born in 1802 and moved down to this section before 1830 and lived and died in Clinch county. He is the ancestor of te Skinners of South Georgia and a good many of the name in Florida.

Children:

1. Zilpha Register, b. Feb. 4, 1807, m. John Tomlinson (1st cousin).
2. Eady (Edith) Register, b. Mar. 1, 1809, m. Thomas Mathis of Berrien co.
3. Guilford Register, b. Jan. 7, 1811, m. Pricilla Ann DeVane.
4. David Register, b. Apr. 10, 1813, m. Matilda McDaniel of Bulloch co.
5. William Register, b. Sept. 24, 1814, m. Luraney Harnage from Liberty co.
Note: William Register was the father of Samuel W. Register and 2d Great Grandfather of Merle Anita (Young) Coleman of Clinch co.,GA.
6. John Register, June 10, 1819, m1st. Elizabeth Cowart, m2nd. Mary Ann Fiveash.
7. Rebecca Register, b. Apr. 5, 1821, m. Hillery Cowart of Echols co.
8. Phoebe Register, b. Aug. 15, 1823, m. Zachariah Lee of Clinch co.
9. Jincy Register, b. June 15, 1824, m. Moses C. Lee of Berrien co.
10. Ivy Register, b. Apr. 22, 1825, m1st. Leta Lee, m2nd. Lavinia Arold, no issue.
11. Samuel E. Register, b. Sept. 16, 1826, m1st. Seneth Lee, m2nd. Mary Hutto, m3rd. Josephine Guthrie, lived in Berrien co.
12. Elizabeth Register, b. Aug. 21, 1828, m. William Patten of present Lanier co.
13. Reubin Register, b. Nov. 25, 1830, m. Harriet Brown, lived in present Berrien co.
14. Martha Register, b. Dec. 18, 1831, m. Hillery P. Mathis of present Lanier co.



It is not known just where Samuel and Elizabeth Register were married. It is known that the Register family was in Bulloch county at the time of the marriage of his sister, Nancy, to William Tomlinson in 1804 (that marriage being of record there). It is possible that the marriage of Samuel took place there and that the license was never recorded, or, it may have taken place in the adjoining county of Burke (where a large Skinner family lived), the records of Burke having been burned about 1856-58. The court records of Bulloch show that Samuel Register served as a grand juror and as a petit juror at various terms of the Superior Court prior to 1824. No deeds appear of record there to show he was a land-owner there. He moved from Bulloch to Appling county in either 1824 or 1825. He lived there until about 1826, when he moved to Lowndes county and settled in the 10th land district, near the present town of Ray City in present Berrien county, and on a farm in recent years the home-place of the late J.S. "Dock" Shaw. The 1827 Land Lottery showed that he registered to participate in it, as a resident of the 10th district of Lowndes, and was classified as "soldier," thus denoting he had taken part in the War of 1812 ("soldiers" were entitled to free draws in the lottery). About 1840-42, he sold out his home-place referred to above and moved to where the town of Stockton now stands, and acquired lot of land No. 500, 11th district. (This territory was taken out of Lowndes in 1850 and put into the new county of Clinch, and in 1920 was cut out of Clinch into Lanier county.) The deed records do not show anything about the ownership of this lot of land prior to 1860. The town of Stockton was laid out of a portion of Lot 500, by Grandfather Samuel Register, as soon as it became a certainty the new railroad would be built through there from Savannah to Thomasville. He named it "Registerville," but the railroad people changed the name to "Stockton" by 1860, in honor of one of their contractors, a Mr. Stockton, who had charge of the road construction. The railroad was first known as the "Atlantic & Gulf Railroad" and is now the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Three or four deeds are on record from Grandfather Register to lots in "Registerville" but the deeds to other town lots have either never been recorded or if recorded, the record was burned when the Clinch county courthouse was burned in 1867 and all records lost. The map prepared for "Registerville" is also lost. A description of the new town of Stockton is found in a news item published in "The Savannah Morning News" of Savannah, in its issue of April 6, 1860:
" A writer in the Thomasville Watchman gives an account of his trip over the Atlantic & Gulf to Stockton, the present terminus of the road, and compliments of Capt. T.J. Naylor, the conductor of the train. The writer was struck with Stockton which he describes as a brisk little place with its hotel and livery stable, to say nothing of its numerous refreshment saloons. The writer said he found 120 bales of cotton awaiting shipment over the road, together with much other freight."
Living on the railroad apparently did not suit Grandfather and Grandmother Register, as they moved from there about 1863-4, to Lot of Land 230, 12th district of Clinch county, which was located about two miles from where their son, William Register, was living at the time. They later lived four or five miles south of old "Magnolia," the former county seat of Clinch. It was there that the old couple spent their last days in quietude, honored and beloved by their large family of fourteen grown children and an ever-increasing circle of grandchildren, and revered and respected by their neighbors.
The first of the fourteen children to die was the daughter, Eady. She had journeyed to Clinch from her home in Berrien county, to visit her aged parents, being called there by the enfeebled condition of her father. Soon after arriving there, she herself was taken sick with a cold which developed rapidly into pneumonia, and she died on the 10th of February, 1869. Her short illness and untimely death bowed her parents with grief. Her father could not long survive the shock, and himself died two months later, the 9th of April.
Grandfather Register acquired lot of land No. 230 aforesaid, from his brother, Abraham, by deed July 13, 1853; and on Oct. 25, 1853, he bought adjoining Lot 275 from the Hon. James W. Staten. He owned these two lots until he died. On Dec. 2, 1869, all the heirs, except Mrs. Jincy Lee and Samuel E. Register, met at the old home of their deceased father, and made arrangements for the care of their mother and disposition of the estate property. The son, William, agreed to take care of his old mother, and support her, and a short instrument to that effect was drawn up and signed. The home-place lot 230 was deeded him for $572.00 Lot 275 was deed to the son, Guilford. Grandmother Register joined in the execution of the instruments which were sent to the two absent children, and signed by them. Thomas Mathis signed for himself and the children of his deceased wife, Eady.
So far as is known, Samuel Register never united with any church. His wife was a faithful member of the Primitive Baptist Church for over forty years prior to her death. She first united with the Fellowship Baptist Church in Appling county; and on Sept. 13, 1828, was received by letter from that church into Union Church. She remained a member there until April 10, 1841, when she , with others, was dismissed by letter and entered into the organization of Wayfare Church in May 1841. She was granted a letter of dismissal from Wayfare Jan. 6, 1855, but came back by letter Sept. 5, 1868, and died a member. Where her membership was from 1855 to 1868 has not yet been ascertained."

William Register

EXTRACT from pages eight thru nine of "The Register Family Magazine," (date published unknown)

WILLIAM REGISTER, 1814-1893, Son of Samuel And Elizabeth
"William Register was born in Bulloch County,(Georgia) Sept. 29, 1814. He was the third son of Grandfather Samuel and Elizabeth, his wife. He was 10-11 years old when his parents moved to Lowndes now Berrien County. He was married May 24, 1838, to Miss Luraney Harnage. She was a native of Liberty County, where her father, Jacob Harnage, had died a few years before (1831). The estate records in Liberty County show that her brother, Isaac Harnage, became her guardian and qualified as such September 3, 1832, also he became guardian at the same time for her sisters, Winnifred and Elizabeth. When Isaac and family moved to Ware County (territory now in Clinch County) about 1835, he brought his sisters or wards with him. Winnifred later married George B. Williamson of Ware County (Georgia), and Luraney married William Register; we are unable to learn what became of Elizabeth. Mrs. Luraney Register was born in Liberty County (Georgia), March 1st, 1818, and was therefore 20 years old when she married. To her and William Register were born eleven children, viz:"
CHILDREN:
1. Samuel W., b. Aug. 5, 1839, m. Mary Stanford, dau. of David.
Note: Samuel W. Register was the maternal Great Grandfather of Merle Anita Young of Clinch co., GA.
2. John Taylor, b. Feb. 10, 1841, m. 1st. Sarah Stalvey, dau. of Benj., 2nd Katie O'Kane, dau. of James O'Kane.
3. Guilford A., b. Apr. 13, 1842, m. Rachel E. Hughes, dau. of William.
4. Oliver Perry, b. Jan. 22, 1844, m. Mary Clifton, dau. of Ezekiel.
5. Abraham R., b. Feb. 8, 1846, m. Elizabeth Stalvey, daughter of Benjamin.
6. Harris, b. July 31, 1848, died Nov. 5, 1852.
7. Mary E., b. Nov. 26, 1850, m. 1st. E.B. Allen, 2nd J.D. Weaver. No Issue.
8. Martha, b. July 22, 1853, m. Ezekiel S. Sirmans, no surviving issue.
9. Moses C., b. Oct. 1, 1855, m. Annis Tomlinson, dau. of Sherod.
10. Orren, b. Mar. 15, 1858, m. Victoria Burkhalter, dau. of James M.
11. William J., b. Oct. 23, 1860, m. Eliza Stalvey, dau of Benjamin.



Obituary/Biography:
The following obituary of William Register, 1814-1893, was published in the "Valdosta Times," newspaper, on October, 7, 1893 and was reprinted in the "Register Family Magazine."


Obituary of William Register, "Valdosta Times," October 7, 1893.
"Mr. William Register passed away Sept. 4, at the age of 79 years, having been born in Bulloch County, Ga., Sept. 29, 1814. When a boy, he removed with his parents to Cat Creek, Lowndes County, where he resided for a number of years, and then moved near where Stockton is now; his father once owned the entire landed interest where that town is now situated. While his father resided there, the subject of this sketch united in marriage with Miss Luraney Harnage of Lowndes County, who still survives, Rev. William A. Knight, officiating. After his marriage, William and his young wife located one mile west of where DuPont is now located. While living there he enlisted in the Seminole War as a private under the command of Zachery Taylor, where he remained on and off duty until the close. During the time, he displayed wonderful courage equal to the bravest; not only in the engagements, but as a scout, was most remarkably alert. Many were the successes attained by Taylor's command. Mr. Register with others, opened and cut the first public road penetrating the wilds of South Florida where not only the savage man but the more savage beasts were ever hiding to surprise the unsuspecting pioneer. He too was one of the brave little band of twenty-five who so bravely put to flight the hostile tribe of Indians from what is now known as Indian Hammock on the Suwannoochee Creek. Many noble acts of heroism, privation, and peril characterized this little band of braves."
"After the close of the war with the Seminoles, Mr. Register moved twelve miles south of where DuPont now is, where he lived until his death on the 4th of Sept. 1893, covering a period of 48 years. In 1849, he received a sunstroke which rendered him a comparative invalid the remainder of his life. He raised an interesting family of nine sons and two daughters, all of whom survive him; also his descendants are numerous, leaving 71 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, most of them now living in this section. Five of his sons enlisted ( also as did their father for a short while) in the late war and remained until its close, and remarkable as it seems, only two were wounded and none killed or died."
"Mr. Register was a farmer and stockraiser by profession. In both he was eminently successful, and before his death had accumulated quite a fortune. For twenty years or more he was a faithful member of the Primitive Baptist Church and his remains now rest beside his father and a sister, from their toils, under the shades in Wayfare Church cemetery in Echols County. Honesty, integrity, and truth nobly followed him everywhere and in all his dealings; and he bequeaths not only to his children his earthly inheritance but a life pure as pure can be and as spotless as the glittering gems of paradise. His sons are industrious, useful, and noble examples of integrity, one of them, Samuel W. Register, now being the efficient clerk of the Superior Court of Clinch County."
"In closing this sketch, it seems proper to say that in the death of Mr. Register this county (Clinch) and southeast Georgia loses one of its best citizens __ that class or school of citizens or men who make any country. He has nobly done his part in the advancement of the material prosperity and development of this part of Georgia. His career antedates that of railroads in this section; they were hardly dreamed of. Commerce and trade was carried on by wagons and carts with Darien, old Center Village and a few other minor places. Justice was bi-annually dispensed at old Magnolia, now an old field of pine saplings. Men were honest and their words were gilt-edge security, shin-plasters plentiful __ then indeed, it is sad to see the virtuous of these good old times pass away to the "silent land of sleepers" when we see so few of them left to relate the history of such times."
"A a son, Mr. Register was dutiful; as a father, he was affectionate; as a husband, loving; as a citizen, brother and neighbor, obliging and true. Let us ever cherish his memory and endeavor to emulate his noble examples."
Homerville, Ga., Sept. 24, 1893 _A FRIEND.

Samuel W. Register

Biographical Data:

OCCUPATION: Justice of the Peace, Mayor & member of Board of Education.

MILITARY: Confederate Veteran, Company G, 50th Georgia Infantry Regiment.

MARRIAGE: Married 18 Aug 1859 to Mary Stanford, d/o David and Agnes (Akins)Stanford, natives of Bullock county, Georgia.

Samuel W. Register: b. 5 Aug 1839, Clinch co., GA._d. 17 May 1908 ; son of William Register and Luraney Harnage. Married Mary Stanford, b. 11 Dec 1840,Lowndes co., GA. _d. 7 Sep. 1915 ; daughter of David Stanford and Agnes Atkins.

CHILDREN:
Delia Register, b. 17 Mar 1861 m. Nov 13 1902 to Eli J. FutchSalena
Victoria Register,b.16 Apr 1868 m. Feb 28 1864 to Mitchel H. Hilliard.
Malinda Register, b. 13 Jun 1870 m. Feb 7, 1889 to James Stewart Bennett.
Henrietta Register, b. 18 Feb 1872 m. Jan 28, 1902 to Harlan McLain(McLean)
Augustus Otis Register, b. 20 Nov 1872 m.1st:Apr 14, 1898 to Margaret Inman.
Note: Augustus Otis Register was the father of Mary Belle (Register) Young and the maternal grandfather of Merle Anita (Young) Coleman.
Lillie Jeanette Register, b. 25 Apr 1876 m. Aug 26,1896 to Henry J. Griffis
Meddie Delphia Register, b. 5 Jan 1878 m.1st:Jun 15,1897 to David E. Kirkland
Effie Evelyn Register, b. 16 Jun 1879 m. Jul 17,1904 to Julian E. Jordan
Julia M. Register, b. 15 Jul 1881 d. 21 Oct 1881
Bertha C. Register, b. 2 Aug 1882 m.1st:Jul 31,1898 to Levi Stokes Malone


BIOGRAPHY:
Samuel W. Register was a life-long resident of Clinch county, Georgia and lived in the Withers(1365th) district of Clinch county until 1893 when heremoved to Homerville where he lived until his death. When the Civil War came on, he volunteered May 1, 1862. in Company "G," 50th Georgia Regiment, which was a company made up of Clinch county men and was mustered in at Homerville May 1st, 1862. He served throughout the war, and lost three fingers on his left hand in the Battle of Manasses, Virginia, August 30, 1862. He was paroled in Virginia in April 1865, and returned to his home in Clinch county. In the next county election in January, 1866, he was elected tax collector of Clinch county, and served 1866-1868. When the first Board of Education of Clinch county was set up in 1872, he was appointed by the grand jury as a member, and served four years. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the newly-formed 1365th (Withers) district in 1885, and served in that office until 1890 when he resigned. He was defeated in January,1891, for clerk of superior court; he was the Democratic nominee, but was defeated by the incumbent, W.A. Ecord, who was the Populist nominee. But two years later, he was the Democratic nominee and defeated his Populist opponent by a vote of 326 to 162. He assumed office about two weeks later, and by continuous re-elections held the office until his death the 17th of May, 1908, having held the office longer than any other incumbent in the county's history. Mr. Register was a member of the Masonic fraternity for over fifty years at his death, and had a distinguished service in the order. He first received his Masonic degrees in Stockton Lodge, No. 266, at Stockton, in 1867, and in that lodge served in the offices of junior deacon 1869, 1870, 1871, and senior warden 1872, 1873. Then after that lodge was dissolved about 1876, he affiliated with Cassia Lodge No. 224 at Homerville, Sept. 27, 1879, and there served as senior deacon in 1885, and as worshipful master four years, viz.,1887, 1888, 1889, 1891.
About that time a movement was launched to organize a lodge at DuPont, which was much nearer to his home, and he entered in as a charter member Oct 27, 1892. The next year he became worshipful master and served 1893, 1894, 1895, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900. Due to advancing age he thereafter declined any further office but was a frequent attendant in the meetings until his death. The Masonic funeral service was conducted at the grave when he was buried, a large concourse of Masons from both the Homerville and DuPont lodges attending. He was not a member of any church. Mr. Register served as mayor of his town, Homerville, in 1906 and 1907.

Source: Register Family Association; Rt.4, Box 818, Palatka, Florida,

Jose D. Perez-Gomez

Patriot, Railroadman, Promotor, Agriculturist And Senator

Biography from "Honduras," an English-Spanish trade magazine published in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, written in 1930.

Nephew of the famous generalissimo and "Grand Old Man" of Cuba, Maximo Gomez,the subject of this biography Jose Perez Gomez came to Honduras in the year 1881, on a visit with his uncle Maximo to stir up propaganda in favor of the Cuban Revolution. After exerting his every effort in favor of his native country he finally decided to settle in Honduras to which end he married the charming Miss Paulina Follin from which union were born nine children, as follows: Carlos, Alonso, Francisco, Lisandro, Antonia (now married to Mr. John Coleman), Leonela, Dolores (today the beautiful wife of Mr. Jose Maria Zepeda), Zoila, Angelina, and Celia. During the early years of his residence in this country, he was in the employof the railroad, later on he decided to strike out for himself in agriculture,(bananas cultivation and cattle breeding), and today he is the proud owner of one of the finest mixed ranches in the country. Still later on we find him branching out as theatre proprieter having built and is now operating the theatre "Variedades" in the city of San Pedro Sula. In the year 1894, in San Pedro Sula, the Masonic Lodge Eureka No. 5 was founded, and of which Mr. Perez Gomez has several times been Venerable Master,and as a matter of fact he is today the only survivor of the original charter members or founders. In the year 1889, he had the honor to be elected municipal mayor of the city of San Pedro Sula, serving a full term of four years. In Mr. Perez Gomez one finds an energetic worker, a man of strong initiative and brilliant ideas, a man who has proven a success entirely due to his own personal efforts and attention to business.

Cyrena M. McDonald

An Account Of The Allied Family of Cyrena M. McDonald
Of

Clan Donald

Cyrena M. McDonald, born February 16, 1821, was the third great grandmother of Elwood R. Coleman, Jr. on his maternal side of the YOUNG family of Ware and Clinch county, Georgia. She was the daughter of Randall McDonald (son of Donald), born April 24, 1797 on the Isle of Skye, Scotland,(Died December 21, 1864, Ware co., GA.), and Catherine Miller, born December 16, 1799 in Screven co., GA.(Died July 14, 1877, Ware co., GA.) Cyrena M. McDonald married James Inman ,(b. December 10.1814 ),in which issued thirteen children. One of these, James Hershell Inman,(b.12 Nov 1850 in Ware co., GA.), married Isabella Knowels,(b. about 1862), and of this marriage was issue of eight children. One of these, Margaret Cyrena Inman,(b. Jul 1875 in Ware co., GA.), married Augustus Otis Register, (b. 20 Nov 1873 in Clinch co., GA.), and to them were born Mary Belle Register, (b. 2 Oct 1900 in Clinch co., GA.). Mary Belle Register married Peter Lester Young,(b. 5 Jan 1894 in Ware co., GA.), who was the father of Merle Anita Young, mother of Elwood R. Coleman, Jr.

NOTES:
NAME: Also spelled Serina
CENSUS: 1860 Census, Ware county, Georgia. 39 year old female, member of household of James Inman.
1. Ware County, August 17, 1852
Page 267: James Inman to Donald J. McDonald, both of Ware County, 8th District, Lot # 75, for $50. Signed by: James Inman. Witnessed by: D.E. Knoles and John F. Sweat, J.I.C. Rec. 2/25/1876.
(Source: HGSM, Vol XXVI Number 3, page 172)
2. Note: James Inman, grantor, 1814-1897. His first wife Cyrene McDonald was a sister of the grantee, Donald J. McDonald, 1825-1874, (Vol.V). They were children of Dr. Randal McDonald, (Vol. I). James Inman was a son of John Inman, 1775-1845, (Vol. V). Witness, D.E. Knoles same as in the above deed and was first cousin of D.J. McDonald.
(Source: HGSM, Vol XXVI Number 3, page 172)
3. Ware County, October 25, 1847 (?)
Page 291: William A. McDonald to Nathan Brewton, both of Ware County, for
$25, 1/2 (one half) of Lot # 31, 8th District, Ware County, 245 acres, south side of Mill Creek. Signed by: William A. McDnald: Witnessed by: James Fullwood and James Inman, J.I.C. Rec. 2/26/1876.
(Source: HGSM, Vol XXVI Number 3, page 177)


DEATH/BURIAL:
Cyrene Inman, wife of James Inman and daughter of D. R. and Catharine McDonald, was born February 26th 1831 and died in Clinch county, Ga., May 23th 1875. J. R. Booth
SOURCE: DEATH AND OBITUARY NOTICES FROM THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE 1867-1878. Issue of August 18, 1875.




A partial reminiscence of our branch of the Clan Donald. By Angus Robertson MacDonald, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.A. 1902.

John MacDonald, son of Angus, who was son of Samuel, son of James, was born in the year 1749 in the Village of Dalavilla, four miles S.E. of Armadale Castle, the residence of the lords MacDonald on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Of the lineal ancestors named, - Angus, Samuel and James, the writer knows but little. Tradition says that they were rental agents of the lords. It is also said that they rented farming and grazing lands themselves, and sub-rented the same at large profits to themselves. This office our line holds to this day. Tradition also says that James, the last named above was a man of extraordinary size. He was so strong that it is said he could twist the leg bone of an ox into fragments by the strength of his hands. As to the truth of this tradition, "this deponeth saith not".

The said John MacDonald had three sons - Archibald, Angus, and Donald, my father. Archibald remained in Scotland, and his sons went to New South Wales in Australia when the gold mines in that country induced imigration from all civilized countries. We have, for many years, been in correspondence with their children and grand-children, who have uniformly been intelligent and leading citizens of that country, both in Church and State. They and other enterprising Scots were the founders of Presbyterianism in that country. One daughter with her husband went to Nova Scotia. Of them I know nothing more. Two daughters, Mary and Flora, married in Scotland, but their descendants are now in New South Wales and New Zealand. The father, my grand-father, John MacDonald, his two sons, Angus and Donald (my father), and his daughter, Mrs. Sarah McGillivray, came to America in 1799. They crossed the Atlantic in a sailing ship, and were three months on the water before reaching Wilmington, N. C.

They came up the Cape Fear River to Cross-Creek, now Fayetteville, in a pole boat, that being the kind of craft that plied the rivers. from Cross Creek they went north to Moore County, and bought land near Deep River. He died there in the 54th year of his age. Mrs. Sarah McGillivray died in Moore County, leaving three sons and three daughters. John, Alexander and Donald; Jeanette, Margaret and Nancy. John was a merchant at Newnan, Coweta County, Ga. He then went to Sylvan Hill in Hancock County; there he married, and finally went to Texas, where he and his wife died, leaving a refined daughter, his only heir.

Jeanette married Alexander Johnston. They came to Sylvan Hill, Ga. but went from there to Milledgeville to educate their only child, John, who died there during his collegiate course. The parents then went back to Moore County, N.C., where they died.Alexander married a Miss Morris, and died leaving a large family.

Margaret died un-married.

Nancy married a Mr. Morris, and died leaving a small family.Donald married Miss Nancy McIver, a lady of great social and moral worth. They have been defrauded out of their portion of the parental estates went to Texas, where they both died.

Angus McDonald.The second son, Angus, first married in Scotland. His first wife died in N.C., leaving one daughter, Janet who married a Mr. Donald Kelley, a man of property and moral worth. The Rev. James Kelly, a Presbyterian preacher, and an eminent educator, of Bladen County, N.C. is a son of his. The highly educated and refined Mary Kelly, who became the wife of my brother-in-law, Robert McCadden, late of New Salem, N.C. was her only daughter. The mother and daughter are both dead. The sons died, all but James, in the civil war.

The second wife of said Angus was Isabella MacDonald, who died leaving two sons and two daughters. The eldest son, John B. married Miss Katherine Worthy, and came to Sumter County, Ga., where by an honest, industrial and economical life, he accumilated a good property. Two of his sons, Angus and Worthy, died in the civil war. He died leaving four sons and four daughters Hugh MacDonald, a prosperous merchant of Atlanta, Ga. John A. MacDonald, a very wealthy farmer and merchant, of Plains, Ga.; Dr. Collons M. MacDonald, late of Leesburg, Ga., and Kenneth M. MacDonald, a large and prosperous planter of Sumter, Ga.; were all sons of the highly esteemed and much missed John B. MacDonald. These four sons inherited largely the lovable characteristics of their lamented father. his living daughters are Mary, the wife of Frank Market, a prosperous farmer of Sumter, Ga., who has raised a large and highly esteemed family; and Misses Lizzie and Maggie, who are yet unmarried. Their social and christian merits are highly appreciated by their large circle of acquaintances. Flora, the youngest daughter died in early life. Having a kind and social nature, and being a devout christian, her kindred and large circle of warm friends mourned her early departure, but she was too ripe a christian to be left here in a world of sin and sorrow, hence she was taken up to her eternal home in Heaven.

Isabella, the eldest daughter, married Duncan T. McLain, who is a prosperous planter near Herod, Ga. He accumilated a property that amply enabled him to give all of his children a liberal business educaation. He is still living on the farm upon which he made his little fortune by scientific farming. His amiable wife, Isabella, was always of a delicate constitution, and finally succombed to the grim messenger, greatly lamented by all who knew her. She left an indellible impress of her lovely character on the minds of all her children, four of whom are in the spirit world. James, the oldest, was a prosperous farmer, who died leaving a loving young wife and lovely children to mourn their irreparable loss. The bereaved mother is on the rich and well-ordered farm near Herod, making a competency and giving her children a collegiate education.

Kenneth, the next oldest, was given a collegiate education preparatory to his becoming a foreign missionary. He married, went to Siam, and preached to the heathen until the ill health of his wife compelled him to return to America. He preached a few years in the Georgia conference, and died, leaving a widow and son to mourn the death that was to him the gate-way that admitted him into the Celestial City, to be eternally with the Christ whom he ardently loved and served. George was a young man of great promise, but he died in the beginning of a mercantile life in Dawson, Ga.

Annabel, the only daughter, a most charming young lady, received a collegiate education. Her health failed. All that medical skill and travel could do was tried, but after a few years of invalid life her sweet spirit quitted its earthly tenement and was undoubtedly wafted by a convoy of angels to join her sainted mother in Heaven.

William A. the next oldest son was happily married to an Alabama lady of highly cultivated intellect, - a lady well fitted to be a leader in the social and religious world. Mr. McLain is a merchant in Dawson, Ga., and has been almost wonderfully successful in his business. The other sons, Duncan and Robert, are also in a prosperous mercantile business, but are unmarried. The children were all noted for their moral and religious character.

Murdock, the second son of the second wife of my Uncle Angus, came to Talladega, Ala. in early life. There by industry and strict economy he accumulated a competency, married the daughter of Colonel _________. He finally moved to Texas, where as an architect and contractor he made and saved a good property. He died there, leaving a family of whom I know only that two of his sons are now successful merchants at Houston.

Nancy, the eldest daughter of the second wife of Angus, married Angus B. Kelly, of whom I know only that he died in Moore County, N.C., leaving a family, one of whom was a charming daughter named Margaret, who married a man of Statesville, N.C., and that the mother and the rest of the family went to Houston, Texas.

Isabella, the second daughter of the second wife of Angus, was a twin sister of Murdoch, and married a Mr. Daniel Campbell, near the place of her birth. They both died recently, being nearly one hundred years old. They were both of extraordinary notoriety for their moral and religious character. They raised a family that represented them truly. John, the eldest son, married a Miss McRae when very young. He is living at Carthage, the Capital of Moore County, N.C. A son of his, Kenneth a Campbell, is the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Attala, Ala. He married a sister's daughter of Governor Candler, of Georgia. Mary Jane Campbell, the only daughter of said Daniel Campbell, married a Mr. Duncan Sinclair. Of them I know only that they lived a happy and pious life, and are now dead. Of Daniel and Isabella Campbell's other children I know nothing.

Angus MacDonald, of whose descendants I am now writing, married a third time, the name of his wife being Katherine Mathis. His team became frightened and ran over him, he receiving internal injuries, died in a few days. He was a man of great integrity and a successful farmer. He left four sons and three daughters, children of his third wife. Her oldest son, Alexander M. was a successful physician, who accumulated a handsome property by his profession, and died at an old age, unmarried. He lived a pious and consistent life. Archibald, the second son, was respected and loved by all who knew him. He died at the age of eighteen years. The third son, John M. was first a teacher, and afterwards a lawyer in Texas. He married and died in Texas. I know nothing of his family. Ronald, the fourth son, is now an old bachellor of highly appreciated moral and religious character, a successful farmer on the old farmstead.The three daughters by the last marriage were, Mary, Christian and Flora. They died unmarried. Flora died a natural death at middle age. Christian was shot through the head by a negro robber who knew that their brother Ranald, with whom they lived, kept a large sum of money in the house; Christian fell dead on the floor. He shot Mary through the lower jaw and the roof of her mouth and left her for dead, but she lived several years afterwards. This closes what I know of my Uncle Angus and his descendents.

I will now treat of my father, the youngest of those who imigrated to America. From the fact that from early manhood my father was a prominent Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church, he was designated as "Donald MacDonald the Elder". He was born at Dallavilla, near Armadale Castle, in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, about the year 1781. his father sent him away to school at an early age. His education being completed about the age of 21, he obtained a commission as First Lieutenant in Lord MacDonald's first regiment, raised for the protection of the commerce and the royal revenues of Scotland. The head-quarters of the regiment being in the City of Iverness, he there became acquainted with a highly educated and refined lady, Janet Monroe. He secured his discharge from the army, and they married and came to America, as previously stated, and settled in Monroe County and became a farmer, though his mind was so deeply absorbed with the study of the Scriptures, books of theology, church and profane history, that he never accumulated more than a competency. He lived honored and admired by a large circle of devoted friends. He died of inflamation of the stomach and bowells in the year 1844, in the 63rd year of his age. He raised four sons and eight daughters. His first wife died leaving three daughters, Janet, Elizabeth and Flora. Janet, when quite advanced in years, married Daniel Ferguson. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church, and was noted for his high standard of moral character and christian walk and conversation. His ruling passion was to lay up treasures in Heaven, to enjoy when he departed from his tenement of clay several years ago. his wife Janet was to an extraordinary degree self-sacreficing to promote the interest and comfort of her family and friends. She had only two children, John and Betsie Jane. John died bravely fighting for his country in the Civil War. Betsie Jane married a Mr. Monroe, and they are living at Cameron, N.C.Elizabeth married Kenneth McIver, for whom she had two children, John and Katherine. She died much lamented, when they were quite small. Their father was a school teacher, and died many years ago. John died in the Confederate Army. Katherine married Mr. Joel E. Griffith, of Randolph Co., N.C., who came to Union Springs, Ala.., where he now lives on what he accumulated by industry and economy during his more youthful years and vigor. His wife, Katherine, died many years ago at Union Springs, leaving five small daughters, Emma, Jennie, Addie, Lizzie and Katherine. The thoughtful father had these motherless daughters finely educated. Emma, the oldest, is now living in her own plentiful home at Union Springs, the widow of Dr. Thomas Harris. She has three children, two daughters and one son. The other four daughters are unmarried and living with their father.

My father's third daughter, Flora, died at an old age unmarried, at Union Springs. During the Civil was she was robbed of the costly jewelry left her by her mother, and the gold upon which she depended for her support in her old age. This was done by North Carolina mountaineers who sympathized with the North.

Three or four years after the death of my father's first wife he married my mother, Nancy Robertson, the daughter of Daniel Robertson of famously noted ancestors of Skye, Scotland. She died in Asheboro, N.C. in the 99th year of her age. Of her merits, delicacy forbids me to speak. She died singing a hymn beginning with the lines: - "The hour has come, I'm going home, I hear a voice that bids me come." She was the mother of ten children; four sons and six daughters. They are: Mary, John R, Archibald, Angus, Robertson, Nancy, Sarah, Katherine, Isabella, and Donald. Mary, the oldest, died when three years old. John R. the second child, was a mechanic and farmer. He married at the age of forty-five, a widow Goff, who had one daughter. They had three children: Asa, John and Mary Ann. He went to Arkansas, where he died at an old age, an humble and devoted Christian. His son John was a consecrated Christian boy, who craved to get into the Presbyterian ministry, but his hearing was so defective that he could never acquire the necessary education. I know nothing of the whereabouts of the family now.

Archibald, my twin brother, married in South Carolina. Charlotte, the eldest daughter of the late John McKay, Esq., and came to Alabama. He was at an early age made an Elder in the Presbyterian Church which he loved. He was a Free Mason of high degree, and a civil magistrate in Montgomery County, Ala. for more than twenty years. The people honored him with many responsible positions, and their confidence was never abused. He died in the full enjoyment of a triumphant faith, based solely on the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. His living children: Donald Christopher, Mrs. Ann McKay, and Alexis McDonald, are all living near San Marcos, Texas, and are prominent, prosperous, and useful members of the San Marcos Presbyterian Church.

Donald, my youngest brother, was twice robbed of all he had, while away in the Confederate army. He married Miss Fannie Spencer, of Randolph County, N.C. Three of his children are yet living: - Donald S. McDonald, and Mrs.. Nannie Hancock, both of Castleberry, Ala., and Mrs. Belle Hancock, of Georgianna, Ala.

Nancy, my mother's oldest daughter, married Mr. Samuel McCadden, a Virginian. He was a manufacturer, and a man of great moral worth. He and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church - "Israelites in whom there was no guile". They died leaving no children.

Mary married Mr. Robert McCadden, a brother of Nancy's husband. He was an Elder in the he Presbyterian Church at Greensboro, N.C. He was a manufacturer, and a scientific and successful farmer. Their happy wedded life was of short duration, she having died within twelve or fifteen months after their marriage. He afterwards married our loved Cousin, Mary Kelly who also died about a year after her marriage.

Isabella, the youngest of my mother's daughters, a girl of admirable personal attractions, married Dr. William Swain of Randolph County, N.C. She was taken to her eternal home soon after her marriage.

Sarah married Mr. James Swain of Randolph County, N.C. He was a man of exemplary character and untiring energy. He went to Arkansas, and there raised a large family of children. One son is a noted politician, and another is a Presbyterian Minister. James Swain died many years ago, but his widow is yet living at Lonelm, Arkansas.

Katherine married Rev. Pinkey Baldwin of Montgomery County, N.C. He raised a family in Randolph County, N.C., but was called up higher many years ago. Of his children, John is a farmer; Marion is a Baptist Minister, and James M. is a successful saw-mill operator. His three daughters are all married, but I do not know their names, nor the names of their husbands.

I was born December 1, 1815, came to Alabama in 1844, and married January 1, 1846, Mary McKay, the youngest daughter of John McKay, Esq., of South Carolina. In her were concentrated more of those mental qualities that constitute the Christian lady, daughter, wife, mother, and unswerving and true friend, than can often be found in mankind. She was immorally fixed in her convictions of right, always willing to hazard all other considerations in the maintenance of truth and elevated humanity. But more of Heaven could not live upon earth, therefore the Lord took her to her blissful and eternal home. She was the mother of ten children, seven of whom survived her. Donald Warnock, the first son, died at Louisville, Ala., aged three years. Lexie, a child of sweet character, died in Montgomery County, Ala., aged ten years. Knox, a boy of fixed manliness of character, died near Inverness, Ala., aged twelve years. Rethune, who survived his mother, died at the age of twenty-four years, while living in Montgomery, Ala. in March 1888. He was a son of whom any father could be justly proud. He possessed a mind of unusual force and brilliency and a gentleness, yet manliness of character which endeared him to all good people who came to know him. He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and before his death had acquired a position in the business world which gave promise of a most successful and useful career.

Of my children still living there are two daughters and four sons: - Mary Ann; Florella; John K; Donald; Malcom; and Frank. The character of the living members of my family, including myself, I leave for some other pen to portray.

Donald MacDonald - "Dahl Mach' Ahhuir" - (Donald, Son of the Sheriff), a cousin of my grandfather, ( John MacDonald) came to America with my grandfather and his three children. He had an only child, Ranald, about fourteen years old, whom he brought with him. He remained in Moore County, N.C. a few years, and came to Georgia and settled among the Indians, at what is now Waresboro, in Ware County. There he was bitten by a rattlesnake, and died suddenly. His widow, then past middle age, married Thomas Brown, a Scotch adventurer from North Carolina. He and his wife died, leaving the young Ranald to endure the meandering vicissitudes of a life among the redmen of the woods. Ranald, being a sprightly, kind, social, just, industrious, and economical boy, soon became a favorite "Pale-face". This important advantage enabled him to turn his time and opportunity to great advantage, and he soon acquired ample means to educate himself, and he became a practical scholar. He studied medicine, and became a successful physician, and the only doctor in the whole country [sic]. With these advantages he soon became wealthy and influential. He was the Nestor of civilization, education, and religion in an extensive region of country. He was a popular and sucessful political leader, and represented his country in the legislature whenever he would consent to do so. He married Miss Catherine Miller and reared several children, all of whom became prominent and useful citizens. He died in 1867. His son William Angus was born in 1817. He served four years in the Indian Wars. He represented his county six terms in the legislature and five terms in the State Senate. He attained great success as a business man, politician, and a Minister of the Gospel. He was the founder of the villiage of McDonald in Coffee County, it being named for him. His father largely aided in building the Rail-road from Brunswick as far as Waycross on which the town is located. He raised a company for service in the civil war, and was elected its Captain. He was soon promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, and reluctantly resigned, but though incapacitated for field service, his time and large means were freely spent for the relief of the poor, the sick, and the wounded at home. Colonel McDonald now resides at Waycross, Ga., and was the father of twenty-two children, eleven of them having departed this life, fifty-eight grand children, and ten great grand children. He was a successful preacher for thirty-five years, and raised and educated many poor orphans, thereby fitting them for useful lives. He is now gone to receive a crown of many stars in a world of eternal felicity. He died a few months before reaching 80 years of age.John Claugh McDonald, a prominent citizen of Waycross, Ga. is the youngest child of Colonel McDonald's first wife. This scion of the honored old stock is destined to maintain the high grade of citizenship attained by his illustrious ancestors.I, Martha Crawley, grand-daughter of Randal McDonald, wish to make a correction in the above statement. My grand-father, Randal McDonald, had a sister Nancy, two years younger than himself. She married Washington Knowles and had five sons; Daniel, James, Martin, John and Eleck. Daniel Knowles married Charlotte Sweat, sister of my mother (Tobitha Sweat) wife of William McDonald. They had two sons and six daughters.

[signed] Martha Crawley

Witness: T. B. Crawley