We have nearly 200 Butts County obituaries and news items for persons related to the Thaxton family. It is somewhat time consuming to do the transcriptions, so they will go up in random segments.

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Jefferson Davis Kinard and his wife Irene “Nezzie” Thaxton, daughter of John Franklin Thaxton and Martha Amanda Fears, granddaughter of William R. Thaxton (1813-1888) and Martha Clark, great-granddaughter of Charles G Thaxton and Nancy Ward, great-great-granddaughter of William Thaxton and Lucy Clay:

Jackson Progress-Argus, Friday, 21 Aug 1931:

DEATH SUMMONS COMES TO MR. DAVIS KINARD

Kollowing a protracted illness, Mr. Davis Kinard, 71 yeas of age, passed away Tuesday afternoon at 1 o’clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Harkness. He had been in declining health for several months and recently his condition had been the matter of concern to the family and friends. His death will be mourned by a host of friends over the county.

Mr. Kinard was a native of Butts county where he had spent a long and active life. He was a man of fine qualities of character and of recognized honesty and uprightness. He was for a long number of years engaged in business, first near his home and later in Jackson where he conducted a variety store. He had a large circle of friends who admired his honesty and his stand for clean and constructive measures.

Mr. Kinard was a son of the late Mr. Barney Kinard and Mrs. Prudie Vickers Kinard, well known residents of the county. He was a member of Antioch Christian church. He is survived by one son, Mr. Frank Kinard, of Texarkana, Texas; two sisters, Mrs. J. R. Carmichael and Mrs. W. P. Thaxton, both of Jackson; five brothers, Messrs. W. T., W. C , S. B., and W. J . Kinard, all of Butts county, and J. M. Kinard, of Baxley.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Fellowship Presbyterian church, with Rev. David Arnold officiating. Interment was in the family lot in the churchyard.

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Jackson Progress-Argus, Friday, 24 Apr 1925:

MRS. DAVIS KINARD SUMMONED BY REAPER

People of the entire community were saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Davis Kinard, 56 years of age, which occurred at her home at 6 o’clock Thursday morning. She had been ill for a little more than a week and her condition had been critical for the past several days. She was surrounded by the members of her immediate family when the end came.

Mrs. Kinard was one of Jackson’s most widely beloved women and sincere regret is felt at her passing. She possessed many admirable traits of character and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her.

She was Miss Nezzie Thaxton, daughter of the late Dr. John F. Thaxton, before her marriage to Mr. Kinard about 35 years ago. The family moved to Jackson several years ago from Towaliga. Mrs. Kinard was a consistent member of Antioch Christian church and exemplified in her daily life the highest qualities of Christian womanhood.

She is survived by her husband, well known Jackson business man; one son, Mr. Frank Kinard, of Shreveport, La.; one brother, Dr. J. M. Thaxton, of Griffin, and the following sisters, Mrs. Fannie Martin and Mrs. Sallie Laster, of Griffin; Mrs. Della Ridgeway, of Atlanta; Mrs. Mattie Tarpley, of Hampton; Mrs. Mary Harkness and Mrs. Alva McClendon, of Jackson. Funeral services will be held from Fellowship church Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

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James Marion Columbus Thaxton (1838-1925), son of William R. Thaxton and Martha Clark:

Jackson Progress-Argus, Friday, 06 Nov 1925:

MR. J.M.C. THAXTON FALLS ON LAST SLEEP

The death of Mr. J. M. C. Thaxton, one of the best known citizens of this section, occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Collins in Forsyth, on Monday. Death was attributed to the infirmities of old age.

He was born and reared in Butts county and spent all of his life in Georgia, with the exception of the time he spent in the army during the War Between the States. About fifteen years ago he moved to Griffin and for the past few years had made his home with a daughter, Mrs. Collins, of Forsyth, and another daughter, Mrs. O. L. Weaver, of Jackson. He was esteemed as an honorable, upright citizen and many friends regret to learn of his passing.

Mr. Thaxton, who belonged to a pioneer family of Butts county, married Miss Sara Elizabeth Carmichael, on November 26, 1857, who preceded him to the grave. He is survived by the following sons and daughters: John W. Thaxton and Mrs. N. C. Fears, of Birmingham, Ala., J; R. Thaxton, of Griffin, Mrs. Georgia Collins, of Forsyth, Mrs. O. L. Weaver, of Jackson, Mrs. L. M. Harkness and Mrs. W. W. Hammock, of Miami, Fla., W. P. Thaxton of Jackson. Mr. Thaxton was a loyal member of the Chrstian church and was a Mason.

Funeral services were held at Fellowship church Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock, with Rev. G. H. Hinnant, of Griffin, conducting the services. Interment was in the church cemetery.

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Osceola Alvin Thaxton, son of David Jasper C Thaxton and Margaret Clementine Carmichael, grandson of Green Clay Thaxton:

Jackson (Ga.) Progress-Argus, 11 Mar 1943:

O. A. Thaxton Taken By Death in Milledgeville

The death of Professor Osceola Alvin Thaxton, former resident of Butts county and long prominent in the field of education, occurred Tuesday at his home in Milledgeville. Funeral services were held Wednesday at the residence and burial was in the Milledgeville cemetery.

Mr. Thaxton, 63 years of age, was a son of the late David J. Thaxton and Mrs. Maggie Carmichael Thaxton, prominent and beloved residents of Jackson. His father was one of the early editors of the Middle Georgia Argus.He was educated at the old Jackson Institute and Mercer University and received his master’s degree at Columbia University. He was formerly superintendent of schools in Colquit county, teacher of education at Bessie Tift, president of Norman Park College and for twenty-five years had been connected with GSCW in Milledgeville. He was a member of the Baptist church.

Surviving are his wife, the former Miss Beulah Jones; one son, Capt. O. A. Thaxton Jr., Detroit, Mich.; three daughters, Mrs. John P. Dyer, Savannah; Mrs. R. B. Carmichael, Winston-Salem, N. C, and Miss Beulah Thaxton; a brother, Sherwood Thaxton of Texas; three sisters, Mrs. W. H. Robinson, Folkston; Mrs. C. M. Brakefield, Ocala, Fla., and Mrs. B. L. Holton, Camilla.

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Cullen David Thaxton, another son of David Jasper C Thaxton:

Jackson Progress-Argus, Friday, 31 Jul 1925:

MR. CULLEN THAXTON SUMMED BY DEATH

News of the death of Mr. Cullen D. Thaxton, aged 44, which occurred in Milledgeville Monday, was received with keen regret in Butts county. The family formerly resided here and many relatives and friends were grieved to know of his passing. Mr. Thaxton, who was born and reared in Jackson, was a son of the late Mr. D. J. Thaxton and Mrs. Thaxton. He was educated in the Jackson schools and spent his boyhood here, going as a young man to the Atlanta pdst office as a clerk. He remained in Atlanta until the building of the Panama Canal, when he was transferred to the Canal Zone and remained in that area until the completion of the canal, serving as post master in a number of towns. He was on the first ship that passed through the canal.

Soon after the completion of the canal he returned to the states and made his home in Georgia and Florida. He served for some time in the post office at Savannah and Albany. He was regarded as young man of exceptional ability and his training made his service in demand. He was a member of several secret orders.

The family is an old and prominent one and has long been identified with the growth and progress of Butts county. The late Mr. D. J. Thaxton edited newspapers in Jackson for a number of years. He also published a paper in Dublin.Mr. Thaxton is survived by his wife, who was formerly Miss Fay Noble, of Atlanta; two children, Frances, aged 16, and Noble, aged 8; his mother, Mrs. D. J. Thaxton, of Camilla; two brothers, Prof. O. A. Thaxton, of the department of Education in the Georgia State College for Women at Milledgeville, Mr. Sherwood Thaxton, prominent hotel man of Jacksonville and former manager of the Foy Hotel at Indian Springs; three sisters, Mrs. W. H. Robison, of Folkston, Mrs. C. M. Brakefield, Ocala, Fla., Mrs. D. L. Holton, Camilla.

The body was brought to Jackson Tuesday morning and short funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock by J Rev. J. S. Hartsfield. Interment was in the Jackson city cemetery.

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Joseph Walker Thaxton (1883-1949), son of Jackson Lee Thaxton and Mattie Kimball, grandson of Yelverton Thaxton, Jr., and Susan Campbell, great-grandson of Yelverton Thaxton and Dicey Ward:

Jackson Progress-Argus, 07 Apr 1949:

Joseph Walker Thaxton, native citizen of Butts county but for 15 years a resident of Macon where he was an automobile salesman, died at his home Friday at 5:15 p. m. of a heart attack.

Funeral services were held in the chapel of Hart’s Mortuary Monday at 11 a.m. and the Rev. James W. Waters officiated. Burial was in the County Line cemetery near Jenkinsburg.

Mr. Thaxton was born in Butts county, son of J. L. Thaxton and Mrs. Mattie Kimball Thaxton. He formerly lived in Florida but had resided in Macon for 15 years. He was a member of County Line Baptist church.

Survivors are his wife, the former Miss Laura Jane Tolleson of Macon; four sons, Otis L. and Harris L. Thaxton, Macon; E. J. Thaxton, Detroit, and J. P . Thaxton, Griffin; two daughters, Mrs. B. B. Holmes, Carrollton and Mrs. Bob Carter, Miller, Ohio; four brothers, J. L., Van and W. L. Thaxton, Griffin, and Rev. Theodore Thaxton, Jackson; three sisters, Miss Sarah Thaxton, Atlanta; Mrs. John Lamb and Mrs. Ruth Fowler, Griffin; his stepmother, Mrs. J. L. Thaxton, Griffin and six granddaughters.

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Bessie Louise Smith and her parents Eugenia Maddox and Augustus Smith, granddaughter of Harriet Dorcas Thaxton and James Gaston Maddox, great-granddaughter of Green Clay Thaxton and Martha Weaver:

Jackson Progress-Argus, 25 Oct 1962:

Funeral services for Mrs. Paul Burford, 55, well known Jackson matron who died Thursday night at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta following a serious illness of several months, were held Saturday afternoon at the Jackson Methodist Church. The Rev. William L. Cawthon, pastor, officiated with interment in the Cedar Rock Cemetery.

Mrs. Burford, the former Miss Bessie Louise Smith, was born in Butts County, daughter of Mr. A. M. Smith and Mrs. Eugenia Maddox Smith. She was a member of the Jackson Methodist Church and worked for many years in clerical positions in stores in Jackson.

She is survived by her husband, Paul T. Burford; one daughter, Mrs. Charles McMichael, Stone Mountain; two sons, Thad H. Burford, Madison, Fla.; Jerry I. Burford, Jackson; five sisters, Mrs. Ben Moss, Mrs. Lena Mason, and Mrs. Elmer Britt, all of Jackson; Mrs. Ruth Norton, Hapeville; Mrs. Onree Mackey, Cuthbert, two brothers, H. O. Smith, Jackson; Bill Smith, Blakely.

Pallbearers were Virgil Smith, Gene Norton, Warren Smith, Forest Mason, Nesbit Moss and Kenneth Smith.

Haisten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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Jackson Progress-Argus, 02 Dec 1937:

The death of Mr. A. M. Smith, 71 years of age, one of the county’s best known citizens, occurred at 8 o’clock November 25 at his home near Worthville. He had been in declining health for several months and suffered from a complication of diseases.

Born in Butts county July 25, 1866, Mr. Smith spent his entire life here. He was a man of industrious habits and was esteemed for his sterling character. He reared a large family and lived to see all his children take their places as useful citizens in the state. Mr. Smith was a member of the Worthville Baptist church.He is survived by his wife, the former Miss Eugene Maddox, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Maddox; eleven children, Mrs. H. G. Cook and Mrs Clyde Norton, of Atlanta; W. P. Smith, of Blakely; H. O. Smith, Mrs. B. H. Moss, I. C. Smith, Mrs. F. B. Mason, Mrs. Paul Burford, J. W. Smith, Mrs. Elmer Britt and Mrs. Ehri Mackey, all of Butts county. He is also survived by several grandchildren and two brothers, Messrs. Frank and Bob Smith, of Jackson.

Funeral services were held at Worthville Baptist church Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock and Rev. J. B. Stodghill, Rev. R. B. Harrison and Rev. H. E. Gaddy officiated. Interment was in the church cemetery, with S. H. Thornton in charge of arrangements.

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Jackson Progress-Argus, Thursday, 23 Dec 1948:

Mrs. Eugenia Maddox Smith, widow of the late Mr. A. M. Smith, died at 12 o’clock Monday night at the home of her son, H. O. Smith. Death resulted from a sudden illness and came as a shock to the family. She was in her usual health and crocheted after supper but near midnight she complained of not feeling well and a physician was summoned but she had passed away upon his arrival.

Mrs. Smith, who was 79 years of age October 16, was a daughter of the late James G. Maddox and Harriet Thaxton Maddox, esteemed residents of the Worthville community. She spent her entire life in the county and was known for her industry and devotion to her family and her friends. She was a member of the Worthville Baptist church.

Surviving are nine children: H. O. Smith, Mrs. B. H. Moss, Mrs. Festus Mason, Mrs. Paul Burford, Mrs. Elmer Britt, all of Jackson; Mrs. W. C. Norton and Jim Smith of Atlanta; Willie P. Smith of Blakely; Mrs. Onre Mackey of Cuthbert; three sisters, Mrs. Jack Stewart of Rex; Mrs. J. E. McNair and Mrs. L. J . McMichael of Jackson; one brother, Glenn C. Maddox of Jackson; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Worthville Baptist church. Rev Aaron Spinks, pastor, and Rev. R. E. Chambers of Atlanta officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery and the Thornton Funeral Home had charge of plans.

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William Elmer Britt, husband of Mary Dorcas Smith, daughter of Eugenia Maddox and Augustus Smith:

Jackson Progress-Argus, 21 Jul 1966:

Elmer Britt Was Buried Sunday at Macedonia

Mr. William Elmer Britt, widely known resident of the Stark community, died about 10 o’clock Saturday morning, July 16th, at Sylvan Grove Hospital following a lengthy illness that included several operations.

Mr. Britt, 64, was born in Henry County the son of Mr. John L. Britt and Mrs. Sara Paxton Britt. Mr. Britt was a carpenter by trade and was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at two o’clock from the Worthville Baptist Church with the Rev. Jack Branan, pastor, Rev. Bill Thomas and Rev. A. L. Spinks officiating. Interment was in the Macedonia Baptist Church cemetery with Haisten Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Mary Dorcas Smith Britt, of Jackson; two daughters, Mrs. James Connie Lamb, Atlanta and Mrs. Bennie Branan, Jackson; one brother, J. L. Britt, East Point; three grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Active pallbearers were Wayne King, Bobby Fincher, Aubrey Hamlin, Glenn Smith, Virgil Smith, Nesbit Moss. Honorary pallbearers were John Wesley Cook, Oscar Young, Onree Kitchens, Harold Standard, Haywood Hodges, Horace Pulliam.

From Marriage Records 1811-1853 Mecklenburg County Virginia, comp. Preswould Chapter, DAR, South Hill, Virginia, 1962. [Differences between this book and Mecklenburg County Marriages, 1765-1863, John Vogt & T. William Kethley, Jr., Iberian Pub. Co., Athens, Ga., 1989 are noted in brackets.]

Richard D. Bugg – Amanda Sarah Watson
M.B. 05 Nov 1845. Surety: John V. Crute. [John T. Crute] Consent: Littleberry Watson, father of Amanda.

George F. Griffin – Mary D. Watson
M.B. 10 Nov 1840. Surety: Boswell T. Crute. Consent: Littleberry Watson, father of Mary

Littleberry Watson – Sarah Tunstall
M.B. 09 Dec 1843. Surety: Richard D. Bugg
Consent: John B. Tunstall, father of Sarah

Benjamin G. Watson – Elizabeth R. Barnes
M.B. 04 Nov 1845. Surety: Dabney Farrar

Note: James S Bugg to Mary Ann Hudgins 27 Dec 1847 bond; consent of Richard D. Bugg, guardian of James.

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Cemetery and Tombstone Records of Mecklenburg County Virginia, comp. Munsey Adams and Margaret Moore, Munsey Moore Publications, Chase City, Va., 1987:

Union Chapel Baptist Church:

Clyde Thaxton 17 Nov 1912 – 02 Aug 1974

Oakwood Cemetery, South Hill, Virginia

Frances Hudson Thaxton, 15 Apr 1909 – 05 Feb 1965
Next to Joel B Hudson 04 Dec 1866 – 10 Oct 1937 and Irene B Hudson 03 Sep 1883 – 13 May 1958.

Rehoboth United Methodist Church, formerly called Poplar Spring Church, Boydton, Virginia:

Richard Dabney Bugg – 14 Apr 1817 – 06 Jan 1884
Emma Love w/o Richard D. Bugg 28 Jun 1829 – 29 Sep 1899
William Dabney Bugg, 05 Jun 1850 – 13 May 1914
several other Buggs

Bettie Bugg Watson w/o Benjamin S Watson 08 Apr 1831 – 15 Nov 1888

Zion Methodist Church, Union Level, Virginia

WATSON
Benjamin A 05 Jun 1901 – 20 Dec 1946
Elizabeth W. 25 Jul 1900 – 12 Oct 1969
Mary Bell 03 Jul 1938 – 01 Jun 1940
Lillian Wood 15 Jul 1881 – 04 Jun 1962
Benjamin Lee 20 Oct 1865 – 13 Feb 1945
Benjamin Lee, Jr. 31 Oct 1913 – 07 Nov 1913

Mary E. Watson, w/o D. F. Watson – mother 06 Jun 1860 – 07 Jan 1929
Dabney F. Watson – father 24 Nov 1849 – 13 Oct 1919

Watson, Tucker and Family Davis Cemetery, just off highway 4 at the home of Cherie Woody. Cemetery is on slight bluff just off hwy. 4 approximately 100 yards above the house. Graves are enclosed within a pipe rail fence.

[Note: This is a complete listing of all reported graves; some may not be related to our Watsons.]

WATSON
Richard Henry Watson 11 Dec 1902 – 10 Mar 1947
John Henry “In loving memory; my darling” s/o Dr. J. A. & M. L. Watson 02 Mar 1870 – 17 Mar 1911 “Tis but the casket lies here, the gem that filled it sparkles yet in heaven.”
Maria L. w/o Dr. John A. Watson 06 May 1845 – 23 Dec 1912
“Erected by her little grandson – J. A. & R. H. Watson”
J. A., Dr., “My husband” born 23 Nov 1838; died 13 Aug 1877
J. Archer – Virginia Hosp. Apprentice 2 Class U.S.N.R.F. 24 Jan 1941
Cornelia 08 Jan 1903 – 31 Oct 1945
A.M.W. (?) 21 Dec 1868 aged 7 months

Ann B. Tucker 12 Aug 1839 – 25 Aug 1920

Bertha Ogburn Davis 01 Nov 1876 – 04 Feb 1951

Littleberry Watson CSA 1861
Ann Lee Watson 1841-1914
Samuel J Watson 1824 – 1891 (both on same stone)
Littleberry Watson 1867 – 1935
Grace Lee Watson 1869 – 1938

Several graves marked with field rocks

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Littleberry Watson will proved 19 Dec 1964 (drafted 08 Feb 1862, with a technical codicil in 1863). Names six living children: Benjamin S. Watson, Samuel J. Watson, James A. Watson, John A. Watson, Mary D. Griffin (Samuel to be her trustee), Hannah E. Watson. Loans certain property to children during their lifetimes, balance of estate is to go to beloved wife Mary Ann Watson during her lifetime or widowhood. Also mentions deceased daughter Amanda S. Bugg, who has received everything he intends to give her and no portion should be allocated to her or her heirs, and deceased son Littleberry Watson, Jr.

Some information regarding Dr. Benjamin C. Peters, who married Bettie Thackston, daughter of Charles Thackston, Prince Edward Co., Va.

From History of Farmville Virginia 1798-1948, H. Clarence Bradshaw, pub. Farmville Herald, Farmville, Virginia 1948:

Short Biographical Sketches of Some Men Who Have Done Much for Our Past Rich Heritage:

CHARLES BUGG. . . . Dr. B. C. Peters, of Farmville, had come from England as a young man. One of his friends in England, a Mr. Kettle, decided to come to America and wrote to Dr. Peters for advice about coming and for suggestions concerning what to bring. Dr. Peters replied in a long letter. Before Mr. Kettle received Dr. Peters’ reply, he decided not to come. Not long after receiving Dr. Peters’ letter, Mr. Kettle learned that doctors had advised a young friend that the American climate would benefit the health of his wife. The young friend was Charles Bugg. Mr. Kettle gave him Dr. Peters’ letter together with a letter of introduction to Dr. Peters. Accordingly, Mr. and Mrs. Bugg and six children left for America. They came to New York by sailing vessels. Many people then were afraid to travel by steamboat. From New York they came to City Point (via Norfolk) by sailing vessel. Thence to Farmville the trip was made by train.

Englishmen coming to Virginia at that time almost invariably chose farming as a vocation. They had been led to believe that they could make a fortune by farming a few years; the plan was to return to England after acquiring a competence. Charles Bugg, although he had always lived in town, planned to farm. But Dr. Peters thought otherwise; he earnestly counselled Mr. Bugg not to farm, but to go into business. This advice was taken . . . .

DR. BENJAMIN C PETERS. Physician. Born in England, December 31, 1803. Married first, September 29, 1839, Ann W. Price, of Prince Edward County; second, Bettie Thackston, daughter of Charles Thackston. Incorporator, Farmville Savings Bank, 1838. Methodist. Died in Farmville, 1889.

[Also short bios on Charles William Blanton, who married Benjamin's daughter Mary Virginia Peters (1841 - 09 Sep 1874) by his first wife Ann Price and Charles' sons and grandson.]

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Benjamin C. Peters was a practitioner of the controversial “Thomsonian” method of medicine. He was also a prolific writer. One example is an 1838 letter to the editor published in the Botanico-Medical Journal:

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir: l am well satisfied with the Recorder and with the Lectures on Medical Science, and I trust that you will not relax in your exertions to spread information upon the all important subject of preventing and curing disease. “Let truth and falsehood grapple,” and let honest men decide. If the Thomsonian System be what it is represented to be by its opponents, a mass of error and imposture, founded upon ignorance and fraud; if it be a practice of quackery and empiricism, it ought to be universally reprobated; and those who, from ignorance or cupidity, continue to use it, and thus to trifle with the health and the lives of their fellow-beings, ought to meet the disapprobation and the decided opposition of every intelligent mind. But if, on the other hand, the principles of the Thomsonians be true, the system ought to be encouraged, and its discovery ought to be hailed as one of the most auspicious that have taken place in ancient or modern times. None but those who have been sick themselves, or those who have been in the habit of visiting the chamber of affliction, can fully estimate the importance of having a knowledge of the correct principles of the healing art. It was said in days of yore, by the father of poets:

“A wise physician, skill’d our wounds to heal,

Is more than armies to the public weal;”

And the saying of the venerable bard is as true now as it was in the day when he raised his imperishable song.

I have often considered the Thomsonian System next to the Christian religion, the greatest boon that has ever been granted by indulgent Heaven to the sons and daughters of affliction. I say this, because I have seen cases of sickness give way to it, when every thing else had failed; when the physician in attendance had reminded his patient’s friends that he could only go thus far and no farther, and that they must look to a higher power, for vain was the help of man. We ought at all times to look to that being in whose hands are the issues of life and death; but, as He is pleased to work by human instrumentality, we ought to use all the means that he has given us for the alleviation of human woe. * * *

I have had a considerable practice this year, and only two have died, and these were cases in which I gave no hopes of recovery. In the month of August a colored boy was severely attacked with scurvy; and before I took him in hand, he was so far gone that no one thought there was any probability of his recovery.

His gums were swelled and separated from his teeth, which were loose; his knees were stiff and could not be used, and his body seemed to be one general mass of rottenness. The stench that came from him while he was under the operation of steaming was almost insupportable. His owner thought that he was not worth a fourpence; and, in my absence, he called in an M. D. to consult with him upon the case. The boy was at this time under the influence of lobelia, and the straining which accompanied the vomiting had caused a profuse hemorrhage from his mouth, and in this condition the doctor saw him, and seemed to be very indignant at my presumption in taking charge of the boy. He said that “Peters ought to have known that he could not cure the boy.” He then advised the owner to take him out of the reach of quackery, and wrote a prescription, observing that it would be merely giving Peters an excuse if the boy should die; that it was possible he might get well if the proper treatment should be followed; but “in all probability he-would die any how.” The Doctor departed, and, alter a short consideration of the matter, his master agreed that the Thomsonian treatment should be continued. He afterwards saw the doctor who observed to him that he might as well knock the boy in the head with a club as give him pepper and lobelia. Notwithstanding this sage advice, pepper, lobelia etc. were given, and the boy soon got well. This case was so clear and so often spoken of, that the enemies of the system started a report that I had cured the boy by the use of the doctor’s prescription. This is a wicked slander, and I am surprised that professing Christians who ought to abhor every crooked way, should be found relating it.

B. C. PETERS.

Farmville, Prince Edward County, Va.
November 21, 1838.

You might have administered, with great propriety, enemas in the next case, at first of slippery elm, then of cayenne and hemlock, and you would have effected your object without calling advice.—Ed.

There is a motherload of letters, etc., involving Littleberry Watson from the 1830s-1840s in the Records of Ante-bellum Plantations. The index is temporarily missing, but I noticed a few things in the collection.

A letter from William Thackston (1806-1851), son of Benjamin Thackston and Elizabeth Ann Chambers of Prince Edward Co., Virginia, to his brother-in-law Littleberry Watson of Boydtown, Mecklenberg Co., Virginia, 16 Aug 1841:

Sirs,

I take this opportunity to write you a line or two with regard to the situation of mother at this time. I don’t perceive that any change in her has taken place since I last wrote to you, only that she seems to have better use of her hand & arm for the last week past than she did before, her appetite I do not think is quite as good as it has been, her complexion is as good as usual I think she seems to be quite composed, but still remains in a helpless condition. The rest of the family are as well as usual, no news to communicate to you.

Resply yours &c
William Thackston

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Letter from William Thackston to Littleberry Watson Sept 1845:

Dear Sir,

When your son Samuel was up in the neighborhood, he and myself went over to see Mr Womack in order to know whether he wished to purchase your lot of land or not but we failed to see either him or his father. Samuel requested me to see them myself, as he had to hurry back and let you know their determination. I have seen them, and neither of them seem to feel anxious to purchase. the old man told me that he did not calculate on buying any more land in that direction from him as he had a great deal of such land as that if he did buy it he could not think of giving any price for it but that which you might suppose the land was sacrificed at. William told me that he did not know your terms and he could not determine, but that he did care much about buying. as I have above stated neither seems to want the land unless it can be had at what you perhaps might think a small price.

Respectfully yours &c
William Thackston Sept 1845

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Accounts on Littleberry Watson, including receipts, such as:

Augt 5th 1840
Receivd of Mrs. Littleberry Watson one hundred & ninety four dollars & 85 cents in full for board & tuition last year for your two daughters, Misses Mary & Sarah. Alex Dortch

Also receipts for a subscription to the Richmond Enquirer (1836-1837), Wilson, McIlwaine & Co., for boots and shoes (27 Nov 1860), receipt to Sheriff of Prince Edward County for 1862 taxes on 272 acres of land and etc., “received Payment of J. A. Watson.” An original receipt for 1817 taxes on 4 blacks, 2 horses, 4 tythes, “263 acres of land in name of familly Dillon Littleberry & Saml Watson.” 1827 receipt for purchase from Thomas Hickson & co. 11 gallons of “old rye whiskey” and “1 keg for ditto”, $9.25.

“On or before the 25th day of December 1822 we Littleberry Watson and James Thackston promise to pay or cause to be paid unto Edward Redford Trustee of Josiah Chambers or to his successor the just and full sum of Twelve Dollars current money of Virginia to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs & etc in the penal sum of Twenty four Dollars like money. Witness our hands & seals this 31st day of December 1821. Teste William C or A Reed.

The within bond is given fo the hire of a negro boy named Scipio until the 25th day of December next to be then returned clothed with a German aznabings?? shirt & pantaloons for summer and for winter two shirts, good home spun yarn or negro cotton coat & pantaloons and double sole shoes, socks, hat & blankets.”

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Commission of Littleberry G. Watson as a Second Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Cavlry, in the 15th Brigade and 1st Division of the Virginia Militia, to rank as such from the 12th day of May 1840.

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Letter from James A. Watson to Dr. Samuel J. Watson, Cectaria ? Mecklenburg, Va. Nov the 18th 53

Dear Sam I wrote to inform you that I have not succeeded in getting the medicine for Rosaline she keeps poorly & I have the worst cold I ever had in my life it works [?] as if it will kill me you will please come over and see us as I have been just about half dead for three weeks. I have just finished sewing wheat I sewed fifty two bushel & a half we are now gathering our corn. Tell Pa & Ma that Berry Allen begins to talk very well & he says he wants to see them he is a very industrious fellow he is up of a morning by day and goes to the stable with me Rosaline joins me in love to you all & tell them to come & see us.

James A Watson

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Undated letter that I think appears to be from Jas A Watson to William Thackston [although the compilers think it is from William Thackston to Jas A Watson]:

“Dear uncle I write you a few lines to inform you that I am well fathers family are at present well I would be very glad to hear how you progress at school I have nothing more to write but hope to remain your most affectionate and beloved nephew.”

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Charles Thackston to Littleberry Thacston 12 Mar 1838:

Lounenburg Cot [superscript t] house March 12th 1838

Dear sir I now have an opportunity of sending you a few lines respecting the matter of Benjamin Thackston which has been very troublesome to me. his creditors is frequently calling on me for the amount of the orders which he has given on me. You will please come over as soon as possible and let us settle his matters. I have nothing at present to communicate to you more than we are all well hoping this will find you enjoying the same blessing give my respts to my sister and all your fammily.

Yrs very resptfully

Charles Thackston

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James T. Alexander to Littleberry Watson (undated; on back of letter is written “Mr. Watson at Home”)

Mr Watson

I write to say that your hogs have been in my corn-field again and they have injured it very much. I have been away from home & I did not attach any blame to you but your hog feeder knew that they were in there. Please have them taken away for I don’t want them hurt.

As ever yr friend
James T Alexander

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Eaton Grandison Field (according to the compiler) to Littleberry Watson, undated:

Dear Sir

You have been promising for so long to come and hunt with me that I have determined to send She after you. You must be sure to come up this evening or meet me at [torn - Frank?] Boyds in the morning prepared to come up with me. If you do not I will give you a very big

whuping

when I see you. I can start a fox any time I choose either red or grey so you must be sure to come. I shall certainly expect you. If the old woman sais any thing about it tell her I can

lick

her in a minute.

Your friend
Eaton G Field

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Also included: Saml J Watson’s oath of loyalty to the Union (1865), liense to practice medicine (1868), demand for payment (1852) from niece Mary A. Shackleton and her husband R. L. Shackleton (1853) as a legatee of the portion of Uncle James Watson’s estate left to Aunt Polly Dillon, other letters from Watson relatives (1826 or 1863 nephew William T Key, mentioning death of Uncle James and cousin Virginia, death of sister Harriet’s youngest, etc.) Chappell Love, etc.), letters of dismission to Mr Littleberry Watson and wife Mrs. Ann Watson and son James A. Watson, who have removed distant from Bryery Church within the last five years, dated 14 May 1836; other documents. Will need to follow up when the index is recovered.

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Roll 2230468, Series M

Not a Thackston, but a great letter to post somewhere from Nancy Jeffreys to Dr. Peter Mettaurer of Prince Edward County, Va.:

June 15 1839
Doc Peter Mettauer dear sir I have sent to you my woman Sally who I fear is afflicted with the scrofula a favorite negro please do for her the best you can please send plain direction I am very much distressed about her I am afraid her baby has it too She an tell you how her child is you can let me know what you think of it. I thought the distance was too great to cary the child yours with great respect Nancy Jeffreys

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There is a letter from Benjamin A. Thackston to Mettauer, but it is completely unreadable (completely black).

June 27th 1840 I send to you Rachel to cure [?] her of eyesite [?]. Josiah Thackston.

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From Pontotoc County Mississippi Marriage Book 1849-1891, Hazle Boss Neet, Heritage Books, Inc., 2002. (Note: This includes the “missing” marriage book, as the Clerk had reported the marriages to the state before the original book was destroyed.)

M. C. Thaxton – M. E. Farrar, 15 Oct 1876
E. H. Thaxton – Lena Thornton, 04 Oct 1881

Note: no Kyle-Adams, but the author notes that many records were hard to read. We may want to read the bride index for first names resembling Sylvanda.

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Enumeration of Educable Children in Pontotoc County Mississippi 1894, Hazel Boss Neet, Heritage Books, Inc., 2001:

Dr. W. C. Thaxton – Range 1, Township 9 – White
Cordie, female, age 13; Lela, female, age 15; Marvin, male, age 11; Dow, male, age 12.

No applicable Kyles.

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Mississippi Masonic Death Records, 1819-1919, Book 3 N-Z, Thomas G. S-Wixon & Jean Strickland, Moss Point, MS 1991. (Note: these are deaths mentioned in annual reports by lodges. Often more information is included in the report itself, or in lodge records.):

Shirley Thaxton, 30 Dec 1917 – Lodge 310 (Toccopola Lodge, Toccopolo, Pontotoc County)

Newspapers across the country covered this unusual shooting in Tennessee, involving Guy Carleton Thackston, son of Lee Hampton Thackston, grandson and also great-grandson of Blake Baker Thackston, great-great-grandson of Zadock Baker Thackston:

From the Niagara Falls (N.Y.) Gazette, Friday, 25 Sep 1953:

Gravestones of the family of Susan Groves and John W. McClelland:

From McHenry County [Ill.] Cemeteries, Vol. IV, comp. Elaine Obenchain and McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society, 2000 (brackets added reflect annotations from cemetery records):

Union Cemetery, Nunda Township

K48 15-24 Wilmington, Minnie M. [wife] 1877-[9/11]1965 [87y cor. occ.]

K49 15-24 Wilmington, Fred P. 1881-[8/29/]1977 [96y cardiovascular accident]

K50 15-24 [McClelland, John W.] father 1848-[9/2/]1917 [68y11m]

K51 15-24 [McClelland, Susan] mother 1854-[8/12/]1921 [67y11m12d]

L56 15-25 Lessard, L[ouis] Philip 1895-[1/9]1982 [86y] cr.

L57 15-25 Geyler, Katharine Lessard [of Evanston wife] 1919-[8/22]/45 [26y 1m 29d]

L58 15-25 Lessard, Gladys Landis 1893-[11/12]1974 [81y]

L59 15-25 [Landis, Mabel] [of Milw., Wis. wid.] mother 1872-[8/11]1963 [90y cere.ischemia]

L60 15-25 [Landis], Ruth dau. 1898-[8/20/]1907

L61 15-24 & 25 Lessard, unknown of Chgo. infant s/o L[ouis] P. & G[ladys] N. d. 6/20[or21]/1927 [stillborn]

L62 [Landis, Lester Chauncey] [of Milw., Wis. husband] father 1867-[8/24/]1948 [81y].

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From the Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug 1945:

Katherine Geyler, nee Lassard, beloved wife of Fred W., fond mother of J. Frederick, daughter of Gladys and L. Phillip Lassard, sister of Robert. Graveside services, Friday, Aug. 24, 2 p.m., at Crystal Lake Union cemetery, Crystal Lake, Ill. Information, Longbeach 6874. Please omit flowers.

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From the Tampa Tribune, 11 Dec 1996:

ROBERT A. LESSARD, 69, of St. Petersburg died Saturday at Bayfront Medical Center. A native of Chicago, he moved to this area in 1969 from Evanston, Ill. He was a shipping clerk for Chandler’s in Evanston, a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army, and a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Evanston. He is survived by two sons, Steven M. of Courtland Manor, N.Y., and David B. of Bourbon, Mo.; and three grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes, Largo Chapel.

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 22 Jun 2001:

Kreglow, Elda D. Age 100 years. June 21, 2001. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick. Dear mother of Robert (Mildred) Kiesow and Robert (Diane) Stummeier. Grandmother of Christian Stummeir, Matthew Stummeier, Virginia Martello, Laura Hoene and Mary Ward. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. A Memorial Service is pending. CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL SERVICE Serving the Kreglow Family Milw. 262-827-0659 Waukesha 262-549-0659 online obit, condolences, directions www.churchandchapel.com