Cynthia C. Elliott

Female, #33405, (circa 1823 - 19 Mar 1896)
Father*William Elliott
Mother*Sarah O. Culpepper
Birth*circa 1823 Cynthia was born at Georgia circa 1823. 
Census*1830 She was in the in 1830 census at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Death of Fathercirca 1839 Her father William Elliott died circa 1839 at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Census1840 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1840. 
Birth of Soncirca 1841 Her son Benjamin H. Elliott was born circa 1841 at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Census1850 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Meriwether Co., Georgia, in 1850. 
Death of Son11 Oct 1861 Her son Benjamin H. Elliott died on 11 Oct 1861 at Huntsville, Madison Co., Alabama. 
1880 Census* Cynthia was listed as a daughter in Sarah O. Culpepper's household on the 1880 Census at Randolph Co., Alabama.1 
Death*19 Mar 1896 She died at Randolph Co., Alabama, on 19 Mar 1896. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Wadley, Randolph Co., Alabama.2 
Biography*  According to later census records, Cynthia was born in Georgia in approximately 1823. Unless Cynthia's parents moved out ahead of the John Culpepper family, Cynthia must have been born only shortly after the family had moved from South Carolina to Georgia and so was probably born in one of the eastern counties. Cynthia was noted as one of two females 5-10 years old in the 1830 census of Monroe Co., GA in the household of her father, William Elliott. This suggests that Cynthia had an older sister, who was probably born in South Carolina, who has not been identified. Cynthia was also recorded as one of two females 15-20 years old in the 1840 census of Monroe Co., GA in the household of her apparently widowed mother, "Sarr Elliott."
      Cynthia apparently moved with her mother to Meriwether Co., GA where "Sintha" emerges in census records in 1850 living with her mother and younger siblings. No marriage record has been found, but based on his Civil War record, the Benjamin Elliott who was noted in the household in 1850, was Cynthia's son. By 1860, Cynthia had moved with her mother to Randolph Co., AL and a 34 year old "Cintha Elliott" born in Georgia was listed (p. 849 family #1567) in the 1 Oct 1860 census of the Almond P. O. district, near Louina (now Wadley), Randolph Co., AL in the household of her mother, Sarah. Cynthia apparently remained here the rest of her life. A 47 year old "Cynthia Elliott" born in Georgia, was recorded (p. 572, family #8) in the 1870 census of the Louina P. O. district, (now Wadley), Randolph Co., AL. She was living with her mother, Sarah (Culpepper) Elliott. A 56 year old "Cynthia C. Elliott" born in Georgia was listed (p. 315 #23) in the 2 Jun 1880 census of Beat #8, Randolph Co., AL. She was living with her mother, Sarah Elliott. Cynthia listed both of her parents as having been born in South Carolina.
      In the Randolph Co. [AL] Register of Births & Deaths 1886 - 1905 "Cynthia Elliott" was listed as age 74 and single at her death which was caused by "cardiac dropsy" and she was buried in the "Elliott cemetery." This is now the Wadley City Cemetery and there is no record of the burial. Her grave might be unmarked or too worn to read. 

Family
Child
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited7 Sep 2001

Citations

  1. FHL Film 1254030, National Archives Film T9-0030, Flat Rock, Page 315C.
  2. Randolph Co. [AL] Register of Births & Deaths 1886-1905; (n.p.: Anniston Library, microfilm).
    'Elliott cemetery' now Wadley City Cemetery but no cemetery rec.

Lewis? Elliott ?

Male, #33406, (between 1821 and 1839 - before 1865)
Father*William Elliott
Mother*Sarah O. Culpepper
Birth*between 1821 and 1839 Lewis? was born at Georgia between 1821 and 1839. 
Civil War*between 1861 and 1865 He served in the War Between the States between 1861 and 1865. 
Death*before 1865 He died before 1865. 
Biography* Lewis is a problem, according to Joseph Richard Culpepper, Lewis Elliott was a son of Sarah (Culpepper) Elliott who died of measles during the Civil War. Unfortunately, he does not show up living with or near Sarah in the 1850 or 1860 census records. Only three sons were noted in Sarah's household in the 1840 census and there were three sons listed living with her in 1850: William age 20, John age 17, Francis age 11. The 10 year old Benjamin living with Sarah was a grandson. Since, according to the 1900 census, Sarah had twelve children only seven of which have been accounted for with any certainty, it is quite possible that she had a son named Lewis that has not yet been identified in census records. A 5-10 year old female and a 15-20 year old female were listed in the 1840 census with Sarah and have not yet been identified. Also, only two of the three 0-5 year old females that were noted in the 1830 census have been identified from later records and NO 10-15 year old females were listed in the 1840 census with Sarah suggesting that at least two of them might have been off visiting relatives when the census was taken and one might have died between the 1830 and 1840 census. If Lewis was a son of Sarah, then he has not been located in any census records. It can only be SPECULATED that he was a twin, possibly of the unknown 5-10 year old female listed in the 1840 census, and that he was visiting relatives in 1840 and might have been approximately 16 years old by 1850 and was working nearby and was missed in the census. By 1860, he might have been approximately 26 years old and newly married when the Civil War broke out. But no trace of Lewis or Louis Elliott existed has been found in Confederate records although there was an "L. Elliott" who was member of Co. G of the 32 Georgia Infantry who noted at on a muster roll at Greensboro, NC 28 Apr 1865. Another possibility is that Joseph Richard was confused by Lewis W. Culpepper, a son of William Henry and Sarah (Leslie) Culpepper, who died in the Civil War in 1861, possibly of measles. 
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited31 Dec 2011

William T. Elliott

Male, #33407, (circa 1830 - before 1900)
Father*William Elliott
Mother*Sarah O. Culpepper
Census*1830 He was in the in 1830 census at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Birth*circa 1830 William was born at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1830. 
Census1840 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1840. 
Census1850 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Meriwether Co., Georgia, in 1850. 
Census1 Oct 1860 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Almond, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 1 Oct 1860. 
Death*before 1900 He died before 1900. 
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Mary Jane Elliott

Female, #33408, (Jun 1836 - after 1900)
Father*William Elliott
Mother*Sarah O. Culpepper
Married Name Her married name was Busbee. 
Birth*Jun 1836 Mary was born at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, in Jun 1836. 
Census*1840 She was in the in 1840 census at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Census1850 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Meriwether Co., Georgia, in 1850. 
Census1 Oct 1860 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Almond, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 1 Oct 1860. 
Census1870 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1870. 
Marriage License26 Feb 1897 Mary applied for a marriage license to wed W. J. Dunseith at Randolph Co., Alabama, on 26 Feb 1897.1 
Marriage3 Mar 1897 She married W. J. Dunseith at Randolph Co., Alabama, on 3 Mar 1897 at age 60.2 
Married Name3 Mar 1897  As of 3 Mar 1897, her married name was Dunseith. 
Marriage* She married Inman Busbee. 
Death*after 1900 She died at Randolph Co., Alabama, after 1900. 
Biography*  Joseph Richard Culpepper's records list Mary Jane as "Pollie" but she was consistently noted as "Mary J." in census records. Based on the 1830 census location of her parents and the 1840 census location of her mother, Mary J. Elliott is presumed to have been born in Monroe Co., GA. She was first noted as a 0-5 year old female in the house of her mother in the 1840 census of Monroe Co., GA. Sometime before 1850, Mary J. moved with her mother and siblings to Meriwether Co., GA and Mary J. is noted there living with her mother in the 1850 census. Sometime before the 1855 marriage of her brother, John James Elliott, Mary J. Elliott is presumed to have moved with her mother and siblings to Randolph Co., AL where they were noted in the 1860 census.
Based on the 1900 census, we know that Mary J. Elliott was a widow and had married at least once but based on circumstantial evidence, she might have married twice, once before the Civil War and once after the 1880 census. Mr. J. H. Wood, Jr.'s 23 Dec 1973 family group sheet lists the second wife of Inman Busby as Mary J. who was born in Georgia in 1836. Mary Jane Elliott was born in Jun 1836 in Georgia based on the 1900 census. In the 1870 census, Mary Jane is not listed in her mother's house, but there is a Mary J. who shows up as the wife of Inman Busby, 6 doors down from Sarah Elliott. This Mary J. was born in 1836 in GA. Two doors down from this family is Jordan F. Busby, a son of Inman Busby who married Frances M. the widow of Francis G. Elliot who was Mary Jane Elliott's brother. Francis G.'s and Frances M.'s son, Timothy Elliott, is also in the J. F. Busby household. Six doors down is Ann M. Elliott, the widow of John James Elliott who was also Mary Jane Elliott's brother. This birth date and place and the tight grouping of the two families would tend to support Mary Jane Elliot as the Mary J. who was the second wife in Inman Busby. Also, in what appears to be the record of her second marriage to W. J. Dunseith on March 3, 1897, the bride's name is listed as "Mrs. Mary J. Busbee" which would support a previous marrige to Inman Busby. Arguing against this connection is the 1880 census of Randolph Co., AL in which a 44 year old Mary J. born in Georgia was listed (Beat 8 p. 314 #9) as the wife of Inman Busby and her mother was listed as having been born in Mississippi and her father as having been born in Georgia. As in 1870, Sarah (Culpepper) Elliott was living nearby and she listed herself as having been born in South Carolina and Cynthia Elliott, Mary Jane Elliott's sister, listed her father as having been born in South Carolina as well. Also arguing against Mary Jane as a wife of Inman Busby was the listing (ED 58, p 7, family #32) of "Mary J. Dunsith" as a head of household in the 1900 census of Flatrock, Precinct #8, Randolph Co., AL with her mother "Sarash O. Ellit" living in the household. Mary Jane was listed as a widow with no children who was born Jun 1836 in Georgia. She listed her father as having been born in Georgia and her mother as having been born in South Carolina. So the difference between the 1880 census for Mary J. Busby and the 1900 census for Mary J. Dunsith was the listing of the place of birth of the mother. Could both listings have been for Mary Jane Elliott? Unfortunately, Randolph Co., AL marriage records do not exist for the period of the first marriage but based on the second marriage record, we can speculate that Mary Jane Elliott was twice widowed. The Mary J. listed in the 1870 census with Inman Busby was over 20 years younger than he. He died 1896. Mary Jane would have been 60 years old and presumably would not have married another man younger than 60 so it would not be unusual for her to be widowed a second time.
As noted, the widowed Mary Jane Dunsith was listed in the 1900 census. She was listed as owning her own home and she could read and write. She was listed as having had no children. Her 98 year old mother was living with her. 

Family

Inman Busbee
Marriage* She married Inman Busbee. 
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Dianne S. Herren, Randolph County Alabama Recorded Marriages Book 1: 1896-1900, Woodland, AL: Southern Roots, 1990.
    p. 5, No. 40 bondsmen: W. J. Dunseith and J. F.
  2. Dianne S. Herren, Randolph County Alabama Recorded Marriages Book 1: 1896-1900, Woodland, AL: Southern Roots, 1990.
    p. 5, No. 40 at the bride's home by J. D. Elder.

Francis G. Elliott

Male, #33409, (circa 1839 - circa 1864)
Father*William Elliott
Mother*Sarah O. Culpepper
Death of Fathercirca 1839 His father William Elliott died circa 1839 at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Birth*circa 1839 Francis was born at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1839. 
Employment* Francis's occupation: farmer. 
Census*1840 He was in the in 1840 census at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Census1850 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Meriwether Co., Georgia, in 1850. 
Marriage*circa 1859 He married Frances M. (?) at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1859. 
Birth of SonFeb 1860 His son Timothy William Elliott was born in Feb 1860 at Randolph Co., Alabama.1 
Census1860 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1860. 
Civil War*between 1861 and 1864 He served in the War Between the States between 1861 and 1864

     
Joseph Richard Culpepper's records list Francis G. Elliott as "Frank" and note that he died during the Civil War. No F. G. or Francis or Frank G. Elliott has been identified in Confederate Civil War records, however there was a "Frank Elliot Pvt Co C. 18 Regt Ala Infy" listed on a Roll (27) of Prisoners of War who was captured at "Reica Ga" who was "transferred from Alton, Ill, to Camp Douglas, Chicago, Ill., Aug. 23, 1864." It is not known if this was the same man. In any event, Frank did not return home and is presumed to have died during the war. 
Death*circa 1864 He died circa 1864. 

Family

Frances M. (?)
Marriage*circa 1859 He married Frances M. (?) at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1859. 
Child
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited18 Oct 2008

Citations

  1. Anniston Calhoun County Public Library, Randolph County, Alabama Birth Register 1886-1895, Anniston, AL: Annie Calhoun Book Shop, 1989.
    p. 127.

Frances M. (?)

Female, #33410, (circa 1840 - )
Birth*circa 1840 Frances was born at Georgia circa 1840. 
Marriage*circa 1859 She married Francis G. Elliott at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1859. 
Married Namecirca 1859  As of circa 1859, her married name was Elliott. 
Birth of SonFeb 1860 Her son Timothy William Elliott was born in Feb 1860 at Randolph Co., Alabama.1 
Census*2 Oct 1860 She was in the on 2 Oct 1860 census at Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Marriagebefore 1870 She married Jordan F. Busbee at Randolph Co., Alabama, before 1870. 
Married Namebefore 1870  As of before 1870, her married name was Busbee. 
Census1870 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1870. 
Birth of Soncirca 1878 Her son T. A. V. Busbee was born circa 1878 at Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Census1880 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1880. 
Biography* As noted in the 1860 census, Frances had a son, Timothy, by Francis G. Elliott. After the Civil War, Frances apparently married Jordan F. Busby and a two year old child, T.A.V., born in Alabama, appears in the 1880 census in the household of Frances and J. F. Busby. This was presumably a child of the second marriage. 

Family 1

Francis G. Elliott
Marriage*circa 1859 She married Francis G. Elliott at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1859. 
Child

Family 2

Jordan F. Busbee
Marriagebefore 1870 She married Jordan F. Busbee at Randolph Co., Alabama, before 1870. 
Child
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Anniston Calhoun County Public Library, Randolph County, Alabama Birth Register 1886-1895, Anniston, AL: Annie Calhoun Book Shop, 1989.
    p. 127.

Ann Elizabeth Dean

Female, #33411, (11 Sep 1830 - 22 Jun 1899)
Father*John Wesley Dean
Mother*Mary Elizabeth Culpepper
Birth*11 Sep 1830 Ann was born at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 11 Sep 1830. 
Census*1840 She listed as daughter(s) in the census report at Talbot Co., Georgia, in 1840. 
Marriage*8 Oct 1849 She married James Benjamin Ray at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 8 Oct 1849 at age 19. 
Married Name8 Oct 1849  As of 8 Oct 1849, her married name was Ray. 
Birth of Son31 Jan 1856 Her son James Washington Ray was born on 31 Jan 1856 at Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son18 Feb 1859 Her son John Benjamin A. S. Ray was born on 18 Feb 1859 at Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son12 Nov 1861 Her son William Luther Ray was born on 12 Nov 1861 at Talladega Co., Alabama.1 
Birth of Son19 Mar 1867 Her son George Wesley Ray was born on 19 Mar 1867 at Talladega Co., Alabama.2 
Birth of Son7 Sep 1870 Her son Major Thomas Cornelius Ray was born on 7 Sep 1870 at Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son1 Jul 1874 Her son Robert Oscar Exavier Ray was born on 1 Jul 1874 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father5 Jul 1879 Her father John Wesley Dean died on 5 Jul 1879 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother30 May 1883 Her mother Mary Elizabeth Culpepper died on 30 May 1883 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son24 Jan 1897 Her son Major Thomas Cornelius Ray died on 24 Jan 1897 at Bell Co., Texas. 
Death*22 Jun 1899 She died at Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 Jun 1899 at age 68. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Concord Baptist Cemetery, Clay Co., Alabama.3 

Family

James Benjamin Ray
Marriage*8 Oct 1849 She married James Benjamin Ray at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 8 Oct 1849 at age 19. 
Children
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited4 Apr 2015

Citations

  1. Nannie Margaret Overton, The Wests and The Rays and Allied Lines, Southern Families from the Colonies to Texas, 4207 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410: West Printing Company, 1991.
    p 265.
  2. Nannie Margaret Overton, The Wests and The Rays and Allied Lines, Southern Families from the Colonies to Texas, 4207 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410: West Printing Company, 1991.
    p 262.
  3. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 111.

James Benjamin Ray1

Male, #33412, (8 Nov 1831 - 19 Nov 1899)
Father*John Ray
Mother*Anna Richards
Name Variation He was also known as Benjamin Franklin. 
Birth*8 Nov 1831 James was born on 8 Nov 1831. 
Death of Father1835 His father John Ray died in 1835 at Henry Co., Georgia. 
Marriage*8 Oct 1849 He married Ann Elizabeth Dean at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 8 Oct 1849 at age 17. 
Birth of Son31 Jan 1856 His son James Washington Ray was born on 31 Jan 1856 at Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son18 Feb 1859 His son John Benjamin A. S. Ray was born on 18 Feb 1859 at Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Civil War*between 1861 and 1865 He served in the War Between the States between 1861 and 1865

     private, Co. E, 31st Regt. of Alabama Volunteers Infantry. 
Death of Mother1 May 1861 His mother Anna Richards died on 1 May 1861 at Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son12 Nov 1861 His son William Luther Ray was born on 12 Nov 1861 at Talladega Co., Alabama.2 
Birth of Son19 Mar 1867 His son George Wesley Ray was born on 19 Mar 1867 at Talladega Co., Alabama.3 
Birth of Son7 Sep 1870 His son Major Thomas Cornelius Ray was born on 7 Sep 1870 at Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son1 Jul 1874 His son Robert Oscar Exavier Ray was born on 1 Jul 1874 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son24 Jan 1897 His son Major Thomas Cornelius Ray died on 24 Jan 1897 at Bell Co., Texas. 
Death of Spouse22 Jun 1899 His wife Ann Elizabeth Dean died on 22 Jun 1899 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*19 Nov 1899 He died at Clay Co., Alabama, on 19 Nov 1899 at age 68. 
Burial* His body was interred at Concord Baptist Cemetery, Clay Co., Alabama.4 
Biography* Much confusion exists among family researchers because James Benjamin Ray's name has been listed in so many ways. In his father's will, written in 1833, he was called Benjamin. In later census and other records his name has been found variously as James
B., John B., J. B., Benjamin F(ranklin), and Coon, the latter the nickname by which he was generally known. Many of his grandchildren, including Dora (Ray) West and Mollie Ray, recalled that their grandfather was called "Coon." When Ann and Holland Weaver visited relatives in the Lineville-Ashland, AL, area several years ago, they were told that "Coon" was given his nickname as a small child by one of the family slaves, and the name stuck for his lifetime.
He was born 8 Nov 1831, probably in Henry Co., GA. Our J. B. Ray married Ann Elizabeth (Betsy) Dean 8 Oct 1849 at Louina, Randolph County, AL, and they lived in the same location for most of their lives in Randolph-Talladega-Clay Counties in Alabama. J. B. Ray's farm was in the area where the county boundaries were changed and given three county names. We are told by J. H. Campbell, a grandson in Alabama, that his grandfather, "Coon," lived in the same house although in three counties until about five years before his death. Randolph was a very large county formed in 1832 from Creek Indian Lands; part of it was taken from Talladega County, then Clay was formed in 1866 from a portion of Randolph and Talladega. When Grandpa Ray sold his home, he moved about four miles away, on the road between Bowden Church and Campbell Crossroads.
Ann Elizabeth (Dean) Ray was born in Talbot Co., GA, 11 Sep 1830. Her parents were John Wesley Dean and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Culpepper, who were married in Monroe Co., GA, on 4 Feb 1827. Mary Elizabeth was born in South Carolina, as were both of her parents, according to information from 1880 census. "Coon" Ray and his wife, Ann E., were both buried in the Concord Cemetery in Clay County, his name listed on his tombstone as James B. Ray. His death was on 19 Nov 1899, after her'.s earlier in the same year, 22 June 1899.

We know from family records that this man served four years in the Confederate Army. We have learned that there were dozens of men named John Ray and James Ray on the Confederate Rolls of Alabama, so it is difficult to determine positively which was our "Coon" Ray. A staff person at the National Archives told a Ray researcher that in the 31st Volunteers from Alabama there were about twenty J. B. Rays and in Company E, alone, there were about ten J. B. Rays.

However, we have a pension application for a J. B. Ray, filed 28 Apr 1899, stating he was 66 years of age, afflicted with rheumatism, did not own property, resided at Flat Rock, AL, and that he had enlisted in the Spring of 1861 as private in Co. E, 31st Regt. of Alabama Volunteers Infantry. Another application for pension filed by a J. B. Ray 19 Mar 1898, stated that he owned 120 acres of land. Then, in a schedule of personal property dated 28 Apr 1899, he stated he owned only 42 acres. We believe this man was our James, who was married to Ann Elizabeth Dean, because the age and circumstances seem to fit our ancestor.

We also have a pension application filed in 1911 at age 81 by J. B. Ray's brother, M. W. Ray, who also served as a private in Co. E, 31st Regt. He enlisted 3 Nov 1863 at Dalton, GA, and was discharged 1 June 1865. A James B. Ray filed a pension application

on June 2, 1897 (which was evidently denied), stating that he owned 150 acs. of land in Clay County valued at $300.00, plus 1 horse or mule $30.00, 3 cattle $20.00, 2 watches or clocks $2.50, 2 vehicles $20.00, totalling $227.50. The application was signed "J. B. (X his mark) Ray." Mollie Ray, in 1970, confirmed his unit of service by her family's recollection that her grandfather served in this regiment. It seems likely that the two brothers would have served in the same unit, adding support to our identification of this J. B. Ray as our "Coon."
Dora (Ray) West recalls that, as a child, she heard about her grandfather's service in the Civil War. She remembered hearing that Grandpa Ray fought at Lookout Mountain in Tennessee and that Grandma Ray told about standing at the kitchen door and hearing cannons in that direction. Grandpa, Dora said, related how cold the weather was while he was in service. Once it snowed and covered him up, and, he said, it was the only time he was warm while in the army. Another grandchild, Mollie Ray, recalled hearing that J. B. Ray was a cook in the army and had told his family about the dreadful hunger the soldiers endured and how hard it had been to find food to cook.

On the Ray side of her family, Dora (Ray) West was one of 72 first cousins in her generation. She remembered nearly all of their names, making it possible to begin this record and providing leads to other families for additional information.

O. P. Ray, a grandson of Major Ray's, wrote that "H. C. Ray or Clayton is not related to us, but he and another Ray together with Grand Pap (Major) and Uncle Coon, formed a wagon train and went to Arkansas. There was 9 wagons in the train; it took 6 weeks to make the trip. They lived there 3 years; some of the people passed on, the others after 3 years came back to Clay Co., AL. Some settled in Clay County, some in Talladega, some in Tallapoosa county. Major and Coon had half brothers & sisters. Of which I only have knowledge of one half- sister - her name was Susiean She married (Jim) Massey." Major Ray and his family returned to Talladega in about three years. Dora (Ray) West remembered that her father often spoke about "Uncle Major Ray," saying that he always loved to visit his uncle.
In a subsequent letter, O. P. Ray said that "Uncle Coon may not have gone on the wagon train." We believe that he did not, as no other evidence has surfaced to show that Coon Ray ever left Alabama. Marlene Scott found Major Ray in the 1850 census of Dallas Co., AR.
Mollie Ray remembered that her parents lived next door to her Ray grandparents when she and her brother were born (1896 and 1897) and that when she was a child, they lived in the same house that her Ray grandparents had lived in when they died. The village of Pyriton was seven miles from Lineville; at that time Pyriton was in Talladega County but was in Clay after Clay was formed from Talladega and Randolph in 1866. Most of the family believe James Benjamin lived in the same house all of his life, although it was in three different counties. Pyriton was first named Dean, then Copper Mine; the name was changed because the mineral pyrite was discovered. Mollie Ray says Pyriton was a mining town in her childhood, but became a ghost town after the mine was closed.

John Hosmer Campbell of Gadsden, AL, a son of Benjamin Curmeler Eugenia Ray, collected data on the Ray family for over 25 years, and in 1969 generously shared his records, which provided valuable information that was not known to the Texas descendants of John Benjamin and Ann Elizabeth (Dean) Ray. He recalled that his father and Uncle Will Ray were the closest of friends, more like brothers. And he remembered that Uncle Will helped with the building of the chimney on his Grandfather Campbell's home, which is still standing in Clay County.

"Coon" was a farmer, a Baptist, and a Democrat. Dora (Ray) West was surprised to learn from Alabama records that her grandfather was a Baptist, because she said that she knew that her grandmother was a Methodist. John Hosmer Campbell also said that his grandmother was from a Methodist family, and that her brother, Uncle Tom, was a pillar in the church as long as he lived. The Campbells were also Methodists. Coon (Grandpa Ray) was a member of the Masonic Lodge, which was organized at his home, and the lodge meetings were held for a long time in an upstairs room of his house.5 

Family

Ann Elizabeth Dean
Marriage*8 Oct 1849 He married Ann Elizabeth Dean at Louina, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 8 Oct 1849 at age 17. 
Children
Last Edited18 Oct 2008

Citations

  1. Nannie Margaret Overton, The Wests and The Rays and Allied Lines, Southern Families from the Colonies to Texas, 4207 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410: West Printing Company, 1991.
    and census records.
  2. Nannie Margaret Overton, The Wests and The Rays and Allied Lines, Southern Families from the Colonies to Texas, 4207 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410: West Printing Company, 1991.
    p 265.
  3. Nannie Margaret Overton, The Wests and The Rays and Allied Lines, Southern Families from the Colonies to Texas, 4207 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410: West Printing Company, 1991.
    p 262.
  4. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 111.
  5. Nannie Margaret Overton, The Wests and The Rays and Allied Lines, Southern Families from the Colonies to Texas, 4207 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410: West Printing Company, 1991.
    pp. 251, 253, 256.

Lewis Gibson Dean

Male, #33413, (19 Nov 1832 - 18 Feb 1918)
Father*John Wesley Dean
Mother*Mary Elizabeth Culpepper
Birth*19 Nov 1832 Lewis was born at Talbot Co., Georgia, on 19 Nov 1832. 
Employment* Lewis's occupation: farmer. 
Census*1840 He was in the in 1840 census at Talbot Co., Georgia. 
Census1850 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1850. 
Marriage*circa 1854 He married Louisa Juanita Hamilton at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1854. 
Birth of Son15 Aug 1855 His son John Wesley Dean was born on 15 Aug 1855 at Alabama. 
Civil War*between 1861 and 1865 He served in the War Between the States between 1861 and 1865. 
Birth of Soncirca 1862 His son Virgal Dean was born circa 1862. 
Death of Soncirca 1862 His son Virgal Dean died circa 1862. 
Birth of Son13 Aug 1870 His son William Thomas Dean was born on 13 Aug 1870 at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father5 Jul 1879 His father John Wesley Dean died on 5 Jul 1879 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Census1880 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, in 1880. 
Death of Mother30 May 1883 His mother Mary Elizabeth Culpepper died on 30 May 1883 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Photographed*say 1885 He was photographed say 1885 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.1
Lewis G. Dean & wife Louisa (Hamilton) Dean
Photographed*say 1900 He was photographed say 1900 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.1
Lewis Gibson Dean
Death of Spouse6 Nov 1907 His wife Louisa Juanita Hamilton died on 6 Nov 1907 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*18 Feb 1918 He died at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 18 Feb 1918 at age 85. 
Burial* His body was interred at Ashland Old City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.2 
Biography* Census: 1900 Ashland, Clay Co., AL (Lewis G. Dean Nov 1832 GA)
      Lewis was a sergeant in Company K, 14th Alabama Infantry, during the Civil War. Mrs. Ellaree Dean Speer wrote (Summer 1992): We called Grandpa "Pa Dean." He was a real Christian, Baptist faith, attended Sunday School & Church regular. Had a certain pew in Church where he sat. Was very regular in his habits. Went to bed at 8 o'clock sharp. Got up at the same time. Enjoyed the same menu for breakfast.... After breakfast would walk to... daughter's house (Martha Amanda's) "Pink" for a short visit. Came back by Post Office, got the morning paper, came home to read. "Pa Dean" fought four years in the Civil War.... "Pa Dean" never missed an old soldier reunion or a Baptist convention regardless of where they were. One time the reunion was in VA and he visited his bro[ther]'s [George Washington Dean's] grave (killed in Civil War [Yorktown, VA]).... Grandmother was in poor health and a grown granddaughter, Katherine (Cattie) [daughter Lewis G. Dean's son, John Wesley Dean?] had come to live with them. When Grandmother died, Cattie and Grandpa moved in the house with us and both died at our home.... His [Pa Dean's] mind was good but was ill for 10 weeks - kidney infection. 

Family

Louisa Juanita Hamilton
Marriage*circa 1854 He married Louisa Juanita Hamilton at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1854. 
Children
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited18 Oct 2008

Citations

  1. Ellaree Dean Speer records, Ellaree Dean Speer to Lew Griffin, 1977-1994.
  2. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 32.

Louisa Juanita Hamilton

Female, #33414, (25 Jul 1834 - 6 Nov 1907)
Father*(?) Hamilton
Birth*25 Jul 1834 Louisa was born at Alabama on 25 Jul 1834. 
Marriage*circa 1854 She married Lewis Gibson Dean at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1854. 
Married Namecirca 1854  As of circa 1854, her married name was Dean. 
Birth of Son15 Aug 1855 Her son John Wesley Dean was born on 15 Aug 1855 at Alabama. 
Death of Soncirca 1862 Her son Virgal Dean died circa 1862. 
Birth of Soncirca 1862 Her son Virgal Dean was born circa 1862. 
Birth of Son13 Aug 1870 Her son William Thomas Dean was born on 13 Aug 1870 at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Census*1880 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, in 1880. 
Photographed*say 1885 She was photographed say 1885 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.1
Lewis G. Dean & wife Louisa (Hamilton) Dean
Census1900 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, in 1900. 
Death*6 Nov 1907 She died at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 6 Nov 1907 at age 73. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Ashland Old City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.2 
Biography* In the 1880 Ashland, Clay Co., AL census, a Martha Hamilton is listed in the Lewis Dean household as a sister-in-law, presumably the sister of Louisa Hamilton Dean. 

Family

Lewis Gibson Dean
Marriage*circa 1854 She married Lewis Gibson Dean at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1854. 
Children
Last Edited25 Oct 2001

Citations

  1. Ellaree Dean Speer records, Ellaree Dean Speer to Lew Griffin, 1977-1994.
  2. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 32.

William Fitzpatrick Dean

Male, #33415, (7 Mar 1834 - 26 Jun 1908)
Father*John Wesley Dean
Mother*Mary Elizabeth Culpepper
Birth*7 Mar 1834 William was born at Talbot Co., Georgia, on 7 Mar 1834. 
Census*1840 He was in the in 1840 census at Talbot Co., Georgia. 
Census1850 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Randolph Co., Alabama, in 1850. 
Marriage*circa 1855 He married Caroline Stalvey at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1855. 
Birth of Soncirca 1865 His son Columbus P. Dean was born circa 1865. 
Death of Father5 Jul 1879 His father John Wesley Dean died on 5 Jul 1879 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother30 May 1883 His mother Mary Elizabeth Culpepper died on 30 May 1883 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*circa 1886 He married Mattie Gill at Columbus, Muscogee Co., Georgia, circa 1886. 
Death*26 Jun 1908 He died on 26 Jun 1908 at age 74. 

Family 1

Caroline Stalvey
Marriage*circa 1855 He married Caroline Stalvey at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1855. 
Child

Family 2

Mattie Gill
Marriage*circa 1886 He married Mattie Gill at Columbus, Muscogee Co., Georgia, circa 1886. 
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited20 Sep 1999

Caroline Stalvey1

Female, #33416, (circa 1836 - )
Father*George W. Stalvey
Mother*Sarah (?)
Birth*circa 1836 Caroline was born circa 1836. 
Marriage*circa 1855 She married William Fitzpatrick Dean at Randolph Co., Alabama, circa 1855. 
Married Namecirca 1855  As of circa 1855, her married name was Dean. 
Biography* According to William L. Carlisle in his Dean Family Summary, Caroline is said to have left her husband and child about 1870 to join the "company of adherents to the Mormon religion never having been heard from again."

The following is from Troy and Patricia L. Davis, davisfarm@eln.net, September 1999:

"We have a Caroline Stalvey in our family tree, she is my husband's gggg aunt. Her parents were George W. Stalvey and Sarah. George W. was born around 1801 in South Carolina, Sarah, around 1810 in Georgia. Caroline Stalvey was the 1st of 7 children and was born sonewhere in Georgia in 1834. We believe that George W. may be some relation to the Stalvey's in Horry County S. Carolina but can't find a family connection as of yet. An old family tale of a murder that happened and forced a male member of our family to change his name to Stalvey and flee has been handed down but as of yet not confirmed. It may interest you to know that Caroline had a neice that married a Mormon on June 29, 1882, Her name was Johanna Lucinda Emma Stalvey, born 7-13-1864, died 3-18-1940 , she married Benjamin Andrew Jackson Satterfield, born 4-12-1858, died 1-2-1943."

The following is from Nancy Birkmaier, nancy@pcube.com, September 2003:

"...I am indirectly related to the Caroline through her sisters Emeline and Catherine and brothers Josiah and John - they all married my McDaniel ancestors. Emeline(Eveline) married John Jackson McDaniel , and Catherine married his brother, George Washington Mcdaniel, both sons of John and Margaret Anderson Mcdaniel. Sister Margaret Ann, named after her mother, married Josiah in Tallapoosa County, Al, and later moved to Florida. She is buried with Josiah in Gilchrist County, (Trenton) ,
Florida. I believe the Mormon niece you mentioned is their daughter. George and Catherine are on the 1860 Tallapoosa County census with two children, William and Nancy. John Satley is listed as living with them. He later married George Mcdaniel's niece, Armintha McDaniel, but was reportedly wounded in the Civil War and died. She is remarried in 1870. John Jackson is listed in the home of brother-in-law William Dean and sister-in-law Caroline.

It is very difficult to find info on Stalveys; I have been told they also used the name Stalsby, among others.

My McDaniels moved from SC to Jackson/Clarke County, Ga, then to Talbot/Upson Counties, then to Alabama. John received one of several land patents in Tallapoosa County in 1849. His last will is recorded in Tallapoosa county in 1854. Margaret is listed with son Willis in 1880 Census in Tallapooa County, but is buried with John in Clay County, Alabama...."

 
Birth of Soncirca 1865 Her son Columbus P. Dean was born circa 1865. 

Family

William Fitzpatrick Dean
Child
Last Edited28 Sep 2003

Citations

  1. E-mail written 1999 to Lew Griffin from Patty Davis (Mrs. Troy Davis).

Mattie Gill

Female, #33417, (circa 1838 - )
Birth*circa 1838 Mattie was born circa 1838. 
Marriage*circa 1886 She married William Fitzpatrick Dean at Columbus, Muscogee Co., Georgia, circa 1886. 
Married Namecirca 1886  As of circa 1886, her married name was Dean. 

Family

William Fitzpatrick Dean
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

George Washington Dean

Male, #33418, (1 Apr 1837 - 8 May 1862)
Father*John Wesley Dean
Mother*Mary Elizabeth Culpepper
Birth*1 Apr 1837 George was born at Talbot Co., Georgia, on 1 Apr 1837. 
Census*1840 He was in the in 1840 census at Talbot Co., Georgia. 
Marriage*Sep 1860 He married Amanda Miller at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama, in Sep 1860 at age 23. 
Census24 Sep 1860 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Wesobulga, Randolph Co., Alabama, on 24 Sep 1860. 
Death of Spouse13 May 1861 His wife Amanda Miller died on 13 May 1861 at Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Death*8 May 1862 He died at Yorktown, York Co., Virginia, on 8 May 1862 at age 25. 

Family

Amanda Miller
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Amanda Miller

Female, #33419, (circa 1844 - 13 May 1861)
Birth*circa 1844 Amanda was born at Georgia circa 1844. 
Marriage*Sep 1860 She married George Washington Dean at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama, in Sep 1860. 
Married NameSep 1860  As of Sep 1860, her married name was Dean. 
Census*24 Sep 1860 She was in the on 24 Sep 1860 census at Wesobulga, Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Death*13 May 1861 She died at Randolph Co., Alabama, on 13 May 1861. 

Family

George Washington Dean
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Nancy Louise Dean

Female, #33420, (11 Sep 1840 - 8 May 1924)
Father*John Wesley Dean
Mother*Mary Elizabeth Culpepper
Birth*11 Sep 1840 Nancy was born at Talbot Co., Georgia, on 11 Sep 1840. 
Census*1850 She was in the in 1850 census at Randolph Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*circa 1860 She married John James Miller at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama, circa 1860. 
Married Namecirca 1860  As of circa 1860, her married name was Miller. 
Birth of Son8 Dec 1873 Her son James Bradford Miller was born on 8 Dec 1873. 
Death of Father5 Jul 1879 Her father John Wesley Dean died on 5 Jul 1879 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son15 Oct 1879 Her son Johnnie Mansfield Miller was born on 15 Oct 1879 at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother30 May 1883 Her mother Mary Elizabeth Culpepper died on 30 May 1883 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Spouse17 Jul 1919 Her husband John James Miller died on 17 Jul 1919 at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*8 May 1924 She died at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama, on 8 May 1924 at age 83
The Ashland Progress, May, 1924 Mrs. Nancy Miller Passed Away at 83 Years of Age Mrs. Nancy Miller, widow of the late J. J. Miller, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. L. Green at Mellow Valley, Thursday, May 8 at the age of 83 years. Since the death of her husband five years ago she had been in failing health and for several months had been very feeble. Funeral services were held at County Line church Friday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. S.J. Ingram and Rev. Layton. Mrs. Miller was the mother of a large family of children of which the following survive her: Mrs. J.M. Jordan, Mrs. J.L. Green, Mrs. Jesse Robinson (sic), and Mrs. John Fargason of Mellow Valley; Mrs. J. T. Liles and J. B. Miller of Birmingham; Mrs. Zema Leath of Boaz and John Miller of Mart, Texas.1 
Burial* Her body was interred at County Line Baptist Cemetery, Clay Co., Alabama.2 
Biography* Mrs. Gertrude Miller Ward wrote in a 9 Jan 1979 letter about Nancy L. Dean "I know Grand Mother was a good Dr. I remember her doctoring my sore feet." 

Family

John James Miller
Marriage*circa 1860 She married John James Miller at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama, circa 1860. 
Children
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited19 Jan 2008

Citations

  1. E-mail written 2008 from Elhura (Kenady) Smith, e-mail address.
  2. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 123.