Josiah Baker Bible

Perfect Information, Imperfectly Sourced Judy G. Russell, 11 Aug 08:15 AM

There is nothing The Legal Genealogist loves more than a good source of family information. Even when it’s not perfect.

Thanks to a family Bible, kept by my third great grand uncle Josiah Baker and passed down through his family, I can peg when Josiah and his full siblings were born — including my third great grandfather Martin Baker.

According to the Bible, there were seven children born to my fourth great grandparents, David Baker and his second wife Dorothy Wiseman:

Susanah Baker was born Sept 6th 1795

Martin Baker was born Dec. 9th 1797

Dorothy Baker was born Aug. 11th 1799

David D. Baker was born Jan. 9th 1801

Josiah Baker was born, Oct. 20th 1802

Sophia Baker was born, July 6th 1804

Charles Baker was born Dec 2nd 1806.1

It’s not a perfect source, of course: the Bible was published years after any of these folks were born and the entries — likely made by Josiah, since they list his parents and siblings and not anything about his wife Julia’s family — made close to the end of his life. But as far as sources go, in my family, that’s a good source, and I’m grateful for it. Especially when I can take note of that family birthday — Dorothy Baker, my third great grand aunt, was born 219 years ago today.

But the Bible only gives birth dates for Josiah’s siblings. It doesn’t say who and when they married, or when and where they died. And there’s no surviving marriage record for Dorothy in North Carolina where she lived. Oh, there are unsourced published family histories that say she married their cousin David Davenport.2 Now if that’s right, then Martin and his family and Dorothy and her family picked up stakes and moved around the same time, to what was then Macon County (and later became Cherokee County), North Carolina — appearing one after the other on the same page in the 1840 census of the newly formed Cherokee County.3

Martin continued to be on the move, ending up in Texas,4 while Dorothy and her growing family stayed in North Carolina and set down roots, deep into the soil of the westernmost part of that state. They were there in 18505 and 18606 and 1870,7 after their area of Cherokee County became Clay County.8 

Dorothy was still there as a widow in 18809 and that’s where she died in 1885.10 From these we know David Davenport’s wife was named Dorothy. But how can we know whether the Dorothy who married David Davenport was Dorothy Baker — and not someone else? I’ll put my money on it, because, after all, there’s the letter.

1818 Baker Letter

It’s not the original letter, of course. It’s a transcription by a man who was a professional geologist — and an amateur genealogist. He was also the second president of Stanford University in California and — not for nothing — a cousin of mine (a third cousin three times removed or a fourth cousin four times removed, depending on which line you’re counting in). His name: John Casper Branner.11 Branner was born in Tennessee in 1850. His mother was a Baker cousin, and late in his life, after writing a history of his father’s family,12 he decided he wanted to know more about his Baker kin. His methods would curl the hair of any modern genealogist, but he used the tools he knew at the time: he wrote to everyone he thought he even might possibly be related to and gathered up whatever bits and pieces of information and documentation they had. The results, today, are in what is called the Baker genealogy, part of the John Casper Branner papers, 1882-1921, in the Stanford University Libraries. When I first arranged to acquire a copy, it cost me a fortune in copying costs. Today — sigh — they’re online, free. And one of those bits and pieces that Branner collected was a copy of a letter, from my fourth great grandfather David Baker — father of Martin and Dorothy and Josiah — to his brother Charles in Georgia. It’s dated the 27th of January 1818, and Branner carefully copied David’s signature.

Now… he may have made mistakes in his transcription. He may have missed something I wish he hadn’t missed. But, overall, the contents ring true to what I know of the family (old Martin Davenport was dead by 1818, for example), and his rendering of the signature matches examples we have of David’s handwriting. And as to the question of who Dorothy married, it says: “all my Children that is mared is living just by me my Second Daughter by Second wife is mared to David Davenport”.13 No, it’s not a perfect source. But as far as sources go, in my family, it’s a really good source, and yeah, personally, I’m going with it:

Dorothy — David Baker’s second daughter by his second wife — really did marry her cousin David Davenport.

SOURCES

Josiah and Julia (McGimsey) Baker Family Bible Records 1749-1912, The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (New York : American Bible Society, 1867), “Births”; privately held by Louise (Baker) Ferguson, Bakersville, NC; photographed for JG Russell, Feb 2003. Mrs. Ferguson, a great granddaughter of Josiah and Julia, inherited the Bible; the earliest entries are believed to be in the handwriting of Josiah or Julia Baker.

See e.g. John Scott Davenport, “Five Generations Identified from the Pamunkey Family Patriarch, Namely Davis Davenport of King William County,” in The Pamunkey Davenport Papers, CD-ROM (Charles Town, W.Va. : Pamunkey Davenport Family Association, 2009), 19.

See also Maribeth Lang Vineyard and Eugene M. Wiseman, William Wiseman and the Davenports (Franklin, NC: Genealogy Publishing Service, 1997), 42.

1840 U.S. census, Cherokee County, North Carolina, population schedule, p. 239 (stamped), line 7, David Davenport household, and line 8, Martin Baker household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 December 2002); citing National Archive microfilm publication M704, roll 357. Martin died in Parker County, Texas, in 1868.

Baker Cemetery (Baker Community, Parker County, Texas; on Baker Road approximately four miles south of the intersection with Doyle Road, Latitude 323503N, Longitude 0974338W), Martin Baker marker; photograph by J.G. Russell, 3 May 2003. 

1850 U.S. census, Cherokee County, North Carolina, population schedule, p. 25 (back) (stamped), dwelling/family 324, David Davenport household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 Mar 2007); citing National Archive microfilm publication M432, roll 625.

1860 U.S. census, Cherokee County, North Carolina, Shooting Creek, population schedule, p. 168 (penned), dwelling/family 1098, David “Debenport” household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 Apr 2007); citing National Archive microfilm publication M653, roll 892. 1870 U.S. census, Clay County, North Carolina, population schedule, Hayesville Post Office, p. 469(B)-470(A) (stamped), dwelling 40, family 40, David Devenport household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 Oct 2011); citing National Archive microfilm publication M593, roll 1130.

David Leroy Corbitt, The Formation of the North Carolina Counties 1663-1943 (Raleigh : Division of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1987), 67.

1880 U.S. census, Clay County, North Carolina, population schedule, Shooting Creek Twp., enumeration district (ED) 64, p. 457(D) (stamped), dwelling 29, family 29, Dorothy Davenport household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 Oct 2011); citing National Archive microfilm publication T9, roll 958.

Bethabara, Clay County, North Carolina, “Dorothay” Davenport marker; digital image, Find A Grave (https://www.findagrave.com/ : accessed 27 Sep 2013). Wikipedia (https://www.wikipedia.com), “John Casper Branner,” rev. 23 Apr 2018.

John Casper Branner, Casper Branner of Virginia and his Descendants (Stanford, Cal. : p.p., 1913). 

David Baker to Charles Baker, 27 January 1818, transcription by John Casper Branner 1910 of original held by Mrs. Carrie Baker of Tishomingo, Oklahoma; Baker genealogy; John Casper Branner papers, 1882-1921, Stanford University Libraries; PDF of digital images, Stanford Digital Repository (https://searchworks.stanford.edu/ : accessed 10 Aug 2018). (Emphasis added)

Milton Buildings

Milton Buildings

This 1940 photograph shows two substantial buildings in Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina, at the east end of what is known as Milton's "Commercial Row."

The two-story building to the right (beside the large tree), which no longer stands, was the home of Albert G. Ferguson (1832-1905).

The 1893 Sanborn-Perris insurance map of Milton dated 1893 shows what appears to be a one-story brick building just down the street from the frame Albert Ferguson house in this photo (to the right, but not the building the roof of which can be partially seen). In Charles B. Motley’s book, Milton, North Carolina: Sidelights of History (1976) he provides the following:

"There are two schools of thought as to the location of the Milton Branch of the North Carolina State Bank. Some are of the firm opinion that it was in the Walker home, that the State of North Carolina erected this home as a State Bank with living quarters for the banker.

"Others are just as firmly of the opinion that the State Bank was never located in the Walker home but rather on the lot of the home which was later purchased by Albert G. Ferguson, on the corner of Broad Street and Warehouse Street (Sycamore St.). It is said that Ferguson dismantled the portion that was the Milton Branch of the State of North Carolina Bank when he renovated the home.

"The writer is simply passing along opinions and shall leave it to others to determine the location of the Milton Branch of the North Carolina State Bank."

Caswell County Court System

"This year in 2016 we are celebrating the beginning of the unified court system," Judge Osmond Smith told the crowd that gathered in the courtroom to celebrate the anniversary. "In 2016 we also celebrate 50 years since the creation of the district court."

"The court system of North Carolina has been in existence since it became a state in 1777. Caswell County is the first county of the state," explained Smith. "It was established when we became a state in 1777. We have had a variety of courts over those years."

Smith said that there were superior courts, municipal courts, court of supports, justice of the peace courts, and others before a constitutional amendment in 1966 unified all of the courts in North Carolina. "We should be celebrated around the country because our unified court system has been adopted as a model."

"I have been a lawyer 40 of those 240 years- so has George Daniels and Mike Gentry. Lee Farmer is the senior active lawyer with about 43 years," said Smith. "We also have a lawyer that has more than 50 years- Retired District Judge, Robert R. Blackwell."

John Satterfield, the Clerk of Superior Court, then spoke on Marlene Watlington who has been with the Unified Court System for all but 10 of its 50 years. "2016 brings many things. It brings the milestone of the unified court system," said Satterfield. "Of course it brings another milestone in that Marlene Watlington, who is the Assistant Clerk of Superior Court in Caswell County, is celebrating her 40 years of service with the North Carolina Judicial System. Marlene began her career in the court system in 1976 as a judicial assistant working for Judge James Long and then in 1981 she came over to the clerk's office."

Satterfield presented Watlington with a framed letter from Chief Justice Mark Martin and the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts Marion Warren who extended their congratulations. Satterfield then gave Watlington a clock that she had chosen as her service award.

"We look forward to your continued service and all of your efforts you have made for the state of North Carolina and the citizens of Caswell County," said Satterfield.

"This isn't a retirement ceremony," laughed Smith.

"Someone told me a long time ago that if I have a job that I enjoy, I will never work a day," said Watlington. "And I have enjoyed it."

"Marlene has been here as long as the courthouse has been here," added Smith. "And while she has seniority over all of us, she also has seniority over Mr. Lee Farmer in that she started in the law office of Judge Blackwell in his practice in 1972."

"I learned as a lawyer early on, the best friend you can have in the courthouse is the clerk," continued Smith. "They are the one that can save you from falling face first into something. She and her colleagues in the clerk's office have been great friends to the court system to the lawyers the judges as they mentor us and help us through. We thank you for your service. I appreciate your service and the citizens of Caswell County and North Carolina have benefited from it."

Caswell County Extension Service Reports

1946

The Extension personnel working in the county the entire year consisted of: Miss Louise Homewood, Home Agent; J. E. Zimmerman, Farm Agent, and Miss Helen Williamson, Secretary. Helen Payne was Negro Home Agent and Dewey Williamson, Negro Farm Agent.

M. Q. Plumblee, Principal of Anderson High School, worked as Assistant agent from June 3 until August 17. Mr. Plumblee worked with the 4-H club boys.

Ralph Aldridge, former Assistant Agent, returned as Assistant Agent October 1 following his honorable discharge from the Army.

The County Agricultural Council, while not an Extension organization, was effective in coordinating the activities of different agricultural agencies workin in the county. This council met on the third Monday of each month.

Source: Narrative Report (Caswell County) - 1946. J. E. Zimmerman, County Agent

Maud Florance Gatewood Works: Catalogue Raisonné

Maud Florance Gatewood

The purpose of this article is to list all the known works of Maud Florance Gatewood (1934-2004): a Catalogue Raisonné. This initial list is in no particular order. Later we may reorganize by date, medium, etc. Click image to see a larger version. Work in progress.

1. "Idyll" (1989), acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"

2. "Figure in a Train Car" (    ), oil on paper, 19.5" x 20.75

3. "Abstraction No. 1" (    ), gouache on paper, 15" x 22.5"

4. "Abstraction No. 2" (    ), gouache on paper, 15" x 22.5"

5. "Beach Umbrella Day" (    ), watercolor on paper, 28.5" x 22.5"

North Carolina Clerks of Court Confusion

Caswell County History

For much of its judicial history, North Carolina counties had two "Clerks" -- a Clerk of the Superior Court and a Clerk of the County Courts. Over the years this has caused confusion. Even local historian M. Q. Plumblee conflated these positions.

Example: In 1841, Major John K. Graves was elected Clerk of the Superior Court, and Abisha Slade was elected Clerk of the County Courts. Slade, a Democrat, defeated long-serving Paul Anderson, a Whig. 

Today, there are no county courts.

Jeems Goslin

Jeems Goslin is the pseudonym used by Thomas Satterwhite Harrison (1842-1927).

Thomas Satterwhite Harrison (see photograph), buried in family cemetery on Ralph Harrison property, Old Blanch Road. Father Samuel Satterwhite Harrison, mother Louisa M. McDaniel. Source - family bible in possession of EDD, Jr. Obituary states that TSH was a veteran of Confederacy. "Possessing a most wonderful memory and writing with a facile pen, Mr. Harrison has contributed richly to the historic life of Caswell. Under the pen name of Jeems Goslin, J.P., Mr. Harrison's writings were widely read with the keenest pleasure."
_______________

Ann of the Ku Klux Klan, Tom Henderson (1942)  at 9-10:

[Henderson attributed the following to George A. Anderson]

It was then that Governor Holden sent for Squire Thomas Satterwhite Harrison, a white Republican of high honor, who then represented Caswell in the legislature and said to him: "Mister Harrison, you enjoy the respect of all the Negros of Caswell and of the best of her white citizenship. Property is in jeopardy there and human life is unsafe. I need a personal representative on the grounds. Will you accept this responsible position?"

"Governor," replied Tom Harrison, "I thank you for your complimentary remarks, but I'm not hankering for the job and cannot accept."

"Can you not, then," continued the Governor, "recommend to me some man of our party in Caswell who is worth of my trust?"

"Governor," answered Tom Harrison, "there happens to be in Raleigh at this moment one John Marshal Wooding, from Milton. He is a courageous gentleman, a daring horseman and an unbeatable poker player. He might consent to serve you."

Governor Holden requested Tom Harrison to get in touch with Wooding, and have him come to the executive's office. This was quickly accomplished.

"Mister Wooding," opened up Governor Holden, after introductions, "you have been highly recommended to me by the Honorable Mister Harrison. Will you accept the responsible appointment of my personal representative in Caswell? You will have the backing of your Governor, the State Militia and President Ulysses S. Grant."

"I thank you, Governor," said the Milton man, "but I can't accept the appointment."

Then, showing considerable perturbment, Governor Holden gruffly demanded: "Why not?"

"Well, Governor," replied John Marshal Wooding, "you see, it's this way. You and the State Militia will be in Raleigh, President Grant will be in Washington, and I'll be in hell with my throat cut."